Hardware Design Lead at Pump Academy in Chennai, Bengaluru

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Lead to lead the development of Industrial IoT, embedded systems, and data acquisition products. The ideal candidate will be responsible for defining hardware architecture, selecting components, supporting embedded hardware development, validating prototypes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving products from concept to production.

The role requires close collaboration with firmware, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and field engineering teams to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality embedded products.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

• Lead the complete embedded hardware product development lifecycle from concept to production.
• Define hardware architecture for Industrial IoT and embedded systems.
• Design and validate embedded electronic systems for industrial applications.
• Select electronic components based on performance, reliability, availability, and cost.
• Support prototype development, hardware bring-up, testing, and product validation.
• Work closely with firmware and software teams during system integration.

Embedded Hardware Development

• Develop embedded systems based on 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit microcontrollers.
• Design and optimize low-power embedded systems.
• Develop interfaces for industrial sensors and data acquisition systems.
• Support hardware debugging and validation.

Communication & Connectivity

• Develop hardware supporting:
• IC
• SPI
• UART
• RS-232
• RS-485
• Modbus RTU
• Modbus TCP/IP
• Ethernet
• Integrate wireless communication technologies such as:
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• ZigBee
• LoRa/LoRaWAN
• Sub-GHz RF communication
• Support Industrial IoT gateways and edge computing platforms.

Hardware Validation & Testing

• Validate prototype hardware functionality and performance.
• Perform hardware debugging and root cause analysis.
• Conduct functional, environmental, and reliability testing.
• Use laboratory equipment such as:
• Oscilloscopes
• Logic analyzers
• Spectrum analyzers
• Power analyzers
• Digital multimeters
• Debuggers

Compliance & Certification

• Ensure products comply with EMI/EMC, ESD, IPXX, CE, IEC, and other applicable standards.
• Coordinate certification and compliance testing with external laboratories.
• Support product qualification and reliability testing.

Cost Optimization & Manufacturing Support

• Optimize the Bill of Materials (BOM) while maintaining product quality and reliability.
• Identify alternate components to reduce cost and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Support manufacturing, pilot production, and product release activities.
• Resolve hardware-related production issues.

Documentation

• Prepare and maintain:
• Hardware architecture documents
• BOM
• Test procedures
• Validation reports
• Manufacturing support documentation
• Engineering Change Notes (ECNs)

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor hardware engineers.
• Conduct technical design reviews.
• Coordinate with firmware, software, mechanical, quality, and production teams.
• Drive engineering best practices and continuous improvement.

Required Technical Skills

Embedded Systems

• Experience with 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit microcontrollers.
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, and Python.
• ARM Cortex-M, STM32, NXP, TI, Microchip, or equivalent platforms.

Communication Protocols

• IC
• SPI
• UART
• RS-232
• RS-485
• Modbus RTU/TCP
• Ethernet
• MQTT
• TCP/IP

Wireless Technologies

• Wi-Fi
• BLE
• ZigBee
• LoRa/LoRaWAN
• Sub-GHz RF communication

Testing & Debugging

• Oscilloscopes
• Logic analyzers
• Spectrum analyzers
• Power analyzers
• Digital multimeters
• JTAG/SWD debugging tools

Standards & Compliance

• EMI/EMC testing
• ESD testing
• CE compliance
• IEC standards
• IPXX testing
• Environmental and reliability testing

Industry Knowledge

• Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Industrial Automation
• Predictive Maintenance
• Condition Monitoring
• Smart Sensors
• Edge Computing

Additional Technical Skills

Industrial Gateway & Edge Computing

• Knowledge of Industrial IoT gateway architecture and edge computing platforms.
• Experience with industrial gateways based on ARM processors (NXP i.MX, STM32MP1, Raspberry Pi Compute Module, Toradex, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems (DAQ), edge analytics, and industrial data logging.
• Experience integrating industrial sensors, PLCs, energy meters, and condition monitoring devices with edge gateways.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including MQTT, OPC UA, Modbus RTU/TCP, CAN, and Ethernet/IP.
• Understanding of cloud connectivity, remote device management, and secure data transmission.

Embedded Linux

• Good knowledge of Embedded Linux architecture and development.
• Experience working with Linux-based embedded platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Toradex, NXP i.MX, or similar.
• Familiarity with Linux device drivers, bootloaders, system services, and hardware interfaces.
• Experience configuring communication interfaces such as UART, SPI, IC, USB, Ethernet, and GPIO in Linux.
• Basic knowledge of Linux shell scripting, networking, and system debugging.
• Experience with Linux-based development tools and cross-compilation environments.
• Familiarity with Docker containers and edge application deployment is an added advantage.

ISO Knowledge Requirements

• Basic knowledge of ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and adherence to quality processes and documentation practices.
• Awareness of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and environmentally responsible engineering practices.
• Basic understanding of ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System) and data security best practices.
• Ability to follow organizational policies, procedures, and compliance requirements related to quality, environmental, and information security standards.

Education

B.E./B.Tech. in:

• E&C Engineering, E&E Engineering
• Telecommunication Engineering
• Embedded Systems or a related discipline

Experience

• 6-12 years of experience in embedded hardware design and product development.
• Experience leading embedded product development teams.
• Exposure to Industrial IoT, automation, instrumentation, or condition monitoring products is preferred.

Overall Performance Expectations

• Deliver embedded hardware products on schedule while meeting quality, cost, and reliability targets.
• Ensure successful compliance with applicable industrial standards and certifications.
• Maintain complete compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 requirements.
• Optimize BOM costs while ensuring long-term product reliability and manufacturability.
• Drive technical excellence through effective leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure comprehensive engineering documentation and process compliance.
• Foster innovation in Industrial IoT, embedded systems, and hardware technologies while minimizing technical and project risks.