Graduate Hardware Design Engineer

The Graduate Hardware Design Engineer contributes to the design, development, and validation of electronic hardware solutions for our portfolio of high-performance products. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will gain hands-on experience across the full product lifecycle, developing the skills required to take on technical leadership in future projects. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in hardware engineering within a supportive and innovative environment.

• Work with Product Management to define product / design specifications
• Lead in the design and validation of product update projects.
• Create detailed schematics and PCB layouts using Altium designer
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and final products
• Conduct hardware debugging using test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, DMMs).
• Collaborate with the mechanical and software teams to ensure effective hardware/software integration.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including, software, mechanical, test, NPI and manufacturing to ensure efficient delivery of projects
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation
• Support cross functional product documentation creation
• Support products through full product lifecycle. From initial concept through to end of life
• Provide support to Production for released products.
• Provide support to sales team(s) / customers for a variety of products.
• Continue personal development by participating in training courses, seminars.
• Visit trade shows to gain appreciation of the marketplace.
• Assist with internal / external quality system audits.

Join PICKERING INTERFACES LIMITED as a Graduate Hardware Design Engineer, contributing to the development of cutting-edge test and measurement solutions. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in electronic hardware design within a dynamic engineering environment., * Assist in the design, development, and testing of analogue and digital electronic circuits for new and existing products.

• Contribute to schematic capture and PCB layout activities using industry-standard CAD tools.
• Participate in the bring-up, debugging, and verification of hardware prototypes.
• Support the creation of technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and manufacturing instructions.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Conduct component selection and evaluation, considering factors such as availability, cost, and technical specifications.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay abreast of new technologies and design methodologies.
• Adhere to company quality standards and design processes throughout the product development lifecycle.

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of fundamental analogue and digital electronic circuit design principles.
• Familiarity with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, KiCad).
• Experience with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers.
• Basic programming skills (e.g., C/C++, Python) for embedded systems or test automation are a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A genuine passion for hardware design and a proactive approach to learning.

People are at the heart of Pickering. We believe that each employee contributes directly to Pickering’s growth and success, in return we offer:

• A competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Buying and selling holiday. Employees can buy up to 10 days if eligible.
• Life Insurance x4 annual salary, capped at £50k
• Corporate membership at the local gym and spa
• A thorough induction program, including a Pickering Pal being assigned to you to ensure you feel welcome and to check in on you during your probation
• Regular reviews and performance related pay increases (subject to business conditions)
• Employee wellbeing and mental health support through our partnership with Mind
• EAP with Sparks (Legal & General health and wellbeing digital home)
• Wellbeing Program with Spa Medical
• Choice of salary sacrifice on Pension contributions
• Paid company social events such as a summer festival and Christmas party
• Career progression
• Training programmes
• Sponsoring further education
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Potential for Worldwide Business Travel (role dependant)
• Free tea, coffee, and fresh fruit

The Pickering Group is a family-owned, UK-based electronics manufacturer established in 1968, specializing in high-quality switching, simulation, and relay products for industries like aerospace, automotive, and defense.