Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineer – Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

We are seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer to design, develop, and support reliable power transfer solutions used in critical power applications. This role focuses on the electrical and electronic hardware design of Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) systems, including power switching, sensing, protection, and control interfaces, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in power electronics, low- and medium-voltage power systems, and electromechanical control design, with hands‑on involvement from concept through production. The role will be located at DSE headquarters in Hunmanby (North Yorkshire), working on new product developments and maintaining the existing product portfolio in the Energy Control and Automation market.

Requirements

• CAD design tools
• Analog and digital design
• EMC principles
• High‑quality standards
• Excellent team player with problem‑solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Ability to translate requirements into a technical product specification
• Communication skills to concisely discuss product development issues within a multidisciplinary team
• Enthusiastic and optimistic
• Adaptable to changing requirements
• Experience defining task breakdowns and providing estimates
• Willingness to travel; role includes travel to US-based parent company
• 7+ years of experience in electronics/electrical designli>
• Senior-level experience in a multi‑disciplinary team (embedded software and electromechanical)
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB design tools (Altium, OrCAD, CADstar, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience with oscilloscopes, power analyzers, and high‑power lab equipment
• Experience in analog hardware design including signal conditioning/processing
• Working knowledge of PCB design & layout requirements, particularly with respect to EMC
• Bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Design & Development

• Design and develop ATS hardware architectures including power paths, switching elements (contactors, breakers, SCRs, or solid‑state devices), and auxiliary control circuits
• Create schematics, PCB layouts, and wiring diagrams for ATS control and monitoring systems
• Design circuits for voltage, current, frequency sensing, phase detection, and power quality monitoring
• Implement protective circuits for over‑current, over‑voltage, short‑circuit, and fault isolation
• Support integration of microcontrollers, relays, and communication interfaces (Modbus, CAN, Ethernet)

Power Systems & Compliance

• Ensure ATS designs meet UL, IEC, BS, and relevant regional standards
• Perform fault analysis, derating calculations, creepage/clearance analysis, and thermal design
• Support short-circuit withstand and closing ratings (WCR) and coordination studies
• Collaborate with compliance teams during certification testing and audits

Testing & Validation

• Develop and execute hardware validation plans including functional, environmental, and stress testing
• Perform lab testing with generators, utility sources, and load banks
• Analyse test data, debug hardware issues, and implement design improvements

Manufacturing & Lifecycle Support

• Support prototype builds, design for manufacturability (DFM), and design for test (DFT)
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing teams on component selection and cost optimization
• Provide production support, failure analysis, and field issue resolution

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• New flexible holiday scheme
• Bupa Healthcare package
• Life Insurance
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay
• 5% Pension contributions
• Companywide performance‑based annual bonus scheme

DSE is an equal opportunity employer. A copy of our statement is available on request.