Senior Hardware Design Architect
HCLTech · Sunnyvale, CA
Apply & track with Apply EdgeHCLTech is looking for a highly talented and self- motivated Senior Hardware Design Architect to join it in advancing the technological world through innovation and creativity.Job Title: Senior Hardware Design ArchitectJob ID: 126781Position Type: Full-timeLocation: Sunnyvale, CA / OnsiteRole/ResponsibilitiesContribute to system-level electrical architecture (block diagrams, interface definitions, voltage domains) for multi-board robotic platforms spanning compute, motor control, sensing, and communication subsystemsReview schematics produced by external design partners (ODMs, contract engineering firms), validating component selection and design trade-offs, and flagging misalignment with the system architectureExecute electrical design for PCBAs supporting robotic actuator and manipulation systems — including schematic capture, layout, component selection, subsystem architecture, and design for signal integrity, manufacturability, and testability. Design in Altium.Perform MCU/SoC architecture trade studies and component selection analysis (e.g., evaluating ARM Cortex-R/M MCUs, EtherCAT port constraints, package options, peripheral availability) across motor control and sensor interface boardsDesign and review PCB layouts for multi-layer boards with high-speed digital interfaces (Ethernet, GMSL, USB, MIPI CSI-2, CAN-FD), ensuring impedance control, power integrity, and EMC compliance. Perform layout for simple-to-medium boards or simple-to-medium changes on complex boards (in Altium), and coordinate with external layout houses on PCB layout execution for complex PCBs.Design power distribution systems including DC-DC converters, LDOs, power sequencing, load switches, and protection circuits for multi-voltage robotic subsystems; debug PMIC behavior and perform root-cause analysis on power delivery issuesCollaborate with PCB fabrication vendors — stackup selection, DFM review, material trade-offs, Gerber release coordination, and alternate vendor sourcing across multiple concurrent buildsPerform board bring-up, functional verification, root cause analysis, and debug using standard lab equipment (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter, soldering/rework tools)Partner with firmware engineers on hardware-software co-development, peripheral interface definition, and BSP bring-upManage design documentation including block diagrams, schematics, BOMs, design rationale, constraint files, and test reportsSupport multiple boards simultaneously at different NPI stages (schematic, layout, fab, bring-up).. Minimum Requirements 8+ years of experience in PCBA-level circuit design for robotics, industrial, automotive, or consumer electronicsExperience reviewing designs produced by external engineering teams or ODMs and providing technical feedback on component selection and design trade-offsProficiency with Altium Designer — schematic capture and PCB layoutExperience with subsystem architecture and high-level electrical design for multi-board embedded systemsHands-on board bring-up and debug experience with standard EE test equipmentStrong experience with communication interfaces: Ethernet (100Base-T1, 1000BASE-T), USB, MIPI CSI, SPI, I2C, CAN-FDExperience with EtherCAT hardware architecture — daisy-chain topology, PHY selectionExperience with power architecture design — switching regulators, LDOs, power sequencing, high-current distribution, PMIC integrationExperience with motor driver circuits, gate drivers, or power stage design for BLDC actuatorsExperience managing PCB fabrication vendors — stackup review, DFM, material availability, and multi-vendor coordinationExperience with signal integrity fundamentals — constraint development, impedance control, timing budget analysisAbility to work independently on multiple concurrent board designs at different stages with minimal supervisionExperience with signal integrity and power integrity analysis tools (HSpice, ADS, SIwave) and package-level delay analysis using IBIS/S-parameter modelsExperience with IMU/inertial sensor integration and low-noise analog front-end designExperience with tactile sensor interfacesExperience with semiconductor vendor technical engagement for component evaluation and design supportExperience working with contract manufacturers on DFM review and production test developmentFamiliarity with functional safety hardware mechanisms (watchdogs, voltage monitors, safe-state circuits, redundancy))Pay and Benefits Pay Range Minimum: 78,000 per year Pay Range Maximum: 148,000 per year HCLTech is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, physical disability or genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with federal, state, and/or local law. Should any applicant have concerns about discrimination in the hiring process, they should provide a detailed report of those concerns to secure@hcltech.com for investigation.Compensation and BenefitsA candidate’s pay within the range will depend on their work location, skills, experience, education, and other factors permitted by law. This role may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses subject to company policies. In addition, this role is eligible for the following benefits subject to company policies: medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability insurance; employee assistance program; 401(k) retirement plan; 10 days of paid time off per year (some positions are eligible for need-based leave with no designated number of leave days per year); and 10 paid holidays per year.How You’ll GrowAt HCLTech, we offer continuous opportunities for you to find your spark and grow with us. We want you to be happy and satisfied with your role and to really learn what type of work sparks your brilliance the best. Throughout your time with us, we offer transparent communication with senior-level employees, learning and career development programs at every level, and opportunities to experiment in different roles or even pivot industries. We believe that you should be in control of your career with unlimited opportunities to find the role that fits you best.