An early-stage semiconductor business in Amsterdam is expanding its hardware engineering team as it prepares its first product for market.

This is a practical, lab-based position for an engineer who enjoys turning new designs into reliable, working systems. You will support hardware from initial prototype assembly and board bring-up through to internal development platforms, customer evaluation kits and live demonstrations.

The company is open to engineers at different levels of experience, from those early in their careers through to established hardware professionals. What matters most is curiosity, ownership and the willingness to work through problems in an environment where requirements can change quickly.

What you’ll be doing

* Assemble and configure prototype electronic systems
* Bring up new boards and verify their functionality
* Build test platforms for FPGA, embedded software and firmware development
* Diagnose hardware faults using standard laboratory equipment
* Support PCB testing, system integration and technical validation
* Produce stable evaluation platforms for customers and internal stakeholders
* Prepare working systems for demonstrations, exhibitions and technical presentations
* Work with external manufacturing partners during prototype production
* Investigate build issues and validate newly delivered hardware
* Collaborate closely with FPGA, ASIC, software and wider hardware engineers
* Improve internal test setups, development processes and engineering documentation

What they’re looking for

* Experience working practically with electronic hardware or embedded systems
* Confidence assembling, configuring and troubleshooting physical systems
* Familiarity with PCB-based products and board-level debugging
* Experience using oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analysers or similar lab tools
* An understanding of FPGA or ASIC-based platforms would be highly relevant
* Strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to operate independently
* A generalist mindset and an interest in working across different engineering areas
* Comfortable taking responsibility without always having a predefined process
* Able to adapt as technical priorities and product requirements develop
* Motivated by building real products rather than working within a narrowly defined remit

Useful additional experience

* FPGA development or FPGA-based product platforms
* Hardware bring-up and functional board validation
* Embedded development environments
* Prototype manufacturing and external supplier coordination
* Preparing customer demonstration or evaluation hardware
* Experience within a semiconductor, deep-tech or hardware startup
* Dutch language skills are useful but not essential

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Reece Waldon