Hardware Design Manager

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 (24–110 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.