At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype cutting-edge hardware for acoustic sensing systems in defence.
- Company: Join a fast-moving startup revolutionising threat detection technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, bonuses, and impactful work on defence tech.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and real-world impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future of defence with innovative hardware solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong electronics engineering skills and experience with embedded systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € 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 (m/f) in Aylesbury employer: Arcani
At Arcani, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and agile startup that empowers our employees to make a real impact in the defence technology sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and hands-on problem-solving, while offering competitive salaries, equity options, and opportunities for professional growth in a fast-paced environment. Join us in shaping the future of threat detection and enjoy the unique advantage of working on cutting-edge projects that protect and serve communities worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Engineer (m/f) in Aylesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence tech scene. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Arcani. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio or examples of your work. Whether it’s prototypes you’ve built or projects you’ve contributed to, having tangible evidence of your abilities can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Arcani’s products and mission. Understand the HARK system and how it fits into modern defence. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Arcani. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Engineer (m/f) in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for defence technology shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission at Arcani.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in hardware engineering. Focus on projects that showcase your skills in electronics, embedded systems, and any hands-on work you've done. We love seeing practical examples!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our fast-moving startup!
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 any relevant tools like KiCad or Altium. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with lab equipment and how you've tackled real-world engineering problems.
✨Showcase Your Prototyping Skills
Prepare to talk about your prototyping and testing experiences. Highlight any projects where you rapidly developed new hardware concepts and how you validated them in the field. This is a chance to demonstrate your ability to work under tight timelines and solve complex issues.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you’ve worked with software engineers, acoustic specialists, or defence partners to integrate systems. Show that you can thrive in a fast-moving startup environment.
✨Express Your Passion for Defence Technology
Let your enthusiasm for defence technology shine through. Talk about why you’re excited about the potential impact of your work in threat detection and how you stay updated on industry trends. This will help convey your commitment to the role and the company’s mission.
