Hardware Engineer

Job Title:

Hardware Engineer - High-Speed PCB Design Job Description This role focuses on a high-speed PCB design project centered on a board respin driven by component obsolescence. You will update schematics, replace end-of-life components, and lead full design validation to ensure high-speed performance is maintained or improved, even as board materials and design parameters evolve. The position offers a balanced mix of design and lab work, with approximately half of your time spent on hands-on validation and characterization and the other half on design activities. You will own the complete lifecycle of complex high-speed digital boards, from initial design through comprehensive validation. Responsibilities Lead the redesign and respin of high-speed digital PCBs in response to component obsolescence, ensuring compatibility and performance are maintained. Update and refine schematics to incorporate replacement components and any required design changes, excluding layout execution. Execute full design validation (DV) of high-speed boards, including planning, documentation, and execution of validation protocols. Perform hands-on lab work approximately 50% of the time, using high-speed test equipment to validate and characterize board performance. Conduct design verification using high-speed oscilloscopes such as Keysight

DCA-X/N1000

series or equivalent, as well as

BERT/BER

testing and pattern generators. Evaluate and validate high-speed signaling technologies, including SERDES, PAM4, NRZ, and OIF-CEI interfaces. Analyze and optimize high-speed performance parameters such as phase noise, clock and data recovery (CDR), and overall signal integrity. Collaborate closely with layout engineers to ensure PCB layout supports high-speed performance requirements and best practices. Assess and validate potential changes to board materials and their impact on high-speed performance and signal integrity. Develop and follow structured validation and verification plans, including documentation of test results, issues, and corrective actions. Support and refine power supply design aspects of the board to ensure robust performance under high-speed operating conditions. Quickly adopt and effectively use Cadence OrCAD or other CAD tools to implement design updates and documentation. Work collaboratively with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve design issues and drive boards to successful release. Take ownership of the full design lifecycle from initial concept and design through lab validation and final sign-off. Essential Skills Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent technical degree. 10-15+ years of experience in high-speed digital board design. Deep, fundamental expertise in all areas of PCB design excluding layout execution. Proven track record designing and delivering high-speed boards operating at approximately 9 GHz and above. Strong experience in hands-on design verification and validation of high-speed digital boards. Proficiency using high-speed oscilloscopes such as Keysight

DCA-X/N1000

series or equivalent for signal analysis. Experience with BERT (Bit Error Rate Tester) and BER testing methodologies. Hands-on experience using pattern generators for high-speed signal testing. Expertise in high-speed signaling domains such as

SERDES, PAM4

signaling, NRZ, and OIF-CEI interfaces. Strong understanding of phase noise, clock and data recovery (CDR), and related high-speed timing concepts. Ability to develop and execute validation and verification protocols for high-speed digital systems. Familiarity with any major PCB CAD tools and the ability to quickly become proficient with Cadence OrCAD. Experience with power supply design for high-speed digital boards. Ability to balance design-focused work with hands-on lab validation and characterization. Additional Skills & Qualifications Additional experience in advanced power supply design is highly beneficial. Prior work on advanced electronics used in extremely high-speed test systems is a plus. Experience validating complex high-speed interfaces such as PCIe is advantageous. Familiarity with validation and verification methodologies tailored to high-speed digital designs. Ability to quickly adapt to new tools, technologies, and evolving board materials. Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to debugging and optimizing high-speed designs. Effective communication skills to document findings, share results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Comfort working in a long-term project environment with opportunities for extended engagement or conversion. Work Environment This is a long-term contract opportunity focused on advanced electronics engineering for extremely high-speed testers. The role combines approximately 50% lab-based work and 50% design-focused activities, giving you regular hands-on access to cutting-edge high-speed test equipment such as Keysight

DCA-X/N1000

series oscilloscopes, BERT/BER testers, and pattern generators. You will work extensively with high-speed digital technologies including SERDES, PAM4, NRZ, and OIF-CEI interfaces, as well as power supply design and validation protocols. The position is structured as a hybrid role with an expectation that you are based in Oregon and can travel to the site as needed. Because the work is hardware-intensive, there may be periods when you need to be on-site up to five days per week to support lab validation and characterization. The environment supports long-term engagement, with team members often remaining for many years and opportunities for conversion for those interested in a more permanent path. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Tualatin, OR. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Tualatin,OR.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.