Job Title: Hardware Engineer
Job Description
The Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and maintains hardware for embedded, real-time systems that operate in demanding and harsh environments. This role focuses on resolving product and field issues through structured problem solving, test development, and hardware design updates. The engineer also supports customers and internal teams by providing technical documentation, training, and expert advice on product applications and new features.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain hardware for embedded, real-time systems operating in harsh environments.
Troubleshoot product and field issues, analyze root causes, and provide documented solutions.
Implement hardware design changes to improve performance, reliability, and maintainability of existing products.
Develop and execute tests to validate hardware performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements.
Analyze field and production test data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
Perform requirements analysis to ensure hardware designs meet functional, performance, and safety needs.
Support hardware field installation and test activities, including work in various operational environments.
Generate, review, and maintain technical documentation for hardware designs, tests, and product support.
Provide product training and technical support to internal teams and external customers.
Advise on product application options and configurations to meet customer and project needs.
Test, evaluate, and critique new product features, providing feedback to improve design and usability.
Support legacy products, including troubleshooting, sustaining engineering, and lifecycle management.
Collaborate closely with a team of engineers to share knowledge, resolve issues, and improve processes.
Apply Product Lifecycle Management principles and tools to manage hardware configurations and documentation.
Use PC board layout tools and related software to support design updates and reviews.
Essential Skills
Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
35 years of experience in hardware design for embedded or real-time systems.
Strong experience in electrical engineering principles and practices.
Hands-on experience with hardware product support, including troubleshooting and issue resolution.
Experience supporting legacy hardware products in a production or field environment.
Proficiency with PC board layout and associated tools.
Understanding of Product Lifecycle Management principles and processes.
Ability to generate, review, and maintain clear and accurate technical documentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative engineering team.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with PC Board layout for complex embedded hardware designs.
Familiarity with FPGA-based designs and related development workflows.
Experience using Product Lifecycle Management tools such as Windchill.
Experience or exposure to railroad signaling or similar safety-critical systems.
Experience providing product training and technical support to internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to analyze field and production test data to drive design and process improvements.
Comfort working in both office and field environments, including harsh or demanding conditions.
Work Environment
This is a hybrid role that combines office-based and remote work, with three days per week in the office and the remaining days working from home after the initial training period. The position also involves work in the field in various environments, supporting hardware installation and testing in real-world operational settings, including harsh conditions typical for embedded, real-time systems. You will be part of a close-knit team of approximately eight engineers within the product support group, collaborating on complex hardware challenges and sharing expertise. The environment emphasizes teamwork, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement, supported by modern engineering tools such as PC board layout software, FPGA development tools, and Product Lifecycle Management systems.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grain Valley, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grain Valley, MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Grain Valley,MO.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
