Hardware Design - Altium

Freelance Automotive Hardware Design Engineer – Audio Amplifiers

We are supporting an automotive client in the Hesse region of Germany who is looking for an experienced Hardware Design Engineer to support an automotive audio amplifier development project.

This is a freelance engagement for an initial minimum of 6 months , with potential for a longer-term project. The role will be on-site in Hesse and paid on an hourly rate .

The Role

You will support the development of automotive audio amplifier hardware from initial concept and architecture through to testing, verification and series production.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Electronic hardware development for automotive audio amplifier projects , from concept and architecture through to series production.
• Design, development, testing and measurement of electronic modules for automotive applications.
• Development and optimisation of audio amplifier hardware , including experience across different amplifier topologies such as Class A, Class AB and Class D .
• Ownership of schematic design and PCB development using Altium Designer , including schematic capture, component selection, PCB layout and manufacturing data.
• Design and review of multilayer PCBs , taking EMC/EMI, grounding, signal integrity, power integrity, thermal performance and manufacturability into consideration.
• Development of analogue and digital circuitry for automotive audio and amplifier applications.
• Supporting power electronics, power supply design, audio signal paths and analogue circuitry within amplifier-based products.
• Conducting feasibility studies using simulation, calculations and prototype hardware.
• Commissioning, debugging and verification of new hardware designs.
• Building, modifying and troubleshooting prototypes and electronic assemblies.
• Performing electrical and audio-related measurements using oscilloscopes, multimeters and other laboratory equipment.
• Documenting test results and supporting ongoing design improvements.
• Producing technical documentation and defining functional and technical criteria.
• Working closely with software, mechanical, quality and purchasing teams.
• Supporting international technical discussions and hardware design reviews.

Your Profile

• 5+ years of professional experience in electronic hardware development .
• Strong hands-on experience with Altium Designer , particularly schematic capture and PCB design/layout.
• Strong knowledge of analogue and digital circuit design .
• Previous experience with audio amplifier hardware development .
• Experience with different amplifier classes and topologies, particularly Class AB and Class D .
• Good understanding of power electronics, power supply design, audio signal paths and analogue circuitry .
• Strong knowledge of multilayer PCB design, including EMC/EMI, grounding, thermal management, signal integrity and power integrity .
• Experience with hardware simulation, prototyping, debugging and design verification.
• Comfortable working hands-on with soldering equipment, oscilloscopes, multimeters and other laboratory equipment.
• Experience testing and troubleshooting complex electronic assemblies and embedded hardware.
• Automotive hardware development experience is highly beneficial.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Information Technology or a comparable technical discipline.
• English communication skills required. German is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Structured, hands-on approach with strong technical problem-solving skills.

If you have strong Altium Designer and amplifier hardware development experience and are interested in supporting a long-term automotive audio project in Germany, we would be keen to hear from you.

Apply below.