Hardware Integration Engineer
Job description
Hardware Integration Engineer at Base Power.
About the role
This role designs and integrates power hardware for residential energy systems. The position develops battery storage, inverters, and microgrid interconnect devices to strengthen a resilient electricity network.
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
Battery management systems, inverters, and MID hardware advance residential energy applications through dedicated integration work. Integrated hardware systems undergo testing, validation, and troubleshooting to verify performance and reliability for end users.
Requirements
A BS/MS in Electrical Engineering (or related field) is required alongside 3+ years of hardware development experience, ideally in energy storage or power systems. Electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuit analysis, analog and digital electronics, and high-voltage design, are required for safe and effective system design. Power electronics knowledge, such as DC-DC and DC-AC converters, inverters, switching power supplies, and grid-tie systems, is required for energy conversion and flow. Understanding of battery systems, BMS design, charging algorithms, and safety systems for Li-ion and LiFePO4 technologies is required to manage energy storage risks. Embedded programming in C/C++ and Python, plus communication protocols such as CAN and Modbus, is required for device control and data exchange. A physics background in electromagnetics, thermodynamics, and measurement principles is required to analyze system behavior. Proficiency with PCB design tools such as Altium Designer and KiCad is required to create reliable hardware layouts. Operation of circuit simulation tools such as LTSpice and MATLAB/Simulink is required to model and validate designs. Test equipment operation is required to verify functionality under real conditions. Familiarity with UL 1741, IEEE 1547, and NEC standards is required to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Nice to have
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or the ability to obtain it is preferred for independent responsibility. Experience with residential energy codes and smart home integration is preferred to align with customer expectations. Background in product certification and regulatory approvals is preferred to streamline compliance and market entry.
Practical notes
Work is conducted onsite in Austin, and the role requires on-site presence in line with workplace policy. The position operates in a startup context where priorities shift quickly to respond to business needs. for the most current information.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
Hardware engineers solve real world problems by combining electrical theory with hands on prototyping. Power electronics and battery systems form the core of modern energy storage solutions. Proficiency with PCB design and simulation tools enables efficient debugging and iteration for complex systems. Standards such as UL and IEEE ensure safety and interoperability in grid connected devices. Team collaboration aligns hardware, software, and regulatory workflows to deliver reliable products.