🔎 Hardware Engineer | Cutting-Edge Electronics | Oxford (Hybrid)
We’re supporting an emerging deep-tech company developing next-generation hybrid photonic systems that push the boundaries of computing.
As a Hardware Engineer, you’ll play a key role in designing, testing, and qualifying the electronics that power complex, high-speed systems integrating photonics. This is a hands-on, design-to-lab role, ideal for an engineer who enjoys working close to the hardware and solving real technical challenges.
What you’ll be doing
* Designing detailed hardware systems — from specification, simulation, and schematic capture (Altium) to component selection.
* Bringing up and testing new boards, focusing on how electronics interface with optical and photonic elements.
* Debugging and resolving issues through detailed diagnostic work.
* Characterising new systems — electrical, mechanical, and thermal — to ensure performance and reliability.
* Preparing designs for production and working with external partners on testing and qualification.
What we’re looking for
* 3+ years’ experience in high-speed digital or analogue design, including ADCs, FPGAs, Ethernet, and DDR interfaces.
* 3+ years’ experience bringing up and testing new electronic systems.
* Strong diagnostic and hands-on lab skills (including rework).
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a small, multidisciplinary team.
* Strong organisational and time-management skills — you know how to take requirements and turn them into robust hardware.
* Motivated, flexible, and comfortable in a fast-moving start-up environment.
✨ Nice to have
* PCB layout experience.
* Experience working with external layout, manufacturing, or qualification vendors.
* Understanding of mechanical and thermal system characterisation.
If you’re looking for a role where your design work directly influences the performance of cutting-edge compute systems — and you want to be part of something early, fast-paced, and technically ambitious — we’d like to hear from you.
📩 Apply now or email your CV to imogen@waverecruitment.co.uk