> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3872381-senior-principal-hardware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3872381-senior-principal-hardware-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# (Senior / Principal) Hardware Engineer

- **Company:** Capable LLC
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Reliability Engineering, Subsystems, Systems Architecture, Wearables
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/-senior-principal-hardware-engineer-san-francisco-ca--c7578d99-ad3e-4841-af2e-aefb15ff7be5

## About the Role

Computer Engineering, Follow Through, Reliability Engineering, Instrumentation, Prototyping, System Architecture, Technical Leadership, Test Design, Drug Development, Requirements Validation/Verification, * A strong record of owning complex physical systems from ambiguous requirements through working, tested hardware.

 * Deep expertise in at least one relevant area-mechanical design, electrical systems, fluidics, controls, automation, medical devices, wearables, implantables, or laboratory instrumentation-and the judgment to work across the others.
 * Exceptional hands-on debugging and root-cause analysis across hardware, controls, process conditions, and experimental outputs.
 * The ability to make sound architectural tradeoffs, identify the highest-risk assumptions, and design fast tests that resolve them.
 * Clear technical communication and the ability to lead cross-functional work without becoming removed from the hardware.
 * We do not expect one person to have prior experience in every subsystem or application listed above.

## Description

You will provide technical leadership for the physical systems behind Capable's drug-development platform. Your work may span automated peptide synthesis, fluid handling, laboratory instrumentation, or subcutaneous drug delivery. You will own system architecture and the hardest cross-disciplinary decisions, remain hands-on through prototype and validation, and help establish how Capable designs, tests, and improves reliable hardware., * Own system architecture and technical direction for laboratory-automation or drug-delivery hardware, from requirements through validated prototypes.

 * Design and integrate fluidic, electromechanical, sensing, control, and user-interface subsystems, balancing performance, reliability, safety, and speed of iteration.
 * Resolve difficult design and integration problems involving flow paths, pressure, sealing, materials compatibility, actuation, thermal control, sensing, dose accuracy, carryover, priming, draining, or fault recovery.
 * Define test strategies, acceptance criteria, and failure-analysis methods that connect engineering performance to chemical or biological outcomes.
 * Build and debug critical prototypes personally while guiding the work of collaborators, vendors, and future hardware teammates.
 * Partner closely with chemists, biologists, and software collaborators to decide what to automate, instrument, or redesign next.
 * Establish practical engineering standards, documentation, component choices, and development workflows for Capable's growing hardware function.