Hardware Design Engineer (BLE & RF)

About the Role - We are seeking a talented Hardware Design Engineer (BLE & RF) who is passionate about wireless connectivity and embedded systems. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of the BLE protocol , from stack to hardware, and combine it with practical expertise in debugging, optimizing, and validating BLE designs. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our BLE-enabled products are robust, secure, and optimized for performance, from antenna and PCB design review to over-the-air packet analysis to security compliance .

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF circuits, components, and systems for wireless communication products. Focus on design and validation of devices that use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.
• Perform simulations, evaluate feasibility, and refine designs for enhanced efficiency.
• Analyze the test data, resolve RF issues, and implement improvements to enhance system performance.
• Perform simulation, modeling, and validation of RF circuit performance during development stages.
• Review and critique PCB designs for BLE modules, antennas, and RF paths to ensure optimal signal quality, range, and compliance.
• Debug and optimize BLE communication at all layers (PHY, Link Layer, GATT, Security), diagnosing issues like connection instability, latency, or interference.
• Perform detailed BLE security analysis , ensuring products comply with best practices for pairing, bonding, key management, and encryption.
• Capture and analyze BLE air traffic using sniffers (e.g., Nordic nRF Sniffer, Ellisys, or similar) to identify and resolve protocol-level or interoperability issues.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams to resolve cross-disciplinary issues.
• Write clear documentation and share findings with engineering teams, advocating for sound RF and BLE practices.
• Regularly implement best practices and remain informed about the latest developments in RF simulation.
• Stay current on BLE specification changes, new features (e.g., BLE 5.x/5.4, Periodic Advertising, AoA/AoD), and trends in BLE security and RF design.

Requirements - Education & Background

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in: Electrical Engineering , Computer Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience.
• Skilled in the use of key RF testing equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and VNAs.
• Solid theoretical and practical understanding of Bluetooth Low Energy protocol stack and architecture (Host & Controller) .
• Strong background in RF fundamentals as it applies to BLE (impedance matching, antenna design, RF layout considerations).

BLE-Specific Skills

• Proficient in BLE debugging tools and techniques:
• Air sniffers (e.g., Nordic nRF Sniffer, Ellisys, Frontline)
• Protocol analyzers
• Logging & stack debugging
• In-depth knowledge of BLE security modes & procedures, including pairing methods, authentication, encryption, and privacy.
• Understanding of power optimization techniques for BLE communication.

Hardware/PCB Skills

• Ability to review and critique BLE-related PCB designs , with a focus on antenna selection, placement, matching networks, and ground plane considerations.
• Familiarity with common BLE chipsets and modules, hands-on experience with Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52/nRF53 series is a big plus .
• RF testing and measurement basics (VSWR, return loss, spectrum analysis).

General Skills

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking mindset.
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A team player who collaborates effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Experience with BLE Mesh, Direction Finding (AoA/AoD), or Bluetooth 5.4 Periodic Advertising with Responses.
• Familiarity with embedded development toolchains and debugging (e.g., Segger, Keil, GCC, Zephyr RTOS).
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance for RF devices (FCC, CE, etc.).
• Hands-on experience tuning and validating antenna performance in an anechoic chamber or similar environment.