Hardware Design Engineer

Hardware Design Engineer (Contract) Please note that this is a contract role providing services to Microsoft through external staffing partners of Allegis Global Solutions. If you are selected for this role, you will be employed by AGS and will not be an employee of Microsoft.

Summary:

This is a dynamic and technically demanding role within a specialized wireless testing team, focused on validating radio connections, wireless performance, and the behavior of devices across complex RF environments. The position is split evenly between RF coexistence testing and wireless system-level testing, requiring a candidate who thrives in a hands-on lab environment and can adapt fluidly to shifting priorities. The ideal candidate brings strong engineering fundamentals, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine curiosity for debugging and improving wireless systems. Success in this role depends heavily on flexibility, clear communication, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to both module-level and system-level testing efforts across a wide range of wireless technologies and scenarios.

Job Responsibilities:

Design and execute test plans involving Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wireless accessories for gaming scenarios, including realistic contention scenarios based on system architecture and customer use cases Evaluate the interaction of latency, QoS, audio, codecs, and coexistence schemes such as frequency division, time division, and packet switching across heterogeneous wireless device environments Assess antenna isolation and its relationship to coexistence, designing tests that account for protocol layer, physical layer, and antenna interactions between radios Perform Bluetooth pairing, profile configuration, sniffing, and spectral and time domain analysis Collaborate with software engineers and radio chipset vendors to debug and experiment with wireless behavior Run system-level tests including throughput characterization, rate-vs-range testing, interoperability testing across routers and access points, Miracast and wireless display validation, and long-duration stability and reconnect testing Set up devices under test and test equipment, execute test scripts, collect data, and compile test reports Configure Windows devices under test, load applications, adjust device settings, and test under varying conditions Conduct testing using reverberation chambers, shielded rooms, and open test environments Use wireless sniffers and packet capture tools to support debugging and analysis Parse and plot test results using scripting and automation tools Access off-campus test house locations as needed to support testing activities

Requirements:

Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with RF equipment in a lab or testing environment Minimum of 2 years of experience applying core RF concepts such as decibels, antenna interactions, and signal analysis Minimum of 2 years of experience writing or working with scripts and automation in a testing context Background in wireless hardware testing preferred; candidates from exclusively software-oriented or cellular-focused RF backgrounds are not a strong fit for this role Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field is desired; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered Hands-on experience with RF equipment including vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and vector signal generators Solid understanding of fundamental RF concepts including decibels, antenna interactions, S-parameters, and signal behavior Experience with protocol testers such as CMW, CMX, or Anritsu platforms Familiarity with wireless sniffers such as Ellisys, Omnipeek, Wireshark, or Litepoint IQsniffer Experience working with automated RF test systems, including running scripts and parsing and plotting results Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, PowerShell, Excel macros, or batch scripts Familiarity with networking concepts and configuration of Windows operating systems Experience with tools such as iPerf for throughput testing Knowledge of Wi-Fi 7 access points, routers, firewalls, and packet sniffers Experience handling RF cables, connectors, and PCBs in a lab environment Strong communication skills and the ability to work flexibly across shifting day-to-day priorities

Additional Details:

Location:

Redmond, WA (Onsite)

Duration:

11 months Pay Range•: $52 - $59 per hour

Weekly Schedule:

40 hours

Job Status:

Non-Exempt Application Deadline:

Apply within 72 hours of the posting date to ensure consideration. This role is eligible for the following benefits: Medical, dental & vision Hospital plans 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Company paid Basic Life and AD&D as well as voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Company paid short and long-term disability Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA) Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave(PTO, Allegis Group Paid Family Leave, Parental Leave Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. AGS 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 require a reasonable accommodation related to the application or interview process due to a disability, please email accommodation@allegisglobalsolutions.com . This inbox is monitored solely for accommodation requests. For questions about open roles or to apply, please submit your application through the job posting, as this inbox is not monitored by recruiters and applications sent here will not be reviewed. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment is contingent upon verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States. All persons hired will be required to complete Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation as required by law. Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. These tools may analyze application materials and assist our team in identifying candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the role. If you have questions about our use of AI in the hiring process, or would like more information, please contact us. •We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to protected classifications. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.