Hardware Design Engineer

Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in communication solutions is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer in Birmingham. This position involves designing PCB layouts, troubleshooting electronics, and supporting product development. Responsibilities include product testing, continuous knowledge development, and team support. The ideal candidate has strong soldering skills, experience with KiCAD, and the ability to manage technical issues effectively. This role operates within a normal office environment, and hybrid working is not available.

Benefits

23 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Bupa Private Healthcare after 12 months

Healthshield Cashplan Cover after 12 months

Company Pension Scheme

Life Assurance Cover from day one

Qualifications

• Prior experience in the electronics industry is essential.
• Ability to diagnose faults and interpret schematics.
• Proficiency in using technical equipment like multi-meters.

Responsibilities

• Read and create schematic diagrams for products.
• Troubleshoot and repair faults on products.
• Test product functionality and associated connections.

Skills

Electronics expertise

Soldering skills

Communication

Problem solving

Knowledge of KiCAD

Tools

Jira

KiCAD

Altium

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd is a market leader and global supplier of specialist equipment, solutions and services, for the Police, Military, Government and Industrial sectors, with over 45 years’ experience.

We specialise in the design and manufacture of communications accessories for all radio makes and models. Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd supply body-worn, mobile and static video surveillance equipment and offer installation services to all types of technical equipment into vehicles, both covertly and overtly. This service covers all the UK at our fully equipped installation workshop, or at the Customers premises.

Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd are proud to be closely associated with Motorola as an Application Partner in both DIMETRA and MOTOTRBO systems.

This partnership, based on many years of co-operation, provides us access to tools and information that build on our ability to develop specialised, bespoke accessories for our customers.

We have teamed up with Motorola to produce solutions that support DMR and TETRA radio users, along with their diverse requirements across the globe, to ensure critical specialisms are fully supported in their demanding roles.

The company operates from a single site in Bickenhill, Birmingham and is within walking distance of Birmingham International train station giving us good transport links for rail or local bus services in support of employee parking.

Job Purpose/mandate

The Technical Support team provides comprehensive assistance across multiple departments, including Production, Video Support, Specialist Vehicle Operations, and Sales.

We are seeking a highly motivated Hardware Design Engineer who can take ownership of tasks involving product PCB redesign, issue resolution, and production support across a diverse range of products.

Specific duties and responsibilities

• Schematic Design: Ability to read and create schematic diagrams for company products. Fault Diagnosis Skilled in troubleshooting and repairing faults on products, using supporting documentation for items returned by customers or identified during production builds.
• Continuous Knowledge Development: Willingness to expand technical knowledge of company technologies, including research, component releases, and understanding radio systems to meet specific task requirements.
• Product Testing: Comprehensive understanding of product functionality, associated radio connections, and correct testing procedures.
• Team Support: Ability to provide assistance to any team member seeking help. If unsure, take ownership of the issue and escalated to the appropriate resource.
• Product Development & Future Technologies: Contribute to product development initiatives and stay informed about emerging technologies relevant to the company’s offerings.

Knowledge and Skills

• Electronics Expertise: Prior experience in the electronics industry is essential, including the ability to diagnose faults, design & interpret schematics, and work down to component level. The role involves PCB-related tasks, such as schematic/circuit design as well as PCB layout. This will then bring the PCB to a complete assembly.
• Practical Skills: Strong soldering skills are required, along with proficiency in using technical equipment such as multi-meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and PCB rework tools.
• Software Knowledge:
  • Jira
  • KiCAD (Mandatory)
  • Altium (Only for legacy PCB conversion to KiCAD)
  • Microsoft Office 365 Suite
• Communication: Demonstrates strong communication skills within the team and across the company, providing support and collaboration when required.
• Problem Solving: Proficient in diagnosing technical issues within product ranges by reviewing schematics or drawings, identifying faults, and coordinating corrective actions with the assembly team.
• Job-Specific Skills: KiCAD knowledge is mandatory within this role.
• Innovation: Collaborates within the Technical Support Department to discuss and refine product designs. A strong understanding of customer needs ensures products are optimised with features and capabilities that enhance the end‑user experience.
• Organisation and Project Responsibility: Takes pride and ownership in products developed by the team. In the event of faults or customer complaints, works proactively with the team to resolve issues and ensure product quality.
• Focus: The candidate must demonstrate resilience and the ability to manage challenges constructively, ensuring that performance remains unaffected by stress.

Working Hours: 42.5 Hours per week (08:00 – 17:00) 30 minutes break at 13:00

Working conditions

Environment: Normal office environment.

Location: Birmingham Office (Starley Way, Bickenhill), Hybrid (remote) working is not available within this position.

Company Benefits

• Holiday: 23 days basic annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Health Care: Bupa Private Healthcare following 12 months service.
• Cover: Healthshield Cashplan Cover following 12 months service.
• Pension: There is a Company Pension Scheme in place. The minimum employee contribution is 5% and minimum employer contribution is 3%.
• Life Assurance: Company Life Assurance Cover (Death in Service) from day one of employment, currently 3 x annual salary.
• Benefits Website

If you feel you are right for this role and would like to apply, please contact Michele Bryant for an application form at : [e-mail]