Principal Hardware Engineer in London

Design what is next in advanced imaging technology. Active Silicon is a market leader in the design and manufacture of cutting‑edge computer imaging products. Our solutions are used globally across manufacturing, life sciences, medical imaging, robotics, and security, often tailored to specific customer requirements. We work with medium to large companies worldwide, building long‑term partnerships. Active Silicon is part of the Solid‑State plc group.

As part of our continued growth, we are looking for a Principal Hardware Engineer (Electronics) to take ownership of complex, high‑speed hardware designs, and lead projects from concept through to long‑term support. If you thrive on technical challenge, enjoy seeing your designs make it into real‑world products, and want to influence the future direction of hardware development, this role could be what you are looking for.

Summary details

• Job type: Full‑time/Permanent
• Location: Langley, UK (Elizabeth Line, just outside NW London), hybrid working options available.
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 26 days annual holiday (plus public holidays).
• Salary: Competitive salary depending on skills and experience, plus salary‑sacrifice pension (5% employer, 3% employee) and discretionary bonus scheme worth up to 20% of salary. Life assurance at 4x basic salary. Option to join Electric Vehicle salary‑sacrifice scheme. Access to Westfield Health Scheme, including Employee Assistance Programme and Discounted gym membership.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in electronic engineering, or equivalent.

Experience:

• 8+ years’ experience in electronics hardware design.

The Role

This is a senior, hands‑on electronics engineering role with significant design ownership. You will lead hardware subsystem and system‑level projects, shaping architecture, advanced schematic design, and driving design reviews, verification, and validation. You will work closely with firmware, systems, and manufacturing teams to deliver world‑class electronics products.

You will be responsible for:

• Own complex FPGA‑centric hardware designs across multiple product lines.
• Design schematics from buffers through to 50 Gbps SERDES.
• Define and maintain robust hardware architectures that meet performance, safety, and compliance needs.
• Lead and chair formal design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Contribute to our technical roadmap and bring new technologies into production by evaluating and integrating new electronics technologies.
• Collaborate across firmware, systems, and manufacturing teams to optimise electronics solutions.
• Fully document designs, from requirements and test plans to engineering reports.

About you

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in electronic engineering (or equivalent).
• 8+ years’ experience in electronics hardware design.
• Strong background in high‑speed digital electronics/electronics hardware design (FPGAs, processors, PSUs).
• Proven experience across the full product design lifecycle.
• Confidence with schematic capture (ideally Altium), prototype testing, and debugging.
• A genuine drive to build world‑class products and continuously raise the bar.
• Track record of delivering high‑performance electronics products and solutions.

Additional Skills

• Hands‑on electronics design experience with imaging systems DDR, PCIe (Gen 4+), SERDES, MIPI, or LVDS design.
• Designs operating at up to 50 Gbps PCB, EMI/EMC best practice knowledge.
• Experience in regulated industries (Medical, Defence, Aerospace, Automotive).

Why Join Active Silicon?

• Be part of a cutting‑edge electronics and hardware engineering team driving innovation in imaging products.
• Work on global, specialist imaging and electronics products.
• Opportunities to influence product architecture and roadmap.
• Collaborative, innovative, and fast‑growing company environment.

Our Recruitment process

• Application Review– Your application will be reviewed by the Recruitment & Hiring Manager.
• Initial Screening – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Teams Interview to discuss the role and your experience in more detail.
• Interview – candidates will be invited to a face‑to‑face interview at our offices. This may include competency‑based questions and discussion about your technical experience.
• Assessment (if applicable): Some roles may include a short presentation, task, or technical assessment relevant to the position.
• Offer and onboarding – Successful candidates will receive a formal offer, followed by pre‑employment checks and onboarding support to ensure a smooth start.

We aim to keep you informed at every stage of the process and provide feedback wherever possible. Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of our next chapter in innovation.