About Gramian
Gramian Consultancy is a boutique consultancy specializing in IT professional services and engineering talent solutions. With a strong background in software engineering and leadership, we help companies build high-performing teams by matching them with professionals who truly fit their needs.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Engineer with a strong background in electronic circuit design, multilayer PCB development, and simulation-led hardware optimization.
In this role, you will use KiCad to analyze, redesign, simulate, and validate electronic hardware, with a focus on Signal Integrity (SI), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and/or thermal performance. You will investigate existing PCB designs, identify performance and reliability issues, determine their root causes, and implement layout improvements while preserving the original schematic, netlist connectivity, and component selection.
The ideal candidate combines substantial hands-on PCB design experience with at least four years of practical simulation expertise in signal integrity, EMC, thermal analysis, or a combination of these areas. We are looking for an engineer who can independently execute technical work, interpret simulation results, and translate findings into measurable hardware improvements.
- CONTRACT TYPE: Independent Contractor
- LOCATION: Remote
- DURATION: Approximately 13 weeks, with potential extension opportunities.
- COMMITMENT: 40 hours per week.
- START DATE: As soon as possible.
- SCHEDULE: Full-time engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate product requirements into circuit architectures, hardware specifications, and validated electronic designs.
- Develop and modify schematics and multilayer PCB layouts using KiCad, including component selection, routing, design-rule checks, BOM preparation, and manufacturing documentation.
- Analyze existing PCB layouts and simulation results to identify signal integrity, EMC, and thermal issues.
- Investigate root causes and define measurable acceptance criteria for design improvements.
- Redesign PCB layouts to address identified issues while maintaining the original schematic, netlist connectivity, and component selection.
- Perform and interpret simulations involving impedance, signal reflections, crosstalk, return paths, temperature distribution, heat dissipation, and thermal hotspots.
- Evaluate simulation inputs, boundary conditions, material properties, modeling assumptions, and limitations.
- Document design decisions, corrective actions, simulation outcomes, and verification findings.
- Support prototype bring-up, hardware debugging, and design validation.
Requirements
8+ years of overall relevant engineering experience, with substantial hands-on experience in electronic hardware and PCB design.
At least 6 years of hands-on electronics hardware and PCB design experience, including multilayer PCB layouts.
Practical experience using KiCad for schematic capture and PCB design.
At least 4 years of practical experience in one or both of the following specializations:
Signal Integrity (SI) / Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) simulation.
Thermal simulation and analysis.
Strong understanding of circuit analysis, component selection, and electronic component datasheets.
Solid knowledge of grounding, power distribution, signal integrity, thermal management, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) / Design for Test (DFT).
Ability to independently set up, execute, interpret, and validate relevant engineering simulations.
Experience correlating simulation results with actual PCB layout characteristics and identifying design-level causes of performance issues.
Ability to assess model inputs, boundary conditions, material properties, and simulation limitations.
Strong technical documentation and problem-solving skills.
