Principal Hardware Engineer
As a Principal Hardware Engineer at Nokia, you will take a leadership role in defining, designing, developing, and optimizing ethernet switching and routing products for service provider, data center, and enterprise applications. You will work closely with a larger cross-functional team including product line managers, hardware, software and mechanical and manufacturing engineers, as well as development and manufacturing partners to deliver high-performance, innovative and reliable hardware platforms. This role requires deep technical expertise, a passion for innovation, and a track record of successful execution.
DCN2026
- Lead development of one or more hardware platforms from conception through release to production, working with either in-house or development partner engineering teams, and ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, and cost targets.
- Lead and direct development activities including documentation, design and schematic implementation, PCB layout, unit and system level validation, regulatory and environmental specification conformance testing, and manufacturing readiness.
- Collaborate with software and firmware engineers to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components.
- Develop and execute validation and verification plans to ensure hardware meets all functional and performance specifications.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with hardware design and production, including failure analysis and troubleshooting.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers, providing technical leadership and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Develop and manage relationships with external suppliers and overseeing key component selection
- Understand and capitalize on industry trends and emerging technologies in both the technology partner ecosystem and applying new knowledge to enhance hardware design and development processes.
- Prepare and present technical documentation and report on program activities and status to stakeholders and senior management.
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years hardware development experience, with a strong track record in designing and developing hardware platforms for data networking applications.
- Thorough knowledge of project management and end-to-end hardware development processes.
- Expertise with high-speed digital design, power systems design, constraint-driven PCB layout, and design for manufacturing and test.
- Proficiency with EDA tool suites such as Mentor Xpedition, Cadence Allegro, OrCAD, or similar EDA tools.
- Solid understanding of hardware and software integration, including experience with ethernet switches and routers, x86 and ARM CPUs, FPGAs, and embedded systems.
- Experience with safety, EMC and environmental standards and regulatory compliance certification.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze and resolve complex technical issues.
- Strong technical leadership abilities.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.