Hardware QA Engineer

About the role

This role strengthens the research and development team of a partner that builds devices to defeat adversaries. The team delivers new hardware solutions and produces its own developments from concept to production.

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

Testing validates hardware functionality at multiple lifecycle stages, ensuring performance before release.

Defects are identified, analyzed, and recorded so the team can address issues and improve product reliability.

Test cases and scenarios are developed and maintained to support consistent verification and traceability.

Technical documentation is updated to reflect current design decisions and test results for future reference.

Collaboration with the development team resolves defects and aligns implementation with specifications and user needs.

Requirements

One year of experience in hardware testing is required to ensure reliable validation processes.

Testing theory knowledge, including test types, design techniques, and defect lifecycle, guides methodical verification work.

Hands-on experience with hardware testing provides a significant advantage in diagnosing physical layer issues.

Understanding of basic circuitry and electronic component principles enables accurate test execution and interpretation.

Experience with interfaces and protocols such as SSH, Telnet, and UART supports effective validation and debugging.

Basic soldering skills allow safe connection, modification, and troubleshooting of prototypes and fixtures.

Analytical thinking helps break down complex problems and quickly learn new technical solutions.

Practical notes

Employment is formal, with leave of 24 calendar days plus 1 day for your birthday, and medical insurance after a successful trial.

The office is located on the right bank of Kyiv, and the role requires occasional travel and work in a team of like minded innovators.

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 validation ensures that devices meet functional and durability expectations under real conditions.

Test design and measurement techniques vary across industries and depend on product risk and regulatory requirements.

Prototyping, debugging, and documentation form a closed loop that guides product decisions and improvements.

Communication skills help translate technical findings to different stakeholders and keep projects on schedule.

Continuous learning keeps professionals aligned with evolving standards, tools, and verification methods in electronics.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.