Hardware Design Engineer

Job Title: Hardware Design Engineer (Electrical Manufacturing Focus)

Job Description

This role blends hardware design expertise with hands-on electrical manufacturing engineering in a fast-paced production environment. You will review customer PCB designs before release to manufacturing, develop and optimize SMT processes, and lead new product introduction builds from first article through full production ramp. The position is ideal for an engineer with strong PCB design experience who is eager to work directly on the production floor and take ownership of manufacturing process performance, quality, and yield.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming customer designs, including Gerber files, bills of materials (BOMs), and assembly drawings, prior to production release to identify and flag potential issues before they reach the manufacturing floor.
• Develop and optimize SMT process parameters such as stencil design, solder paste printing, reflow oven profiles, and pick-and-place programming to ensure robust and repeatable assembly processes.
• Convert engineering BOMs (EBOMs) into complete manufacturing BOMs, including creation of work instructions, routing information, and traveler documentation to support efficient production.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) builds from first article through production ramp, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth transitions into stable production.
• Set up and maintain AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) and SPI (Solder Paste Inspection) programs, and drive continuous improvement in first-pass yield and overall product quality.
• Troubleshoot SMT line issues in real time, including component placement defects, solder joint failures, and test escapes, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Support test engineering activities by assisting with ICT (In-Circuit Test) and functional test fixture bring-up, debug, and optimization.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective action (CAPA) on quality escapes and customer returns, documenting findings and implementing sustainable process improvements.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and workmanship comply with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards, and promote best practices across the production floor.
• Coordinate with quality, purchasing, and production planning teams to resolve component sourcing challenges, obsolescence issues, and approved substitutions.
• Maintain, update, and improve process documentation, work instructions, and control plans to reflect current best practices and support training and consistency.
• Support scheduling and execution of equipment calibration and maintenance for SMT and test equipment to maintain process capability and reliability.
• Work regularly on the production floor to monitor processes, collaborate with operators and technicians, and drive continuous improvement in throughput and quality.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor"s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing.
• Minimum of 3 years of PCB design experience, including layout and design for manufacturability.
• Proficiency working with Gerber files and the ability to interpret PCB design data accurately.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, BOMs, and assembly drawings.
• Comfort working directly on the production floor in close collaboration with manufacturing teams.
• Hands-on experience with PCB design and layout tools and an understanding of electronic assembly processes.
• Ability to interpret and work with PCB design and Gerber data to identify potential manufacturing issues.
• Strong problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving issues related to electronic assembly and SMT processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of SMT equipment, including pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, AOI, and SPI systems.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 workmanship and process standards.
• Experience in a low-to-mid volume, high-mix contract manufacturing or similar production environment.
• Exposure to ERP/MRP systems for BOM management and work order routing.
• Experience with test fixture design or debug for ICT and functional test applications.
• Familiarity with wave soldering and selective soldering processes.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
• IPC certification such as CIT or CID is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with production, quality, purchasing, and planning teams.
• Attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset focused on yield, quality, and process robustness.

Work Environment

This role offers a balanced mix of production floor and desk-based work, typically around a 50/50 split, and at times up to 60% on the floor depending on current manufacturing needs. You will work closely with SMT lines, AOI/SPI systems, test equipment, and production personnel in an electronics manufacturing environment. Standard hours are either 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing consistent daytime shifts. The setting is a collaborative, process-focused environment where engineers, technicians, and operators work together to bring new products into production and continuously improve quality and throughput.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Medina, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

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.

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 Medina,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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.