Hardware Applications Engineer - Principal

TDK Corp

San Jose, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$175,000–$215,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Algorithms, Best Practices, Bridge Building, C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, Calibration, Computer Engineering, Computer Firmware, Consumer Electronics, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Customer/Client Research, Data Analysis, Debugging Skills, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Hardware, Embedded Systems, Failure Analysis, Hardware Debugging, Internet of Things, Laboratory Equipment, Logic Analyzer, MATLAB, Machine Tool, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Microcontroller, On Site Support, Oscilloscope, Partner Sales, Physics, Pre-Sales, Printed Circuit Board Design, Product Marketing, Production Volume, Proof of Concept, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Requirements Management, Research & Development (R&D), Root Cause Analysis, Semiconductors, Software Development, Software Engineering, Spectrum Analyzers, Technical Leadership, Technical Presentation, Technical Support, Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART), User Documentation
LOCATION
San Jose, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal Hardware Applications Engineer to act as the technical bridge between our MEMS sensor products and our customers. In this role, you will work closely with FAEs, R&D, and product teams to enable successful design-in, integration, and deployment of MEMS sensors across consumer, industrial, and IoT applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer & Field Support Serve as the primary technical interface for key customers during design-in, validation, and production phases. Provide hands-on support for sensor integration, calibration, signal conditioning, and system optimization. Debug complex system-level issues involving hardware and firmware. Support customer on-site visits, technical reviews, and failure analysis when required.

• Product Enablement & Solutions Develop and deliver application notes, User Guides, reference designs, and evaluation guides. Design PCBs. Program and debug C code for embedded systems and firmware development. Guide customers on sensor selection, performance trade-offs, and architecture decisions. Build and Support evaluation kits (EVKs), bring-up, and firmware/software examples. Assist in defining system requirements and translating them into sensor-level specifications.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with R&D and product marketing to provide customer feedback and influence roadmap decisions. Support FAEs with technical presentations, proof-of-concepts, and pre-sales engagements. Partner with quality and operations teams on RMA analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.

• Technical Leadership Act as a technical mentor to junior applications engineers. Contribute to best practices for applications engineering processes and tools.

Required Qualifications

Education Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Experience 10+ years of experience in applications engineering, field applications engineering (FAE), or systems engineering

Proven experience working with MEMS sensors such as: IMUs (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer)

Strong background in hardware, embedded systems and sensor signal chains

Technical Skills Solid understanding of: MEMS sensor physics and performance parameters (noise, bias, drift, sensitivity, cross-axis error) Analog and digital interfaces (I²C, SPI, UART) Sensor calibration and compensation techniques Hands-on experience with: Microcontrollers and embedded firmware Lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, environmental chambers) Ability to develop and debug across hardware, firmware, and software layers

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills Experience in consumer electronics, industrial, or IoT markets Familiarity with sensor fusion algorithms and motion processing Python, C/C++, or MATLAB for data analysis and tooling Experience supporting high-volume production and manufacturing ramp-ups Prior customer-facing experience in a semiconductor environment

Compensation The starting annual base pay for this role ranges between USD $175,000.00 and $215,000.00. The actual base pay is dependent on various factors, including training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market conditions. This range is subject to change and may be adjusted in the future.

About the Company

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TDK Corp