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Principal Hardware Engineer

Come work alongside some of the most talented minds in the agtech industry. We are a team of innovators who are accelerating the digitization and sustainability of our planet’s food system. At Arable, you will have the unique opportunity to build something meaningful with an amazing group of people who care about each other and their work.


What we do:


At Arable, our goal is to connect all the world’s farms to help optimize the global food system. This is an ambitious goal, but the need has never been greater to rethink how we will feed an ever-growing population and reduce our impact on natural resources. We believe the heart of the solution is digitizing the analog world with high-fidelity data to help food producers optimize their operations. We hope the impact of our work will improve the lives of farmers everywhere and be a major contribution to securing the global food supply for decades to come.

A few examples of the work we’re doing today:


Helping farmers in India and Mozambique adapt to the effects of climate change on their farms with novel data-driven crop insurance

Giving produce growers in California the tools to optimize production and minimize waste

Helping irrigated farms in Nebraska manage water more efficiently and sustainably to protect our water supply



As Principal Hardware Engineer, you'll spearhead the development of our hardware ecosystem, including the Arable Mark 3. This pivotal leadership position shapes the future of our sensing platforms while ensuring exceptional agricultural technology solutions worldwide.


What you will do:
  • Lead hardware engineering throughout product lifecycle from concept to production.
  • Manage domestic and offshore manufacturing operations.
  • Oversee and validate ODM designs to meet Arable's quality standards.
  • Develop technical documentation for designs, testing, and support.
  • Lead prototyping efforts for new hardware products and features.
  • Participate in product validation and testing with QA teams.
  • Collaborate with product management, software, operations, and customer success.
  • Manage key vendor relationships and component selection.
  • Coordinate bug tracking and resolution for hardware issues.
  • Support manufacturing test fixtures and processes


Required experience and skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
  • 6+ years of hardware engineering experience with full PCB design lifecycle.
  • Proficiency with schematic capture, PCB layout, and board bring-up, and lab equipment.
  • Knowledge of regulatory testing (FCC, CE) and NPI processes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Self-starter who works well in fast-paced environments.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills


Preferred experience and skills:
  • Advanced technical degree8+ years bringing multiple hardware products to mass production.
  • Experience managing or collaborating with offshore teams.
  • Knowledge of C programming for embedded systems.
  • Wireless product design (WiFi, BLE, cellular) and/or RTOS experience.
  • Background in agricultural or environmental sensor technology


Qualities for Success:
  • Passion for Sustainability: Care deeply about global food systems and environmental impact
  • Startup Mindset: Thrive in fast-paced environments with multiple responsibilities
  • Technical Leadership: Ownership of projects and influence on technology roadmap
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective communication across different teams
  • Resourcefulness: Design cost-effective solutions and troubleshoot in field
  • Adaptability: Stay current with emerging technologies and navigate new challenges


What we offer:


At Arable, you will be joining a company of dedicated team players who bring together diverse expertise and a passion for building a more sustainable future. We are a fast-moving startup committed to providing a rewarding employee experience through the work we do, the team, compensation, and benefits, including:


Excellent medical, dental, vision, and a 401k program

Flexible PTO

A focus on community involvement and career development

Being a part of creating innovative new products that have a positive impact on the world


At Arable, we don't just accept difference—we celebrate and support it. Not only because it's the right thing to do but because we draw on the differences in who we are, what we've experienced, and how we think to make Arable thrive. Arable is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and is an affirmative-action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.

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Average salary estimate

$140000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$120000K
$160000K

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What You Should Know About Principal Hardware Engineer, Arable

Join a dynamic team at Arable as a Principal Hardware Engineer and make a significant impact in the agtech industry, right from the heart of the San Francisco Bay area! We’re on a mission to revolutionize the food system and ensure sustainable practices for the future. At Arable, we’re innovators dedicated to digitizing agriculture by connecting farms across the globe. This role is not just about hardware; it’s about shaping the tools that will help farmers optimize their production while preserving our planet's resources. You will be leading projects from the ground up, managing both domestic and offshore manufacturing operations, and overseeing the development of cutting-edge hardware like the Arable Mark 3. Collaboration is key as you work with product management, software teams, and QA to validate and test products ensuring they meet our high standards. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, and an eagerness to jump into the fast-paced startup environment. At Arable, we value passion for sustainability, strong technical leadership, and an ability to adapt to new technologies. If you’re excited about bringing innovative hardware solutions to life and making a genuine difference in the agricultural sector, this could be your next big adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Hardware Engineer Role at Arable
What does the Principal Hardware Engineer at Arable do?

As a Principal Hardware Engineer at Arable, you will lead the development of our hardware ecosystem, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from concept to production. You will manage both domestic and offshore manufacturing operations, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure that our hardware meets stringent quality standards.

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What experience is required for the Principal Hardware Engineer position at Arable?

Candidates for the Principal Hardware Engineer role at Arable should have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, along with 6+ years of hardware engineering experience, especially with full PCB design lifecycle. Proficiency in schematic capture, PCB layout, and lab equipment is essential.

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What skills are essential for success as a Principal Hardware Engineer at Arable?

Essential skills for the Principal Hardware Engineer at Arable include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a proficiency in regulatory testing such as FCC and CE. Additionally, having a passion for sustainability and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments is crucial.

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What software knowledge benefits the Principal Hardware Engineer role at Arable?

Knowledge of C programming for embedded systems, along with experience in wireless product design (WiFi, BLE, cellular) and/or RTOS, will significantly benefit candidates for the Principal Hardware Engineer position at Arable. Experience with managing offshore teams can also be an asset.

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What is the work culture like at Arable for a Principal Hardware Engineer?

At Arable, the work culture is dynamic, collaborative, and centered around innovation. We prioritize sustainability and community involvement, and you’ll be part of a team that celebrates diversity. We’re fast-moving, where all team members are encouraged to contribute and grow, making it a rewarding experience.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal Hardware Engineer
Can you describe your experience with the full PCB design lifecycle?

When answering this question, provide specific examples from your past roles, highlighting how you've been involved in each phase of the PCB design process, from concept through to production. Mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, focusing on your impact on product quality.

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How do you approach troubleshooting hardware issues?

Discuss your systematic approach to troubleshooting, emphasizing the importance of using diagnostic tools and methods to identify the root cause of hardware problems. Share a specific example where you successfully resolved a complex issue to demonstrate your analytical skills.

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What has been your experience managing manufacturer relationships?

Share instances where you have successfully negotiated terms and ensured product quality with manufacturers. Highlight any experience you have with offshore teams, detailing how you handled communication and project management to foster a productive relationship.

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Describe your experience with regulatory testing processes.

Explain the regulatory testing processes you've navigated, such as FCC or CE tests. Provide examples of how you've prepared products for these tests and any lessons learned that contributed to successful product launches.

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What strategies do you use to stay current with emerging technologies?

Talk about specific sources you follow, such as industry publications, online courses, or professional networks. Detail how staying informed has helped you innovate and apply new technologies in your past projects.

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How do you handle tight deadlines and fast-paced environments?

Illustrate your methods for time management and prioritizing tasks. Providing an example from a past role where you successfully delivered under pressure will strengthen your response and demonstrate your capability.

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What role does collaboration play in your engineering projects?

Discuss how you have worked with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, emphasizing the importance of communication and compromise in engineering. Use examples to show your teamwork skills and how collaboration leads to innovative solutions.

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Give an example of a technical challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

Reflect on a specific technical obstacle, describe the context, and detail the steps you took to resolve it. Be sure to include what you learned from the experience and how it might benefit future projects.

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How do you ensure quality in your designs?

Discuss your quality assurance processes, including prototypes, testing phases, and validation strategies. Highlight any standards or practices you adhere to that have led to improved product quality in your past experiences.

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What motivates you to work in the agtech industry?

Articulate your passion for sustainability and the significance of the agtech sector. Share a personal story or inspiration that drives your commitment to making a positive impact through technology in agriculture.

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People can solve natural resource challenges if they possess the right tools. Arable enables data-driven decisions in agriculture and natural resource management using Measurements that Matter. With real-time, continuous visibility and predictive...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 12, 2025

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