Graduate Hardware Design Engineer in England

Graduate Hardware Design Engineer in England

England Entry level 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Pickering Interfaces

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge electronic hardware solutions for exciting projects.
  • Company: Join a family-owned UK electronics manufacturer with a rich history since 1968.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, life insurance, and wellness support.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth, training, and even worldwide travel await you!
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in hardware design and make a real impact in various industries.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering or related field; passion for hardware design is essential.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

The Pickering Group is a family‑owned, UK‑based electronics manufacturer established in 1968, specialising in high‑quality switching, simulation, and relay products for aerospace, automotive and defence industries.

As a Graduate Hardware Design Engineer you will contribute to the design, development and validation of electronic hardware solutions across the product lifecycle, gaining experience that prepares you for technical leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design, development and testing of analogue and digital electronic circuits for new and existing products.
  • Lead in the design and validation of product update projects.
  • Create detailed schematics and PCB layouts using Altium Designer.
  • Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and final products.
  • Conduct hardware debugging using test equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs).
  • Collaborate with mechanical and software teams to ensure effective hardware/software integration.
  • Work closely with cross‑functional teams (software, mechanical, test, NPI and manufacturing) to ensure efficient project delivery.
  • Create and maintain detailed technical documentation.
  • Support product lifecycle from initial concept to end‑of‑life.
  • Provide support to production for released products.
  • Provide support to the sales team and customers for a variety of products.
  • Continue personal development by participating in training courses and seminars.
  • Visit trade shows to gain market insights.
  • Assist with internal and external quality system audits.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Strong understanding of analogue and digital circuit design principles.
  • Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (Altium Designer, Or CAD, Ki Cad).
  • Experience with laboratory test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers).
  • Basic programming skills (C/C++, Python) for embedded systems or test automation are a plus.
  • Excellent problem‑solving skills and keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • A genuine passion for hardware design and a proactive approach to learning.
  • What You Can Expect
  • Competitive salary and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
  • Life insurance of 4 times the annual salary, capped at £50k.
  • Corporate gym and spa membership.
  • Thorough induction program with a Pickering Pal.
  • Regular reviews and performance‑related pay increases.
  • Well‑being and mental health support through an EAP partnership.
  • Paid company social events (e. g., summer festival, Christmas party).
  • Career progression and training programmes.
  • Sponsoring further education and salary‑sacrifice pension contributions.
  • Potential for worldwide business travel (role‑dependent).
  • Free tea, coffee and fresh fruit.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr
Pickering Interfaces

Contact Details:

Pickering Interfaces Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Hardware Design Engineer in England

Join Aerospace Networks

Dive into aerospace engineering networks like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Royal Aeronautical Society. These communities are perfect for entry-level folks like us to connect with industry professionals and keep our eyes peeled for job openings or valuable resources.

Attend Industry Events

Make sure you check out aerospace conferences, job fairs, and expos happening in your area—it's a goldmine for entry-level opportunities! Events like the Farnborough International Airshow can help us get face-time with companies and learn about what they’re looking for in fresh talent.

Show Off Your Projects

Get your hands on some aerospace-related projects or internships, even if they’re on a smaller scale. We can easily showcase them online, whether it's on a portfolio website or through platforms like GitHub, to grab the attention of potential employers like Pickering Interfaces.

Look for Company-Specific Internships

Keep an eye out for entry-level job postings on companies' career pages, especially during undergrad recruiting seasons. Places like Pickering Interfaces often have specific programmes designed to attract and train eager minds like ours, so let’s not miss out on those opportunities!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Hardware Design Engineer in England

Analogue Circuit Design
Digital Circuit Design
Schematic Capture
PCB Layout (Altium Designer, OrCAD, KiCad)
Hardware Debugging
Laboratory Test Equipment (Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Spectrum Analyzers)
Basic Programming (C/C++, Python)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Relevant Projects:When applying for an entry-level aerospace engineering role like Graduate Hardware Design Engineer at Pickering Interfaces, make sure to highlight any university projects, internships, or design work related to aerodynamics or materials science. We want to see your hands-on experience, even if it’s just through your coursework!

Emphasise Your Technical Skills:In aerospace engineering, showcasing your technical skills is essential. Make sure to include software like CAD or MATLAB on your CV, along with any robotics or simulations you’ve worked on. Let's demonstrate that you have the technical chops for this role!

Show Passion for the Industry:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you want to join the aerospace world at Pickering Interfaces. Tell us about any relevant hobbies, such as model building or involvement in engineering clubs. We love to see candidates who are as passionate about aerospace as we are!

Tailor Your CV to Aerospace Engineering:Don’t forget to tailor your CV specifically for this entry-level position. Put the most relevant experience at the top and make sure it's easy to see how you align with the requirements of Graduate Hardware Design Engineer. Clear, concise formatting is key—and remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pickering Interfaces

Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals

Make sure we’ve revised the core principles of aerospace engineering before our interview at Pickering Interfaces. Expect technical questions that test our understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials. Being able to discuss projects or theories we've studied can really help showcase our knowledge.

Prepare for Hands-on Assessments

Since it's an entry-level role, it’s likely we'll face some hands-on tasks or practical assessments during the interview. Familiarise ourselves with CAD software or simulation tools commonly used in aerospace design. Showing off our ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations can definitely give us an edge.

Highlight Our Passion for the Industry

Being entry-level, it’s key for us to convey our enthusiasm for aerospace engineering. Let’s think about why we chose this field and any recent developments in the industry that excite us. A genuine passion can sometimes outweigh experience for companies like Pickering Interfaces.

Demonstrate Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills

Given the collaborative nature of aerospace projects, we should come prepared with examples of how we’ve worked in teams or solved complex problems. Whether it’s a university project or a fun personal project, illustrating our ability to work well with others can really set us apart in the eyes of the interviewers at Pickering Interfaces.