Senior Electrical Engineer (Compute Architect)

Position Title: Senior Electrical Engineer (Compute Architect)

Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting Contract Senior Electrical Engineer opportunity located in Bellevue, WA.

Job Description:

• This role supports a high-visibility development program for next-generation automated logistics platforms, requiring an independent architect to lead the development of high-speed compute hardware and complex system integration.
• This is an architect-level role for an engineer who can define the hardware roadmap for high-compute platforms.
• You will be responsible for deciding whether to leverage existing modules or design custom sub-systems, owning the architecture of SoC-based motherboards that support machine learning, computer vision, and high-speed data processing.

Job Responsibilities:

• System Architecture: Lead the electrical design for "blank-sheet" programs, creating System Block Diagrams and defining the compute strategy (SoC vs. SoM).
• High-Speed Design: Design and optimize complex PCBAs incorporating SoCs (Qualcomm, MediaTek, or similar) and high-speed interfaces like PCIe, UFS, and DDR memory.
• Circuit Design & Simulation: Develop detailed schematics with a focus on Power Tree design for high-compute modules and robust Signal/Power Integrity (SI/PI).
• Layout Leadership: Drive the physical board layout in Altium or Cadence, ensuring high-speed routing constraints and thermal requirements are met.
• System Integration: Partner with Mechanical and Optical teams to integrate camera modules, sensors, and projection systems into a unified hardware package.
• Independent Bring-up: Lead initial board "bring-up," debugging hardware/firmware interfaces using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Technical Leadership: Act as the primary technical lead to drive programs forward independently during early-stage development and team transitions.

Job Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in high-speed digital design for Mobile, Tablet, Automotive (ADAS), or Medical Imaging hardware.
• Architecture: Proven track record of architecting SoC-level products (not just microcontroller-based gadgets).
• Interface Expertise: Deep experience with high-speed protocols: PCIe, UFS, USB-C, and MIPI.
• Tools: Expert proficiency with Altium Designer and/or Cadence Allegro/OrCAD (Schematic and Layout).
• Power Electronics: Strong understanding of high-current Power Converters and multi-rail power sequencing.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Industry Background: Experience with Automotive ADAS certification, Cell phone memory/camera integration, or Surface/Tablet motherboard design.
• Simulation: Proficiency in HyperLynx, Sigrity, or SPICE for signal and power integrity validation.
• Optical Integration: Familiarity with integrating Optical/Camera modules and image processing hardware.
• Firmware Literacy: Ability to communicate effectively with Firmware/Software teams to debug low-level hardware drivers.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Contract
• Location: Bellevue, WA
• Pay Rate Range: $100-$130/hr

Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO), and an administered 401k plan.

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.