Hardware Development Engineer

Company Overview

A spin‑out of the Cambridge University, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company that develops a range of energy‑efficient GaN‑based power devices to make greener electronics possible. The global power semiconductor market is expected to exceed $50 BN, and CGD has secured investment through seed, Series A and B rounds, as well as four projects funded by iUK, BEIS and EU. The technical and commercial expertise of the CGD team has been fundamental to early market traction of our proprietary technology.

Why Work for CGD

We champion commitment, celebrate empowerment and reward the brave. We are interested in change‑makers with a passion for power semiconductors who are willing to explore unconventional ways to meet CGD’s green agenda. At CGD we pride ourselves on putting empowerment and commitment at the core of our company culture, offering a relaxed yet productive working environment where everybody is valued and respected. If your heart beats for innovation, challenge and growth, and if the prospect of joining a friendly and game‑changing company is for you, we want to hear from you.

Position: Hardware Development Engineer

CGD is looking for a Hardware Development Engineer to join our growing engineering team. You will principally be responsible for designing and setting up test systems to characterize our GaN power devices and ICs. This includes all steps from system concept to initial operation. The test systems will characterize the static and dynamic properties of CGD’s devices, as well as reliability and long‑term operation, and will be installed both in‑house in Cambridge and at partners around the world. The role is based at the company’s office and lab in Cambridge, UK.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop test solutions for characterization of GaN power ICs
• Design schematics, layout and mechanical setup
• Assembly of test hardware (in‑house and with subcontractors)
• Liaise with subcontractors to build prototypes and systems
• Testing and debugging of new test setups or solutions, including pilot characterization runs as part of the initial operation
• Design and run customer‑specific tests
• Liaise with CGD engineers in all phases of hardware development

Requirements

Essential

• A degree or similar vocational qualification (e.g. HND) in a relevant engineering or science subject
• Demonstrable industrial experience in hardware development and the design of analog electronic systems, ideally for test systems
• Hands‑on experience with Altium (or similar) PCB design software, with knowledge of good layout practices
• Hands‑on experience with a SPICE simulator (e.g. OrCAD, LT‑SPICE or similar)
• Experience in developing test solutions for semiconductor devices, on a lab‑scale or at high volume
• Knowledge of test and safety at high voltage (1 kV) and elevated temperatures
• Hands‑on skills in building electronics, i.e. hand soldering, reflow soldering, etc
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced start‑up environment
• Pro‑active by nature, responsive to changing needs of the projects and business
• Good communication and presentation skills, including documentation
• A mindset for precise and high‑quality results
• An eye for detail

Desirable

• Skilled in power electronics, in particular power electronic circuits for device reliability or testing
• Knowledge of power semiconductor devices is desirable
• Experience with hardware running at elevated temperatures
• Knowledge of semiconductor device testing, on a lab‑scale or at high volume

Benefits

• Excellent salary
• Share options scheme available (so you own a piece of the company!)
• Pension scheme (6 % Company contribution)
• Life Assurance (3 × Salary)
• Medicash cash plan
• Flexible working options (both location and times)
• Annual leave allowance of 33 days (including bank holidays)
• Training and career development
• Family friendly policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• EV leasing scheme
• Volunteer leave policy
• IP bonus scheme
• Involvement in collaborative projects and grants with University of Cambridge and other partners
• Recruitment referral bonus
• Regular social events including frequent company lunches, annual summer party, Christmas party, team building and wellbeing activities

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all current and prospective employees regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. From application to interview, we place inclusion at the heart of all we do. We aspire to have a diverse workforce because, in our view, diversity enables better business outcomes.