Principal Hardware Engineer

What You Will Do • Drive hardware development across the full product lifecycle, from concept to production.

• Coordinate domestic and offshore manufacturing operations.

• Review and validate ODM designs to meet Arable’s quality standards.

• Develop technical documentation for designs, testing, and support.

• Lead hands-on prototyping of new hardware products and features.

• Work with QA teams on product validation and testing.

• Collaborate with product management, software, operations, and customer success.

• Manage key vendor relationships and guide component selection.

• Troubleshoot hardware issues and coordinate bug tracking and resolution.

• Support manufacturing test fixtures and processes.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influence technology direction, and strengthen the team’s engineering capabilities.

Experience and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

• 6+ years of hardware engineering experience spanning the full PCB design lifecycle.

• Proficiency with schematic capture, PCB layout, board bring-up, and lab equipment.

• Knowledge of regulatory testing, including FCC and CE, and new product introduction (NPI) processes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• A self-directed approach and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Advanced technical degree.

• 8+ years of experience bringing multiple hardware products to mass production.

• Experience managing or collaborating with offshore teams.

• Knowledge of C programming for embedded systems.

• Experience with wireless product design (WiFi, BLE, cellular) and/or RTOS.

• Background in agricultural or environmental sensor technology.

• Experience leading engineering initiatives, developing processes, or mentoring engineers.

• Expertise in low-power system design, particularly for solar-powered and battery-powered devices.

Qualities for Success • Passion for Sustainability: Care deeply about global food systems and environmental impact.

• Startup Mindset: Thrive in a fast-paced environment and take ownership across multiple responsibilities.

• Technical Leadership: Lead through engineering expertise, sound judgment, and ownership of results.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate effectively and build productive relationships across teams.

• Resourcefulness: Develop cost-effective solutions and troubleshoot real-world field challenges.

• Adaptability: Stay current with emerging technologies and navigate new challenges.

• Mentorship: Share knowledge and help elevate the work of colleagues and partners.