Role: Senior Hardware Engineer - Analog, Digital & Power Electronics
Project Length: Initial 6 months (with strong intent to extend to 12 months)
Contract: Freelance / Freiberufler / Selbstständig
Work Location: Onsite Berlin Area
Start Date: ASAP
Project Language: English / German
We are seeking a senior-level Hardware Engineer to support the development, industrialisation, and production readiness of advanced automation and bonding machinery. The role spans R&D, production support, and hardware architecture, with a strong focus on motion systems, electronics, and control hardware.
You will help stabilise and scale existing machine platforms while contributing to next-generation equipment design. Digital domain experience is a plus, as the role requires close interaction between hardware, control software, and automation systems in complex, high-precision machines.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, develop, and integrate hardware for automated and semi-automated machinery
* Own PCB design, schematics, component selection, and hardware integration (KiCad)
* Support production-ready machine lines, including manual, tabletop, and automated bonders
* Develop and support motion systems including motors, linear drives, robotics, and multi-axis platforms
* Integrate control electronics, signal distribution, wiring, and connectors
* Support control unit architecture for temperature, power, and motor subsystems
* Troubleshoot complex hardware and motion issues, including linear motor instability
* Manage component obsolescence in a fast-moving electronics market
* Collaborate with R&D, production, and automation teams to align hardware with system requirements
Required Experience
* Strong background in hardware development for industrial or automation systems
* Proven experience with PCB design, circuit schematics, and electronics integration (KiCad preferred)
* Hands-on experience with motors, drives, motion control, and robotic systems
* Experience working with microcontrollers and SoC-based control systems
* Understanding of automation architectures, signal routing, and control wiring
* Experience supporting both R&D and production environments
* Comfortable working in under-resourced or fast-scaling engineering teams
Nice to Have
* Experience in high-precision equipment environments
* Exposure to bonding systems, precision mechanics, or slow-cycle/high-accuracy machinery
* Background working with or alongside customers such as ASML, Applied Materials, KLA, or similar organisations would be beneficial.
If this is of interest, please apply below and complete the qualification questions. We’ll be in touch shortly.