Prototyping Engineer (AR/VR Hardware Systems)

Job Title: Prototyping Engineer (AR/VR Hardware Systems) Location: Redmond, WA Duration: 12 Months Contract Experience: 6+ Years Required Skills & Qualifications: • 6+ years of experience in hardware prototyping, systems integration, or lab engineering • Strong hands-on expertise in building and debugging multi-disciplinary systems • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field • Proficiency with electrical debug tools: Multimeter, Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer • Experience with embedded systems debugging: ADB, UART/Serial consoles, JTAG • Strong cross-functional understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software systems integration • Proven ability to work independently and drive projects with minimal guidance Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with AR/VR systems, display technologies, optical alignment, or metrology • Familiarity with PCB schematics, board-level debugging, soldering, and rework • Programming/scripting skills: Python, C/C++, Shell scripting • Experience with test automation and data collection workflows • Knowledge of embedded Linux or RTOS-based systems • Hands-on experience with precision mechanical assembly and alignment • Exposure to modern AI tools (e.g., LLMs, automation frameworks) • Experience building lab infrastructure and custom test systems Our client is looking for a highly hands-on Prototyping Engineer to join an advanced development team focused on next-generation AR/VR hardware systems. This role is ideal for a self-driven engineer who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building from scratch, and has a strong multi-disciplinary background across mechanical, electrical, and software systems. You will play a key role in designing, building, debugging, and integrating complex prototype systems, while also leveraging AI tools and workflows to drive efficiency and innovation. Responsibilities • Design, build, and integrate multi-disciplinary prototype systems across mechanical, electrical, and software domains • Integrate and validate subsystems (optical, electrical, mechanical, firmware) into functional hardware prototypes • Debug hardware and firmware issues using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers • Perform software-level debugging using ADB, serial consoles, and log analysis tools • Develop and streamline device bring-up processes, including GUI development and automation workflows • Build and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling for prototype validation • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering teams to convert concepts into working hardware systems • Document assembly processes, debug methodologies, and integration workflows • Identify risks proactively and drive issues to resolution independently • Support display hardware integration including optical alignment, metrology, and functional testing • Use AI tools for data analysis, workflow automation, and process optimization • Design and maintain AI-driven pipelines, multi-agent systems, and automation frameworks • Integrate AI capabilities (LLMs, generative AI) into engineering workflows and tools • Troubleshoot display hardware, firmware, and system-level issues