Principal Hardware Design Engineer

Principal Hardware Design Engineer Location:

Hybrid - Minneapolis / St. Paul Area A global manufacturer of industrial automation technologies is seeking a Principal Hardware Design Engineer to help design and develop the next generation of hardware platforms used in factory automation sensors and industrial communication devices. This role will take a lead position in defining the hardware architecture for new and evolving products used across a global industrial customer base including automotive manufacturers, material handling companies, and advanced manufacturing operations. You will work on high-reliability embedded platforms incorporating ARM-based processors, FPGA technologies, and industrial Ethernet communication , designed to operate in demanding industrial environments. This is a hands-on technical leadership role responsible for developing hardware platforms that power next-generation industrial sensing and automation products used in manufacturing facilities worldwide. This position requires a hands-on engineer who remains actively involved in hardware design and debugging while also influencing system architecture and overall product direction. Responsibilities Lead the design and development of electronic hardware platforms used in factory automation sensors and industrial communication devices . Specify and develop embedded hardware systems supporting industrial Ethernet and automation I/O communication . Perform analog and digital circuit design for embedded sensor and communication hardware. Design hardware architectures utilizing ARM-based processors, microcontrollers, memory subsystems, and interface ICs . Develop solutions incorporating FPGA-based architectures for high-performance signal processing and communication interfaces. Ensure designs are robust, reliable, and EMC compliant for industrial environments. Perform schematic capture, constraints development, and hardware documentation . Define PCB layout constraints , provide design guidance, and review board layouts. Lead prototype bring-up, debugging, and validation testing . Analyze and resolve issues discovered during design verification testing (DVT), EMC, and environmental testing . Conduct product feasibility studies , including PCB component placement, routing strategies, and circuit implementation. Collaborate with software engineering, manufacturing engineering, and product management to develop integrated hardware solutions. Support circuit and product assembly technologies and manufacturing processes . Develop and maintain hardware/software interface specifications . Experience & Qualifications 8-20 years of hardware design experience in embedded electronics or industrial hardware development Currently operating at a Senior Hardware Design Engineer / Senior Electrical Design Engineer level or higher Strong background in analog and digital circuit design Experience designing embedded hardware platforms using ARM-based processors or microcontrollers Experience with FPGA-based system design Proficiency in PCB design, schematic capture, and board-level debugging Experience with hardware validation, DVT, EMC/EMI testing, and environmental testing Experience collaborating with embedded software, manufacturing, and product teams