Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Design Lead / Technical Architect to serve as the principal technical authority for the hardware and mechanical design of our next-generation Gigabit Ethernet Switch for rolling stock applications. The ideal candidate will possess deep, hands-on expertise across high-speed hardware design, mechanical engineering, thermal management, and railway compliance standards (EN 50155, EN 50121-4, EN 61131-2). This role demands proven technical leadership in driving product hardware architecture from initial concept and specification through to mass manufacturing and certification.
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 (24110 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.
