At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype cutting-edge hardware for acoustic sensing systems in defence applications.
- Company: Join Arcani, a fast-moving startup revolutionising threat detection technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, bonuses, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and hands-on problem-solving.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future of defence technology with real-world applications.
- Qualifications: Strong practical electronics experience and familiarity with embedded systems required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Our systems listen, so others can be forearmed. We are hiring Hardware Engineers as we embark on the next critical phase of our Acoustic Detection product roadmap. Arcani takes its name from the Arcani of Roman Britain - elite scouts known for their agility, intel and mobility. Today, we’re building the modern equivalent - sensor scouts designed to detect and protect, giving defenders the edge. We’re hiring across multiple roles. If you want to join a fast-moving startup and help shape the future of threat detection, we’d love to hear from you.
Type: Full-time
Security: Must be eligible to work with defence customers and sensitive projects
About Arcani
Arcani is building next-generation passive sensing systems for modern defence environments. Our flagship platform, HARK (Hostile Acoustic Recognition Kit), is a low-cost, omnidirectional acoustic drone detection system designed to detect and classify drones in contested environments, including RF-silent and autonomous threats. Our systems integrate with platforms such as ATAK, Lattice, and emerging NATO interoperability standards including SAPIENT. Arcani is currently working alongside defence partners, NATO programmes, and operational end users across the globe.
Role Overview
You will own and contribute to the design, integration, testing, and iteration of ruggedised sensing hardware systems deployed in real-world operational environments. This is not a purely theoretical engineering role — we are looking for someone comfortable rapidly prototyping, debugging in the field, integrating electronics into deployed systems, and solving difficult real-world engineering problems under tight timelines. You will work closely with software, ML, acoustics, and deployment teams to develop next-generation sensing hardware for defence applications.
Responsibilities
- Hardware Design & Integration
- Design and prototype electronic systems for acoustic sensing platforms
- Develop and integrate:
- Embedded compute systems (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, ARM platforms)
- Power systems and battery integrations
- Sensor interfaces and communication buses
- RF and networking hardware
- Environmental monitoring systems
- Design rugged field-ready enclosures and mounting solutions
- Support thermal management, waterproofing, vibration resistance, and environmental hardening
- Work with microphones, antenna systems, GNSS modules, and edge AI hardware
- Prototyping & Testing
- Rapidly prototype new hardware concepts
- Perform bench testing and field validation
- Diagnose hardware, power, EMI, grounding, and integration issues
- Support operational deployments and defence trials
- Build and maintain test rigs and evaluation systems
- Production & Manufacturing
- Assist with transition from prototype to scalable manufacture
- Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners
- Create BOMs, assembly instructions, and hardware documentation
- Support DFM (Design for Manufacture) improvements
- Evaluate cost reductions and alternative components
- Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Acoustic engineers
- AI/ML engineers
- Embedded software developers
- Defence integration partners
- Support integrations into:
- CoT systems
- Vehicle platforms (UGV)
- External command-and-control systems
Required Skills
Essential
- Strong practical electronics engineering experience
- Experience with embedded systems and edge compute platforms
- PCB design experience (KiCad, Altium, or similar)
- Understanding of:
- Power systems
- DC/DC conversion
- Battery integration
- Signal integrity
- EMI/EMC considerations
- Experience bringing hardware from prototype to deployed product
- Comfortable using lab equipment:
- Oscilloscopes
- Multimeters
- Logic analysers
- Power analysers
- Hands-on mechanical integration experience
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving startup environment
Desirable
- Defence, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems experience
- Experience with:
- NVIDIA Jetson platforms
- Audio/acoustic hardware
- RF systems
- GNSS/RTK systems
- Mesh networking
- Low-power field systems
- Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems
- Experience with ruggedisation and environmental testing
- Experience with military or NATO interoperability standards
What We’re Looking For
- Builder mentality
- Highly practical engineer
- Comfortable operating with ambiguity
- Fast learner
- Strong ownership mentality
- Excited by defence technology and real-world deployment
- Willing to travel occasionally for trials, testing, and exercises
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Autonomous systems
- Drone technologies
- Acoustic sensing
- C-UAS systems
- AI hardware acceleration
- Field deployments in harsh environments
- Injection moulding or production manufacturing
What You’ll Work On
- Passive acoustic drone detection systems
- Multi-sensor defence platforms
- Edge AI hardware
- Tactical networking integrations
- Rugged deployable sensing systems
- Vehicle-mounted and portable defence hardware
Compensation
- Competitive salary
- Equity/options available
- Bonus
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence technology with real-world operational impact
Hardware Engineer in Aylesbury employer: Arcani
Arcani is an exceptional employer for Hardware Engineers, offering a dynamic startup environment where innovation meets real-world impact in defence technology. With a strong focus on employee growth, Arcani provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to meaningful advancements in threat detection. The company's commitment to a supportive work culture, competitive compensation, and the chance to shape the future of defence systems makes it an attractive place for engineers eager to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Engineer in Aylesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence tech space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or prototypes, make sure to share them during interviews or networking chats. Demonstrating your hands-on experience with hardware design and integration can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk shop! Brush up on the latest trends in acoustic sensing and defence technology. When you’re in an interview, showing that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field can make a huge difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at Arcani. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we look for in our Hardware Engineers. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something exciting!
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Engineer in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Hardware Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience with embedded systems, PCB design, and any hands-on projects that showcase your practical engineering skills. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you're excited about defence technology and the work we do at Arcani. Share any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your enthusiasm for acoustic sensing and real-world applications. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’re good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcani
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of hardware design and integration. Brush up on your experience with embedded systems, PCB design, and the tools like KiCad or Altium. Be ready to discuss your hands-on projects and how you've tackled real-world engineering problems.
✨Showcase Your Prototyping Skills
Prepare to talk about your prototyping experiences. Highlight any rapid prototyping you've done, especially in challenging environments. Share examples of how you’ve diagnosed and solved issues during testing phases, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and adaptability.
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with defence technology and the specific challenges it presents. Research Arcani’s products and their applications in threat detection. Showing that you understand the context of your work can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated with software developers, acoustic engineers, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals. This will highlight your teamwork skills, which are crucial in a fast-moving startup.
