Hardware Engineer Contract Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

• Design, develop, and modify embedded hardware platforms that use host processors running Linux or Windows, including Intel processors and ARM-based SoC devices with FPGA fabric.
• Create and maintain hardware designs, including schematics, component selection, board-level architecture, and engineering documentation.
• Support circuit board layout activities and perform design reviews to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Use schematic capture, PCB layout, design rule checks (DRC), signal integrity analysis, and power integrity analysis to reduce project risk and improve design quality.
• Anticipate hardware bring-up, validation, and manufacturing needs early in the design process and incorporate those requirements into designs.
• Troubleshoot and debug hardware issues during development, system integration, qualification, and manufacturing.
• Design, implement, and troubleshoot basic DC-DC power converter circuits and power distribution networks.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, test, and engineering teams, including investigation and resolution of hardware-related issues.
• Develop clear technical documentation, including design notes, schematic annotations, rework instructions, engineering reports, and email communications.
• Work within established engineering development processes, quality management systems (QMS), and product lifecycle requirements.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to early-career engineers and new college graduates.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, tools, design practices, and product quality.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience designing embedded hardware systems based on host processors with memory management units (MMUs) that run Linux or Windows operating systems.
• Experience with Intel processor platforms (such as Elkhart Lake, Raptor Lake, or similar) and/or ARM-based SoC devices with integrated FPGA fabric.
• Experience designing and modifying complex multilayer circuit boards.
• Strong understanding of digital hardware design, including high-speed interfaces, memory subsystems, processor support circuitry, and power sequencing.
• Experience using PCB design tools for schematic capture, layout review, and design verification.
• Knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Strong hardware debugging skills, including the use of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other laboratory equipment.
• Good soldering and rework skills for prototype development and troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, contract manufacturers, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Familiarity with Python for scripting, automation, or test development.
• Familiarity with Verilog or other hardware description languages is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proven record of identifying and implementing process improvements that increase engineering efficiency, quality, or product reliability.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing embedded hardware systems, including proficiency in circuit board design, debugging, and technical documentation. Capable of mentoring early-career engineers while improving engineering processes and product quality.

• Embedded Hardware Design
• PCB Design Tools
• Digital Hardware Design
• Hardware Debugging Skills
• Process Improvement

• Embedded Hardware Systems
• Circuit Board Design
• Schematic Capture
• Signal Integrity Analysis
• Power Integrity Analysis
• DC-DC Power Converter Design
• Memory Management Units
• High-Speed Interfaces
• FPGA Fabric
• Multilayer Circuit Boards

• Strong Written Communication
• Strong Verbal Communication
• Collaboration
• Mentoring

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Design-for-Manufacturing Principles
• Manufacturing Support
• Engineering Documentation

• Oscilloscopes
• Logic Analyzers
• Python
• Verilog
• Quality Management Systems