At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex hardware designs and shape the future of advanced imaging technology.
- Company: Active Silicon, a cutting-edge electronics and imaging products company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a variety of benefits.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team in a fast-growing environment with excellent career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global projects and drive innovation in electronics.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in electronics design with strong FPGA and high-speed digital experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Langley, UK - Hybrid Working Available
Competitive Salary & variety of benefits on offer
Design what is next in advanced imaging technology. At Active Silicon, we design and manufacture cutting-edge electronics and computer imaging products used across science and technology - from life sciences and medical imaging to robotics, manufacturing, and security. Our customers are global, our projects are complex, and our ambition is simple: build best-in-class products that really matter.
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.
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) with 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
- JTAG / XJTAG test experience
- 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 – Recruitment & Hiring Manager will review your application. 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 help us design the future of advanced imaging technology.
Principal Hardware Engineer employer: Active Silicon
Active Silicon is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to take ownership of complex projects in advanced imaging technology. With a focus on professional growth, the company offers opportunities to influence product architecture and engage in cutting-edge electronics design, all while enjoying a competitive salary and a variety of benefits in a hybrid working environment in Langley, UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Hardware Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Active Silicon's products and projects, especially in advanced imaging technology. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Having someone on the inside can give you valuable insights and even a referral, which can really boost your chances of landing that Principal Hardware Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical challenges! Brush up on your FPGA-centric designs and high-speed digital electronics knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled complex design issues, as this will be key in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and serious about joining the team at Active Silicon.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Hardware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Hardware Engineer role. Highlight your experience with high-speed digital electronics and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for electronics and advanced imaging technology. Let us know why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team at Active Silicon.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention specific tools and technologies you’ve worked with, like Altium or FPGA designs. We love seeing candidates who are hands-on and ready to tackle complex challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Active Silicon
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-speed digital electronics, especially FPGAs and SERDES. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, showcasing your design ownership and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect competency-based questions that dive into your technical experience. Review the full product design lifecycle and be prepared to explain how you've contributed to each stage, from schematic capture to validation.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with firmware, systems, and manufacturing teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines. Highlight how your teamwork has led to successful project outcomes.
✨Practice Design Reviews
Familiarise yourself with leading design reviews like PDR, CDR, and TRR. Be ready to discuss how you approach these reviews and ensure compliance with performance and safety standards in your designs.
