Hardware Engineer

Join our Advanced Development Team as a Prototyping Engineer, where you’ll lead the creation of functional prototypes for next-generation AR/VR devices. Ideal candidates are self-starters who excel in ambiguous environments, identifying and resolving system gaps with innovative solutions. You’ll work hands-on with mechanical, electrical, and software systems, integrating subsystems into cohesive prototypes while developing and refining AI workflows., * Independently identify technical gaps and design, build, and integrate multi-disciplinary prototype systems.

• Integrate and validate subsystems, ensuring proper communication and functionality across interfaces.
• Debug hardware and firmware issues using lab instruments like multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Perform software-level debugging using tools such as adb, serial consoles, and log analysis.
• Develop GUIs and streamline bring-up processes with AI practices.
• Develop and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling to support prototype builds.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate research concepts into working prototype hardware.
• Document assembly processes, integration procedures, and debug workflows.
• Identify risks and propose solutions during prototype bring-up, resolving issues with minimal oversight.
• Support AR display system hardware integration and process development.
• Leverage AI methods for data analysis, visualization, and process development.
• Develop AI model skills and recipes, and maintain multi-agent AI infrastructure.
• Integrate AI agents with enterprise platforms using APIs and serverless platforms.
• Collaborate to build innovative AI-native application experiences.
• Build and integrate LLM/generative AI capabilities into product surfaces.
• Troubleshoot display hardware and firmware/software issues.

• 6+ years of hands-on experience in hardware prototyping, systems integration, or lab engineering OR a relevant advanced degree + 3 years equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated self-starter ability: identifying problems, proposing solutions, and driving projects forward.
• Working knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines.
• Proficiency with electrical debugging tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Experience with embedded systems debugging using adb, UART/serial consoles, JTAG, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience with AR/VR or display system prototyping, including optical alignment and metrology.
• Familiarity with PCB design review, schematic reading, and basic soldering/rework.
• Experience with scripting or automation (Python, shell scripting).
• Experience with latest AI tooling.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, including torque-sensitive operations.
• Familiarity with firmware development environments, embedded Linux, or RTOS-based systems.
• Experience in building and maintaining lab infrastructure, test systems, or custom instrumentation.

Work Environment:

Work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and develop cutting-edge AR/VR prototypes. The role involves hands-on hardware work and the use of advanced lab instrumentation. Be part of a forward-thinking team that values curiosity and the integration of AI tools to enhance development processes.

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. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k)/Roth
• Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D
• Short and long-term disability
• HSA & DCFSA
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Time off or State Sick Leave

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85.00 - $90.00/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.