Hardware Design Engineer

The Pickering Group is a family-owned, UK-based electronics manufacturer established in 1968, specializing in high-quality switching, simulation, and relay products for industries like aerospace, automotive, and defense.

We are seeking a skilled Hardware Design Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team in Clacton. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading projects designing, developing, and validation of electronic hardware solutions that contribute to our range of high-performance products. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with a strong technical foundation and ability to lead product development projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Product Management to define product / design specifications
• Lead in the design and development of digital and analog hardware products
• Create detailed schematics and PCB layouts using Altium designer
• Perform component selection and analysis to ensure optimal performance
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and final products
• Conduct hardware debugging and validation using test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers).
• Collaborate with the mechanical and software teams to ensure effective hardware/software integration.
• Manage and lead product development projects from concept through to production.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including, software, mechanical, test, NPI and manufacturing to ensure efficient delivery of projects
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation
• Support cross functional product documentation creation
• Support products through full product lifecycle. From initial concept through to end of life
• Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Provide support to Production for released products.
• Provide support to sales team(s) / customers for a variety of products.
• Continue personal development by participating in training courses, seminars.
• Have a commercial appreciation of the market and competitors’ products.
• Visit trade shows to gain appreciation of the marketplace.
• Assist with internal / external quality system audits.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, or industry experience to a comparable level.
• 2–5 years of experience in hardware design and development
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools.
• Solid understanding of circuit design principles, including power supplies, signal integrity, and noise mitigation.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers)
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of RF circuit design is advantageous
• Altium Designer experience is advantageous

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM PICKERING

People are at the heart of Pickering. We believe that each employee contributes directly to Pickering’s growth and success, in return we offer:

• A competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Buying and selling holiday. Employees can buy up to 10 days if eligible.
• Life Insurance x4 annual salary, capped at £50k
• Corporate membership at the local gym and spa
• A thorough induction program, including a Pickering Pal being assigned to you to ensure you feel welcome and to check in on you during your probation
• Regular reviews and performance related pay increases (subject to business conditions)
• Employee wellbeing and mental health support through our partnership with Mind
• EAP with Sparks (Legal & General health and wellbeing digital home)
• Wellbeing Program with Spa Medical
• Choice of salary sacrifice on Pension contributions
• Paid company social events such as a summer festival and Christmas party
• Career progression
• Training programmes
• Sponsoring further education
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Potential for Worldwide Business Travel (role dependant)
• Free tea, coffee, and fresh fruit