Hardware Engineer

This role focuses on developing, executing, and debugging Python-based hardware validation scripts for board-level and interface-level testing in an engineering lab environment. You will work with low-level hardware interfaces, perform detailed troubleshooting across hardware, firmware, and test scripts, and collaborate with cross-functional product teams to ensure reliable, repeatable validation of complex embedded systems. The position offers the opportunity to make a visible impact while working on challenging aerospace and defense-related projects in a highly technical, engineer-centric environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and debug Python-based hardware validation scripts for board-level and interface-level testing.

• Translate hardware requirements into executable test procedures, including clear pass/fail criteria.

• Execute, modify, and refine automated test scripts to validate hardware functionality and performance.

• Work hands-on with low-level hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, RS-422, and RS-485, and other relevant interfaces like Ethernet and CAN.

• Set up and operate laboratory test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, digital multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators.

• Perform root cause analysis of failures across script logic, firmware, and hardware bring-up issues.

• Isolate issues clearly by distinguishing between test setup problems, script defects, and hardware defects.

• Write maintainable, modular Python code with appropriate logging, retries, timeouts, and robust error handling.

• Use version control tools such as Git, participate in code reviews, and support basic CI and automated test execution workflows.

• Maintain requirement-to-test traceability and ensure test evidence is captured through logs, waveforms, captures, and concise summaries.

• Document test setup instructions, known failure modes, and reusable troubleshooting playbooks for future use.

• Own test development efforts from initial test design through lab execution, defect tracking, and closure.

• Proactively improve script reliability, test coverage, and overall test throughput.

• Work independently in the lab while coordinating closely with cross-functional product and engineering teams.

• Provide clear, regular status updates and weekly summaries of test progress, issues, and best practices to other team members.

• Share knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices to help standardize and improve validation approaches across teams., This role is fully onsite, working five days per week at a dedicated engineering lab facility in Phoenix, AZ. You will operate in a hands-on lab environment that emphasizes practical hardware validation and systems integration work. The lab is equipped with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, digital multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, and other standard electronic test equipment used for board-level bring-up and interface-level testing. You will collaborate closely with highly technical engineering teams supporting complex aerospace, defense, and advanced technology programs. The organization promotes a smaller, engineer-centric culture with less bureaucracy, greater visibility, and opportunities to make a tangible impact on high-profile projects. The environment encourages knowledge sharing, continuous improvement of test practices, and active participation in code reviews and automation initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in Hardware Validation, Verification & Validation (V&V), Test Engineering, Systems Integration, or Electrical Engineering.

• Recent experience working in an engineering lab environment within the last 12 months.

• Strong hardware and electrical engineering foundation with hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience.

• At least 2 years of experience executing, modifying, and debugging Python scripts used for hardware validation and testing.

• Practical experience working with low-level hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, and RS-422/RS-485.

• Within the last year, hands-on experience using laboratory test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, digital multimeters (DMMs), and power supplies.

• Experience isolating and troubleshooting hardware, firmware, and test script failures.

• Ability to work independently in a lab setting while effectively coordinating with cross-functional engineering teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to provide clear status updates and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of hardware validation or integration testing experience.

• Experence in aerospace, avionics, or defense-related systems.

• Experience writing Python-based test automation from scratch, not only running existing scripts.

• Deep understanding of communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, RS-422, Ethernet, and CAN.

• Strong hardware debug capability using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers for detailed signal-level analysis.

• Experience with board bring-up and root cause analysis across hardware, firmware, and software layers.

• Hands-on experience with Git for version control, including branching, merging, and code review workflows.

• Familiarity with continuous integration (CI) workflows and automated testing environments.

• Proven ability to independently own testing efforts from planning and test design through execution, defect resolution, and closure.

• Interest in working on complex embedded systems, systems integration, and advanced technology projects.

• Motivation to continuously improve test automation frameworks, methodologies, and lab workflows.

This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/hr.

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

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.