Hardware Validation & Performance Engineer

Location: Sunnyvale, CA (Onsite)
Duration: 6-Month W2 Contract
Pay Rate: $75-$82/hour (depending on experience)

Russell Tobin is seeking a Hardware Validation & Performance Engineer to support an industry-leading consumer technology company in Sunnyvale, CA. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer with a strong hardware background, hands-on validation experience, and advanced Python programming skills to contribute to cutting-edge touchscreen and hardware performance testing initiatives.

About the Role

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, assembling, and executing performance and validation testing on both proprietary and third-party hardware platforms. You will work closely with engineering teams to characterize electrical systems, analyze performance data, troubleshoot failures, and help ensure exceptional product quality.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of hardware, software, automation, and problem-solving in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain hardware test systems using development boards and laboratory equipment.
• Execute data collection, characterization, validation, and performance testing on touchscreen and related hardware systems.
• Develop and enhance Python-based tools and automation solutions for testing, data analysis, and validation workflows.
• Characterize electrical performance and validate hardware systems in real-world product applications.
• Analyze test results, identify root causes of failures, and collaborate with engineering teams on corrective actions.
• Document test procedures, validation methodologies, findings, and recommendations.
• Support noise mitigation efforts, including grounding and shielding techniques for small-signal measurements.
• Work cross-functionally with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams to resolve technical issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in hardware validation, board-level testing, electrical characterization, or performance engineering.
• Strong hands-on experience with hardware test execution and validation.
• Advanced Python programming skills for automation, data analysis, test framework development, or tool creation (beyond basic scripting).
• Experience troubleshooting electrical systems and analyzing hardware performance issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 25 pounds as needed.

Required Technical Skills

Lab Equipment Experience

• Oscilloscopes (required)
• Multimeters
• Function Generators
• Power Supplies
• Spectrum Analyzers
• Electronic Measurement Equipment

Hardware Validation Experience

• Board-Level Validation
• Electrical Characterization
• Signal Integrity Testing
• Noise Mitigation Techniques
• Grounding and Shielding Methods
• Small-Signal Measurements
• Root Cause Analysis

Software & Tools

• Python Programming
• Test Automation
• Data Analysis
• macOS
• Microsoft Excel and Word
• Numbers, Pages, and Keynote

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting consumer electronics or hardware product development.
• Familiarity with touchscreen technologies and performance testing.
• Experience working with complex hardware systems in a laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with industry-leading consumer hardware products.