Hardware Engineer

at  ThruWave

ABOUT THRUWAVE

ThruWave’s mission is to use innovative millimeter wave imaging and AI / machine learning techniques to automate processes that will improve safety, efficiency, and productivity of operations in the security and e-commerce industries. Our customers include US government agencies and world leaders in the e-commerce and retail supply chain. ThruWave’s high throughput millimeter wave imaging sensors are designed for easy deployment on existing conveyor and automated material handling lines. Our sensors provide 3D item-level visibility, looking through opaque packaging materials to see the items inside. ThruWave’s AI / machine learning software automatically analyzes these images to extract key process variables, such as threats and contraband detection, item count, cube utilization, dimension, and detection of missing or damaged items. ThruWave’s solutions address massive pain points for our key customers.
ThruWave is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

DESCRIPTION

We are looking to add a Hardware Engineer to our team. This role would involve analog and digital board design, manufacturing, validation, and testing. The role is manufacturing- and hardware-heavy, with a focus on system-level fabrication including PCB fabrication and assembly, BOM tracking, design and assembly of mechanical structural setups, as well as support our analog and millimeter-wave RF testing, calibration, and characterization efforts. This is a full-time hybrid role with onsite work as needed.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Solid understanding of analog, digital, and RF design fundamentals, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering basics.
• Experience in PCB design and manufacturing, including CAD (Eagle, Altium, or similar), BOM management, and purchasing.
• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with initiative and drive to pursue tasks independently. Parts management, manufacturing scheduling and tracking, multi-project juggling capability, troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to independently handle manufacturing processes, including communication with vendors.
• Knowledge in the design and manufacturing of custom enclosures, 3D printing, 80/20 frame structures, and similar.
• Knowledge in RF shielding and emissions control.
• Familiarity with test equipment such as signal generators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
• Familiarity with Linux, C/C++, MATLAB and/or Python.
• Creativity and curiosity for a wide range of problem solving.
• Strong communication skills, enthusiasm, a propensity for writing documentation, and teamwork ability. This is not an independent researcher role – collaboration and communication are core aspects of the position.

NICE-TO-HAVE FAMILIARITY/EXPERIENCE

• Experience with FCC and CE certification.
• Experience with Eagle CAD, Fusion 360, Linux, and MATLAB.
• Experience with wireless communication systems including design and documentation, feature validation and analysis, parameter optimization.
• Familiarity/experience with radar imaging systems.
• Familiarity/experience with Agile methodology and associated tools such as Jira.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education: MS/BS with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience and deep technical familiarity with the field.

• Design, manufacturing, and testing of increasingly complex hardware and firmware systems.
• Overseeing PCB fabrication, circuit board assembly, and system assembly, including BOM management.
• Design of enclosures and mechanical structural setups, including assembly of prototypes.
• Ensure new designs are properly verified, validated, and tested for compliance and long-term reliability.
• Develop, maintain, and execute millimeter wave system calibration and quality control processes.
• Customer project support – site inspection, installation support & other customer related support.
• Collaboration with teams across ThruWave with multidisciplinary skills.