Hardware Engineering and R&D - Hardware Design Engineer 1

Job#: 3025222

Job Description:

Title: Hardware Design Engineer 1

Start Date: 3/13/2026

Duration: ~5 months

Chance for Extension: yes

Location: Onsite - Redmond, WA

Pay Rate Range: $38-$43

Openings: 1
Top Must-Have Hard Skills (1+ years experience)

• Experience collecting power and performance data in a lab environment
• Basic knowledge of thermal setups, including running experiments and monitoring results
• Hands-on experience using data acquisition (DAQ) systems and thermal chillers
• Scripting and automation experience using tools such as Python and/or .NET (C#)

Typical Day in the Role
Purpose of the Team

This team supports hardware architecture, power, and performance analysis through lab-based experimentation, data collection, and silicon characterization. The goal is to inform performance, power, and thermal optimization for hardware platforms under development.
Key Projects

• Running lab experiments related to power, performance, and thermal behavior
• Collecting and analyzing performance and thermal data
• Supporting silicon characterization efforts
• Assisting with automation of benchmarking, testing, and data collection workflows
• Contributing to ongoing hardware development and validation projects

Candidate Requirements
Best vs. Average Candidates

The strongest candidates will demonstrate:

• Hands-on lab experience with power and performance analysis
• Exposure to thermal or acoustic (noise) testing setups
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing experimental data
• Scripting or automation skills to support benchmarking and analysis workflows

Hard Skills Assessments

• Timing: As soon as possible
• Process: Up to two interview rounds with hiring sponsor and full-time engineers
• Candidate Preparation: Readiness for a technical discussion covering core hardware, lab, and automation concepts

Role Summary

The primary function of a Hardware Design Engineer is to support the research, development, testing, and evaluation of computer hardware and related systems. This role focuses on lab-based experimentation, data collection, and analysis to support performance and thermal optimization efforts.
Job Responsibilities

• Analyze requirements and data to support hardware configuration and test planning
• Assemble, modify, and test hardware components or systems as needed
• Build and evaluate prototypes using physical setups and/or computer simulation models
• Collect and analyze experimental data related to power, performance, and thermal behavior
• Monitor equipment performance and recommend or implement adjustments to ensure systems meet specifications

Required Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Attention to detail and structured documentation habits
• Basic knowledge of engineering design tools, techniques, and principles
• Foundational understanding of electrical and computer hardware systems
• Familiarity with circuit boards, processors, chips, and electronic equipment
• Experience using engineering software, lab tools, or data analysis tools

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field required
• 1+ years of relevant experience

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.