Hardware Development Engineer

CGD is a spin-out of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company that develops energy-efficient GaN-based power devices to enable greener electronics.

Team – R&D Engineering
Location – Cambridge, UK
Contract – Full-Time, Permanent

About CGD

CGD is focused on bringing sustainable power electronics to everyday life. The company has secured multi-project funding and investments to advance its proprietary GaN technology and market traction.

We are committed to empowering a diverse team to develop green solutions for electronics while respecting natural resources and enabling a sustainable future.

The Opportunity

CGD is looking for a Hardware Development Engineer to join our growing engineering team. You will be responsible for designing and setting up test systems to characterize CGD’s GaN power devices and ICs, from concept to initial operation. Test systems will characterize static and dynamic device properties, as well as reliability and long-term operation. Systems may be installed in Cambridge and at partner sites worldwide.

You will apply your knowledge in power electronics engineering, PCB design and testing at the forefront of GaN device R&D. The outcome will be hardware systems that enable our Device and Reliability Engineers to validate CGD’s GaN power devices. This 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
• Assemble test hardware (in-house and with subcontractors)
• Liaise with subcontractors to build prototypes and systems
• Test and debug new test setups or solutions, including pilot characterization runs
• Design and run customer-specific tests
• Liaise with CGD engineers in all phases of hardware development

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience

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

Desirable

• Experience with power electronics for device reliability or testing
• Knowledge of power semiconductor devices
• Experience hardware running at elevated temperatures
• Knowledge of semiconductor device testing at lab-scale or high-volume

Benefits

• Excellent salary
• Share options scheme available
• Pension scheme (6% company contribution)
• Life assurance (3x salary)
• BUPA Private Medical Insurance
• BUPA Cash Plan (Level 3)
• Flexible working options (location and times)
• Annual leave allowance of 33 days
• Training and development
• Electric Car Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• IP bonus scheme
• Collaborative projects with University of Cambridge and other partners
• Recruitment referral bonus

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. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace leads to better outcomes for all employees. We support hybrid working with some team members in the UK office and others working from home in the UK and other cities in Europe and Asia.