Hardware System Engineer - Industrial Electronics

For a technically demanding development project in the field of industrial electronics and connected devices, we are looking for an experienced Senior System Engineer / Hardware Developer (m/w/d) on a freelance basis. The project involves the further development and technical qualification of an electronic product for use in demanding industrial environments. A key focus is on hardware safety, system reliability, battery technology and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. You will work at the interface of system engineering, hardware development, safety analysis and product qualification. Responsibilities:

• Analyse and validate applicable technical, safety and regulatory requirements
• Perform and document system-level risk assessments, FMEAs and hazard analyses
• Identify and evaluate potential failure mechanisms and safety risks, particularly relating to batteries, BMS, PCBAs and power supply
• Develop and further refine system and hardware architectures
• Define interfaces between BMS, PCBAs, power supply, sensors and other subsystems
• Develop and assess safety concepts for Li-ion batteries and Battery Management Systems
• Review existing hardware designs and identify necessary modifications to PCBAs and electronic components
• Develop concepts for encapsulation, thermal management and protection of electronic components
• Evaluate mechanical concepts with regard to housing, thermal behaviour and system integration
• Assess the impact of relevant technical standards and regulatory requirements on the product
• Translate system requirements into component and supplier specifications
• Support Design for Manufacturing (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA)
• Contribute to production concepts, EOL testing and functional testing
• Prepare and maintain complete, traceable and audit-ready technical documentation, including BOMs, design decisions and manufacturing requirements
• Support activities related to product qualification and certification

• Several years of experience in System Engineering and/or Hardware Development for electronic products
• Strong knowledge of electronics, PCBA/PCB design and embedded hardware
• Practical experience with ATEX, explosion protection or comparable safety-critical product development
• Knowledge of relevant standards, ideally including IEC60079
• Experience with Li-ion batteries and Battery Management Systems (BMS)
• Experience with FMEA, hazard analysis and technical risk assessment
• Good understanding of thermal management, mechanics and system integration
• Experience with industrialisation, DfM/DfA and transition to series production is advantageous
• Background in industrial IoT, connected devices, sensors, tracking technology or other complex electronic products is a plus
• Structured, analytical and independent working style
• Strong technical documentation skills
• Very good English skills; good German and/or French skills are advantageous

Harvey Nash DE Other industries