At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing advanced underwater sensing and acoustic technologies.
- Company: RC Fornax, a leader in innovative sonar and maritime systems.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mission-critical environments with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in hardware systems and strong problem-solving skills required.
Location: UK Wide (Hybrid/On-site as required)
Outside IR35 - Rate £45-£75 p/h
Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC)
RC Fornax is looking for a Hardware Engineer to join a team developing advanced underwater sensing and acoustic technologies. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced hardware engineer to contribute to the development of innovative sonar and maritime systems used in challenging and mission-critical environments. The successful candidate will be involved throughout the engineering lifecycle, from requirements definition and system architecture through to integration, testing and verification.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and formalise hardware specifications for sonar and underwater acoustic systems.
- Define hardware requirements, interfaces, functionality and performance characteristics for sonar subsystems and associated equipment.
- Support system architecture activities through modelling, simulation, prototyping and trade studies.
- Design, develop and integrate electronic hardware for advanced sonar and maritime sensing applications.
- Develop circuitry associated with acoustic transducers, hydrophones, transmitters, receivers and data acquisition systems.
- Contribute to the design of beam-forming, signal acquisition, amplification, filtering and signal-conditioning hardware.
- Produce verification plans, test procedures and acceptance criteria for hardware subsystems.
- Conduct integration, fault-finding, troubleshooting and root-cause analysis activities on complex electronic systems.
- Analyse test and operational data to identify opportunities for performance improvement and optimisation.
- Support hardware qualification, verification and validation activities throughout the development lifecycle.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including systems, software and mechanical engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
Required Experience & Knowledge
- Proven experience developing complex hardware systems within defence, maritime, aerospace or other safety-critical industries.
- Strong understanding of electronic hardware design principles and engineering best practices.
- Experience applying Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Design for Test (DfT) methodologies.
- Knowledge of sonar systems, underwater acoustics and maritime technologies.
- Experience working with subsea or underwater equipment and an understanding of associated environmental challenges.
- Awareness of current and emerging technologies within sonar, sensing and underwater systems.
- Ability to generate clear and comprehensive technical documentation, specifications and engineering artefacts.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience investigating complex technical issues.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with beam-forming systems and signal-processing hardware.
- Knowledge of acoustic transducers and hydrophone technologies.
- Exposure to defence or naval programmes.
- Familiarity with systems engineering processes and requirements management tools.
- Experience supporting environmental, qualification or acceptance testing activities.
We are open to Permanent applications to the role. We are considering a salary range of £45k - £75k with more flexibility around Hybrid working.
Hardware Engineer employer: RC Fornax
RC Fornax is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. Employees benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training programmes, and opportunities for professional growth while working on impactful defence projects that contribute to national security. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and supports your career development in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Hardware Engineer role you’re after at RC Fornax.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at RC Fornax a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at RC Fornax.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Hardware Engineer at RC Fornax, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Hardware Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at RC Fornax a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to RC Fornax specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at RC Fornax
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with RC Fornax, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like RC Fornax want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
