Senior I&C Hardware Design Engineer

Summary

Join Kairos Power, a nuclear energy technology company, as an Electronic Hardware Design Engineer. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of electronic system design, from concept to production. This hands-on role requires expertise in circuit design, PCB layout, embedded software development, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in electronic hardware design and embedded systems, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in electronic hardware design, including circuit design and PCB development
• Proven track record of taking projects from concept to production
• Experience with embedded software development for microcontrollers (e.g., ARM, PIC, AVR)
• Proficiency in EDA tools such as Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCad, or similar for schematic capture and PCB layout
• Strong knowledge of analog/digital circuit design, signal processing, and power electronics
• Expertise in programming languages like C, C++, or Python for embedded systems
• Familiarity with PCB manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., SPICE, LTspice) and debugging tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self and others
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge
• Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and develop electronic system concepts that meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives
• Designs and simulates analog and digital circuits, selecting appropriate components to ensure reliability, efficiency, and adherence to requirements
• Develops detailed PCB layouts, optimizing signal integrity, thermal management, and manufacturability using industry-standard tools
• Oversees PCB fabrication, generate Gerber files, coordinate with manufacturing partners, and validate prototypes through testing and troubleshooting
• Develops, tests, and debugs embedded firmware/software (e.g., C, C++, Python) ensuring effective hardware-software integration and reliable system functionality
• Constructs prototypes, performs comprehensive functional and environmental testing, analyzes results, and iteratively refines designs
• Creates detailed technical documentation, including schematics, bills of materials (BOM), design specifications, and user manuals
• Works closely with mechanical engineering, software development, and product management teams to ensure seamless system integration and successful project outcomes
• Ensures hardware and software designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., IPC, UL, FCC) and nuclear industry-specific regulations and safety guidelines
• Cybersecurity Integration: Develops hardware designs considering cybersecurity requirements, ensuring protection against cyber threats in nuclear instrumentation and control systems
• Manages and supports product lifecycle activities, including obsolescence management, design updates, and continuous improvement based on feedback
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wireless communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) is preferred
• Knowledge of FPGA design or high-speed digital systems is preferred
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) for hardware and software projects is preferred
• Experience working within regulated industries, particularly nuclear energy, or familiarity with nuclear-specific standards (e.g., IEEE nuclear standards, IEC 61508, IEC 61513) strongly preferred
• Working knowledge or familiarity with cybersecurity standards and practices for instrumentation and control systems
• Experience with lifecycle management and obsolescence planning for hardware and software products in industrial or nuclear environments

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their dependents
• Paid Vacation
• 401(k) and pre-tax health insurance, dependent care, and commuter benefits (FSA)