Junior Electrical Hardware Engineer
The Junior Electrical Hardware Engineer will support the R&D hardware engineering team by performing hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and validation of electronic circuits and smart home security devices. This entry-level role offers mentorship and practical experience in hardware development, including power analysis, PCB modifications, and automated testing, aimed at building foundational skills for a hardware design engineering career. The position is onsite in Carlsbad, CA, providing exposure to real-world product development in a collaborative engineering environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, smart home security technology.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
You’ll work hands-on in an R&D hardware lab supporting the development, testing, and validation of consumer smart home security devices for our confidential client. Typical responsibilities include:
- Perform hardware testing and validation of prototype boards and devices using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and other lab equipment.
- Measure and analyze power consumption and battery charge/discharge behavior.
- Troubleshoot circuit issues by reviewing schematics and supporting senior engineers to isolate faults.
- Assist with PCB modifications, soldering, wiring, component replacements, and prototype adjustments.
- Support automated test flows using Python scripts and test software.
- Participate in wireless (RF coexistence), EMI, and audio performance testing as needed.
- Collect, log, and analyze test data in Excel or similar tools and communicate findings clearly to the engineering team.
- Help maintain an organized, safe, and functional hardware lab.
What We’re Looking For
Education & experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related discipline (Associate in EE Technology considered).
- Entry-level / early-career candidates with ~0–3 years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
- Hands-on experience from internships, academic labs, senior design projects, robotics competitions, or personal electronics projects is highly valued.
Technical fundamentals
- Solid understanding of basic electrical engineering concepts (voltage, current, resistance, power, circuit behavior).
- Familiarity with electronic components and reading circuit schematics.
- Practical familiarity with lab instruments (oscilloscope, multimeter, power supply).
- Ability to follow test procedures, document results, and analyze data.
- Logical problem-solving approach and curiosity to investigate unexpected results.
Nice to Have (Not Required)
These skills are helpful but not required — training will be provided.
- Soldering and PCB rework experience.
- Python scripting for automated test control or data analysis.
- Experience testing battery-powered or wireless devices.
- Exposure to RF/EMI testing, audio testing, or power measurement.
- Projects using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, or embedded hardware.
Success Traits
Beyond technical ability, successful candidates typically:
- Enjoy hands-on electronics work and experimenting with circuits.
- Have strong engineering fundamentals and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
- Are curious, independent thinkers who ask good technical questions.
- Communicate test procedures, observations, and conclusions clearly.
- Are eager to learn and receptive to mentorship.
Why You’ll Love This Opportunity
- Real-world hardware experience working on consumer smart home security products.
- Direct mentorship from experienced hardware engineers in a collaborative R&D environment.
- Exposure to the full hardware development cycle: testing, power analysis, troubleshooting, and prototype iterations.
- A clear early-career path toward more advanced hardware design responsibilities.
Position Details
- Location: Carlsbad, California (onsite, Monday–Friday)
- Employment type: Full-time — 12-month fixed-term W-2 assignment
- Salary: $75,000–$90,000 annually (range provided by the hiring organization)
- Work arrangement: Onsite five days/week; occasional flexibility as business needs allow
- Benefits: Eligible for applicable company benefits subject to plan terms
- Interview process: Phone screen followed by an approximately two-hour onsite interview with engineering team members
- Note: This position is being recruited through Careertakes; the hiring company is the Confidential Client.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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