Hardware Architect- job post
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning
Analyse existing designs and implement necessary changes to address bugs and improve performance
Evaluate new designs to ensure they align with design specifications and organisational requirements
Define Critical to Quality (CTQ) parameters for production tools to ensure high-quality deliverables
Review tender specifications and perform feasibility analyses for new projects
Collaborate with the Product Manager to review and finalise Requirement feasibility documents (RFPs) and technical hardware specifications for products
Ensure alignment of Hardware design activities with the overall product development timeline and budget constraints
Drive new product development and the innovation of existing products to meet evolving market demands and customer expectations
Collaborate with executive leadership team to define the technology roadmap aligned with organizational goals
Analyse the product from a systems point of view, architect the potential solutions, and anticipate any risks that may hinder systems-level integration
Product Development
Breakdown project tasks for the team based on product specifications and align team members with the product roadmap
Provide design engineers with detailed specifications to develop prototype design options
Review and finalise prototypes in collaboration with the internal team. Evaluate and validate all PCB options for manufacturability
Organise and participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) discussions. Collaborate with teams from Mechanical, production, and supply chain management (SCM) to address feasibility and resolve product issues
Define test plans for production; Oversee PCB building activities for production and quality assurance (QA)
Evaluate, test, and validate sample products received from multiple shortlisted vendors identified by the SCM team
Approve the final prototype and provide clearance to the SCM team for mass production
Ensure adherence to project timelines by tracking progress, addressing potential delays proactively, and aligning team efforts with key milestones
Collaborate with the Program Manager to oversee execution, monitor progress, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery as per the project plan
Drive improvements in existing products and the addition of new features. Ensure timely resolution of bugs to avoid cost or timeline impacts
Testing
Incorporate feedback from DFM discussions into prototype modifications and provide updated specifications to the team.
Define critical testing parameters to evaluate product performance and reliability
Ensure all feedback from DFM, validation, and production phases is addressed and resolved before progressing to the next development phase
Establish a robust testing framework to ensure product durability and compliance with industry standards
Analyse failure reports, maintenance logs, and customer complaints to identify recurring hardware design issues
Coordinate with certification and compliance agencies to obtain necessary certifications, ensuring the product meets all essential compliance and performance standards
Cost Optimisation
Review the Bill of Materials (BOM) and advise SCM on cost-effective procurement strategies
Ensure the final product is optimised for cost-efficiency without compromising quality or performance
Drive cost-saving initiatives by reducing inventory costs, development costs and encouraging the reuse of components across multiple products
Continuously identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction through design innovation and advanced material selection
People Management and Leadership
Promote open communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams to resolve dependencies and align deliverables
Resolve technical bottlenecks by mentoring the team and providing ongoing support
Identify training needs within the team and ensure members undergo essential internal or external training programs
Monitor team KPIs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
Required Skills & Qualifications
B.E. with 15+ years of experience in Electric Meters utility organisation
PCB Design and Simulation: Proficiency in PCB design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, KiCAD) and simulation software for circuit analysis, signal integrity, and thermal management
