Principal Hardware Engineer

Your tasks

• Drive hardware development across the full product lifecycle, from concept to production.
• Coordinate domestic and offshore manufacturing operations.
• Review and validate ODM designs to meet Arable’s quality standards.
• Develop technical documentation for designs, testing, and support.
• Lead hands-on prototyping of new hardware products and features.
• Work with QA teams on product validation and testing.
• Collaborate with product management, software, operations, and customer success.
• Manage key vendor relationships and guide component selection.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues and coordinate bug tracking and resolution.
• Support manufacturing test fixtures and processes.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influence technology direction, and strengthen the team’s engineering capabilities.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 6+ years of hardware engineering experience spanning the full PCB design lifecycle.
• Proficiency with schematic capture, PCB layout, board bring-up, and lab equipment.
• Knowledge of regulatory testing, including FCC and CE, and new product introduction (NPI) processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• A self-directed approach and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Advanced technical degree.
• 8+ years of experience bringing multiple hardware products to mass production.
• Experience managing or collaborating with offshore teams.
• Knowledge of C programming for embedded systems.
• Experience with wireless product design (WiFi, BLE, cellular) and/or RTOS.
• Background in agricultural or environmental sensor technology.
• Experience leading engineering initiatives, developing processes, or mentoring engineers.
• Expertise in low-power system design, particularly for solar-powered and battery-powered devices.

Qualities for Success

• Passion for Sustainability: Care deeply about global food systems and environmental impact.
• Startup Mindset: Thrive in a fast-paced environment and take ownership across multiple responsibilities.
• Technical Leadership: Lead through engineering expertise, sound judgment, and ownership of results.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate effectively and build productive relationships across teams.
• Resourcefulness: Develop cost-effective solutions and troubleshoot real-world field challenges.
• Adaptability: Stay current with emerging technologies and navigate new challenges.
• Mentorship: Share knowledge and help elevate the work of colleagues and partners.