Hardware Prototyping Engineer

Job Title: Hardware Prototyping Engineer Location: Redmond, WA (Onsite) Duration: 12 Months W2 Contract (Potential Extension) We are seeking a highly hands-on Hardware Prototyping Engineer to help build and integrate next-generation hardware systems. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software domains to transform concepts into functional prototypes. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in fast-paced research and development environments, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and can independently drive prototype development from initial integration through validation and debugging. In addition to hardware prototyping responsibilities, you will leverage modern AI-powered tools and automation techniques to improve engineering workflows, data analysis, and system development processes. Ideal Candidate You are a builder, problem solver, and systems thinker who enjoys working across disciplines. You are equally comfortable debugging electrical issues on the bench, integrating firmware and software components, creating automation tools, and rapidly iterating prototype hardware systems. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. • 6+ years of hands-on experience in hardware prototyping, systems integration, lab engineering, or related fields. • Strong experience building, integrating, and debugging hardware systems. • Proficiency with electrical debug tools including: Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Logic analyzers • Experience troubleshooting embedded systems and firmware using serial interfaces and debugging tools. • Working knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines. • Experience collaborating with hardware, firmware, and software teams to deliver integrated products. • Demonstrated ability to independently identify problems, develop solutions, and drive projects forward. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with AR/VR, display systems, optics, optical alignment, or metrology. • Knowledge of PCB schematics, board-level debugging, and prototype modifications. • Experience with scripting and automation using Python, C/C++, shell scripting, or similar technologies. • Embedded Linux or RTOS experience. • Experience with test automation, data acquisition, and process automation. • Hands-on experience with soldering, rework, precision assembly, and hardware bring-up. • Experience building and maintaining engineering labs, custom test systems, or instrumentation platforms. • Familiarity with modern AI development tools and generative AI technologies. Responsibilities: • Design, build, integrate, and validate multidisciplinary prototype systems spanning mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software domains. • Integrate subsystems and ensure reliable communication and functionality across hardware and software interfaces. • Debug hardware and embedded systems using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and power supplies. • Troubleshoot firmware and embedded software issues using serial interfaces, debugging tools, and log analysis. • Develop tools, interfaces, and automation workflows that streamline hardware bring-up and validation processes. • Create and maintain test fixtures, jigs, tooling, and validation systems to support prototype development. • Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to convert research concepts into working hardware prototypes. • Document assembly procedures, integration processes, test methodologies, and debugging workflows. • Identify technical risks and proactively drive issues to resolution with minimal supervision. • Support display and hardware integration activities, including alignment, measurement, characterization, and performance validation. • Utilize AI-assisted tools and workflows for data analysis, visualization, process optimization, and engineering productivity. • Develop and maintain automated data collection pipelines and engineering workflows. • Integrate AI-powered capabilities into engineering solutions using APIs and modern automation platforms.