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.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence tech and tackle real-world engineering challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong electronics engineering skills and experience with embedded systems.
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 - Perm 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, competitive salaries, and equity options, Arcani fosters a collaborative culture that encourages hands-on problem-solving and rapid prototyping. Located at the forefront of acoustic detection advancements, employees have the unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that contribute to global security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Engineer - Perm 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 on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your hardware projects, prototypes, or any relevant work. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for a role like Hardware Engineer.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and practical skills. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled real-world engineering challenges. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in defence technology. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Engineer - Perm 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 embedded systems, PCB design, and any hands-on work you've done in real-world environments.
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're a great fit!
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 team at Arcani!
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 mentioned in the job description like KiCad or Altium. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with lab equipment will show that you’re not just theoretical but practical too.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world engineering problems you've solved in the past. Think about times when you had to debug in the field or rapidly prototype a solution under tight timelines. This role is all about agility and quick thinking, so having concrete examples ready will impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Defence Technology
Since Arcani is focused on defence applications, it’s crucial to understand the context of their work. Research their flagship platform, HARK, and be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to next-generation sensing hardware. Showing genuine interest in defence technology will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your collaboration skills. Be ready to talk about how you’ve worked with software developers, acoustic engineers, or any cross-functional teams in the past. Good communication is key in a fast-moving startup environment, so demonstrate that you can thrive in such settings.
