Smart Design is looking for a temporary mid-level or senior hardware systems engineer to work across one or two exciting client projects.
The role will tentatively start as soon as possible (October 2026) and will continue for 2-3 months, with possibility of transitioning to full-time.
ExperienceGeneral requirements
BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering
7+ years of hands-on board design
At least two boards taken from schematic through fab and bring-up
Experience with x86 SOM/COM carrier boards (COM Express, SMARC, or vendor SOMs such as Advantech) strongly preferred
Proficient with lab tools: oscilloscope, logic and protocol analyzer, current-limited supplies, and rework
Complete and verify schematics against SOM datasheets: pin mapping, voltage domains, straps, pull-ups, and ESD protection
Knowledge of following interfaces: LVDS displays, M.2 (Key-E/Key-M), PCIe, USB, I2C, SPI, I2S, and GPIO
Design power rails, sequencing, and reset chains
Board layout using Altium, including controlled-impedance routing for PCIe, USB 3, and LVDS
Define stackups and understands return paths and decoupling
Produce manufacturing-ready outputs (Gerbers, BOM, assembly files) and works through DFM feedback with fabs and CMs
Design boards for debug: test points, UART console, and programming headers
Able a structure first power-on: rails, sequencing, resets, then BIOS/UEFI POST
Brings boards up under Ubuntu/Debian and validates each interface with standard tools (lspci, lsusb, i2cdetect, dmesg, libgpiod)
Debug display (DRM/KMS), storage, WiFi/BT, and touch peripherals
Configure kernel modules and works with the SOM vendor on BIOS changes
Write Bash/Python test scripts for board checkout
Isolate hardware versus software faults, documents errata, and drives fixes into the next board revision
Please note, the role is based in Brooklyn and the candidate will be onsite a minimum of 4 days per week.
The salary range will be dependent on experience and from a full-time salary perspective will range from $60-75/hour on a temporary basis and $80,000-$115,000 plus benefits, should it transition to full time.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. At this time, we are unable to sponsor for this position.
Skills Required
- Experience with complex PCB layout using Altium
- Experience with circuit design
- Familiarity with embedded systems, circuits, microcontrollers, and sensors
- Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly for electronics
- Experience designing electronics for small consumer appliances
- Experience with manual board assembly and rework
- Experience designing to meet regulatory requirements
- Proficiency with Git
- Ability to code in C, C++, or Python
- Experience with connected devices
- Experience collaborating with a multidisciplinary team
What We Do
Smart Design is a strategic design company that helps people live better and work smarter. As technology and business become more complex, we humanize products, services and experiences through deep research, insights and design strategies. Founded in 1980, Smart is headquartered in New York, and has clients all over the world.
