Hardware Design Manager

Role Overview

Hardware Design Lead / Technical Architect

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Architecture & Design Leadership

• Define and own the end-to-end hardware architecture, component selection, and design of the ruggedized Ethernet switch, including high-speed digital, power supply (24–110 VDC), and signal/power integrity.
• Lead the mechanical design for the rugged IP67/IP65 enclosures, ensuring optimal thermal management, shock/vibration resistance, and integration of M12 connectors.
• Direct the implementation of complex features such as PoE (IEEE 802.3bt) design and thermal dissipation solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight for the integration of firmware, platform software, and cybersecurity features with the base hardware platform.

Compliance & Certification

• Own the technical compliance strategy for railway and fire safety standards, specifically

  EN50155, EN50121-4, and EN 61131-2

  .
• Direct the design-for-compliance activities (EMC, shock, vibration) and lead technical efforts during external certification testing (

  IEC 61373, EN50121-3-2

  ).
• Perform detailed design analysis, including reliability predictions (MTBF) and component obsolescence management.

Cross-Functional Technical Alignment

• Act as the primary technical point of contact with internal firmware, software, mechanical and manufacturing teams, ensuring seamless electromechanical-software integration.
• Collaborate with vendors and supply chain partners for critical component selection, technical benchmarking, and manufacturing process validation (e.g., molding, box-build).
• Present technical roadmaps, architecture reviews, and design choices to executive stakeholders.

Requirements

• 8+ years

  of hands-on experience in high-speed embedded systems, industrial networking, or ruggedized hardware design.
• Minimum of 3+ years on Industrial Networking switch products.
• Proven track record as a

  Hardware Architect or Lead Design Engineer

  for Ethernet switch products in rail or industrial applications.
• Deep expertise in

  Mechanical Design

  for rugged enclosures (IP65/IP67), thermal management (simulations and testing), and industrial connectors (M12).
• Strong knowledge of

  EN 50155, EN 50121-4, EN 61131-2, and IEEE 802.3bt (PoE)

  standards is mandatory.
• Solid understanding of advanced networking protocols (RSTP, MRP, PRP/HSR) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN).
• Excellent technical leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Skills

• High-speed digital design, Signal Integrity (SI) and Power Integrity (PI) analysis.
• Advanced

  Mechanical Design

  and thermal simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Ansys).

• PoE

  system design (af/at/bt) and protection circuitry.
• Regulatory compliance, certification testing, and failure analysis.
• Hardware/Firmware/Software integration for ruggedized platforms.
• Nice to have - Cybersecurity-aware hardware design (IEC 62443 awareness).
• Nice to have - Proficiency in German language

Education

• B.E./B.Tech in Electronics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering.
• M.Tech preferred.