At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hardware development for innovative electronic products and collaborate with firmware engineers.
- Company: Established tech manufacturer with a strong focus on R&D and product innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, flexible hours, and modern labs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology and shape product direction.
- Qualifications: Experience in PCB design, analogue design skills, and system design with MCUs.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and influence.
Lead Hardware Engineer
Take the next step in your career now, scroll down to read the full role description and make your application.
Location: Blackburn (hybrid – 1 day onsite per week)
Salary: up to £75,000 + benefits
The company
A long-established technology manufacturer designing and building intelligent electronic products for global markets. With a strong, multi-year roadmap, they’re investing in R&D and strengthening their hardware capability.
The role
You’ll be the go-to hardware specialist in a close-knit product team, taking ownership of system-level design and collaborating daily with embedded firmware engineers. Expect a hands-on role spanning concept, schematic, layout input, bring-up, EMC, and release to manufacture.
What you’ll be doing
* End-to-end hardware development for embedded systems (schematic capture, component selection, DfM/DfT, verification).
* Board bring-up, lab debugging, and problem-solving using scopes, logic analysers, and JTAG tools.
* Partnering with firmware to define interfaces, power budgets, and test strategies.
* Driving EMC/EMI compliance from design-through to test and sign-off.
* Supporting NPI, test fixtures, documentation, and sustaining engineering as products scale.
What you’ll need:
* Solid PCB design/layout awareness with a pragmatic approach to EMC/EMI.
* Analogue design skills (sensors/ADC interfacing, DC/DC power stages).
* Strong system design experience with single-chip MCUs (e.g. Renesas M16C, TI MSP430, STM32) and associated debug toolchains.
* Exposure to higher-end application processors (e.g. NXP i.MX6, ARM Cortex-A7).
* Knowledge of industrial and peripheral interfaces (e.g. RS-485, SPI, I²C, UART).
* Integrating modular comms: 4G modems, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC.
Nice to have
* Hands-on with IoT/connected products.
* Low-power techniques for battery-operated devices.
* ISM-band RF transceivers for short-range wireless.
* Understanding of mains SMPS topologies and safety considerations.
Why join?
* Senior-level influence on architecture and product direction.
* Varied, tangible products with the backing of a stable, market-leading brand.
* Hybrid working and flexible hours, modern labs, and real ownership.
If interested, please send your updated CV asap. Interviews available at short notice
Lead Hardware Engineer employer: Zenovo
Contact Detail:
Zenovo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Hardware Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its products thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your skills in PCB design and system-level hardware development can contribute to their projects. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better, so don’t miss out on that opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Hardware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Hardware Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in hardware development, PCB design, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience and any projects that showcase your skills in embedded systems.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your technical skills, especially those related to analogue design, system-level design, and EMC/EMI compliance. We love seeing specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in these areas!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zenovo
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PCB design, analogue circuits, and embedded systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've tackled challenges like EMC compliance or board bring-up, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've debugged hardware issues in the lab using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analysers. Highlighting your analytical approach to troubleshooting will impress interviewers looking for a proactive Lead Hardware Engineer.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working closely with firmware engineers, be prepared to discuss how you've partnered with other teams in the past. Talk about how you defined interfaces and test strategies, as collaboration is key in this role.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in IoT and low-power techniques, especially if you have experience with connected products. Showing that you're up-to-date with industry trends will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.