Graduate Hardware Design Engineer

The Pickering Group is a family-owned, UK-based electronics manufacturer established in 1968, specializing in high-quality switching, simulation, and relay products for industries like aerospace, automotive, and defense.

The Graduate Hardware Design Engineer contributes to the design, development, and validation of electronic hardware solutions for our portfolio of high-performance products. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will gain hands-on experience across the full product lifecycle, developing the skills required to take on technical leadership in future projects. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in hardware engineering within a supportive and innovative environment.
• Work with Product Management to define product / design specifications
• Lead in the design and validation of product update projects.
• Create detailed schematics and PCB layouts using Altium designer
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and final products
• Conduct hardware debugging using test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, DMMs).
• Collaborate with the mechanical and software teams to ensure effective hardware/software integration.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including, software, mechanical, test, NPI and manufacturing to ensure efficient delivery of projects
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation
• Support cross functional product documentation creation
• Support products through full product lifecycle. From initial concept through to end of life
• Provide support to Production for released products.
• Provide support to sales team(s) / customers for a variety of products.
• Continue personal development by participating in training courses, seminars.
• Visit trade shows to gain appreciation of the marketplace.
• Assist with internal / external quality system audits.

Join PICKERING INTERFACES LIMITED as a Graduate Hardware Design Engineer, contributing to the development of cutting-edge test and measurement solutions. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in electronic hardware design within a dynamic engineering environment.

Job Responsibilities:**

* Assist in the design, development, and testing of analogue and digital electronic circuits for new and existing products.
* Contribute to schematic capture and PCB layout activities using industry-standard CAD tools.
* Participate in the bring-up, debugging, and verification of hardware prototypes.
* Support the creation of technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and manufacturing instructions.
* Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.
* Conduct component selection and evaluation, considering factors such as availability, cost, and technical specifications.
* Engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay abreast of new technologies and design methodologies.
* Adhere to company quality standards and design processes throughout the product development lifecycle.

Job Qualifications:**

* A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
* Strong understanding of fundamental analogue and digital electronic circuit design principles.
* Familiarity with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, KiCad).
* Experience with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers.
* Basic programming skills (e.g., C/C++, Python) for embedded systems or test automation are a plus.
* Excellent problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail.
* Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
* Good written and verbal communication skills.
* A genuine passion for hardware design and a proactive approach to learning.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM PICKERING

 

People are at the heart of Pickering. We believe that each employee contributes directly to Pickering’s growth and success, in return we offer:

 

• A competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Buying and selling holiday. Employees can buy up to 10 days if eligible.
• Life Insurance x4 annual salary, capped at £50k
• Corporate membership at the local gym and spa
• A thorough induction program, including a Pickering Pal being assigned to you to ensure you feel welcome and to check in on you during your probation
• Regular reviews and performance related pay increases (subject to business conditions)
• Employee wellbeing and mental health support through our partnership with Mind
• EAP with Sparks (Legal & General health and wellbeing digital home) 
• Wellbeing Program with Spa Medical
• Choice of salary sacrifice on Pension contributions
• Paid company social events such as a summer festival and Christmas party
• Career progression
• Training programmes
• Sponsoring further education
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Potential for Worldwide Business Travel (role dependant)
• Free tea, coffee, and fresh fruit