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Senior Hardware Development Engineer

Rockwell Automation · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you worked closely with firmware or manufacturing engineers to solve a problem.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate across disciplines, which is needed for controllers and I/O.

Tell me about a design decision you made that you later regretted.

What they are checking: Whether they learn from mistakes honestly and bring that judgment to new designs.

What would you do

A prototype has an intermittent failure on an I/O channel. How do you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot methodically with measurements instead of swapping parts at random.

How do you balance cost reduction with reliability in a hardware design?

What they are checking: Whether they make cost tradeoffs without weakening a product used in safety applications.

About the work

Walk me through a board you designed, from requirements and design calculations to a working prototype.

What they are checking: Whether they have real end-to-end hardware design experience.

What makes hardware design for process safety controllers different from ordinary industrial electronics?

What they are checking: Whether they understand functional safety ideas like redundancy and diagnostics for safety-rated products.

How do you design a board so it's easy to test in manufacturing?

What they are checking: Whether they understand design for testability, which the posting calls out directly.

What compliance tests like EMC or safety have you run, and what did you do when a design failed one?

What they are checking: Whether they've taken products through compliance and can fix failures.

How do you write a test plan for a new hardware design?

What they are checking: Whether they plan verification that covers requirements, edge cases and environmental conditions.

What design documentation do you create, and who is it for?

What they are checking: Whether they write documentation that others can use for manufacturing, testing and certification.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Rockwell Automation.

Rockwell Automation is a global technology leader focused on helping the world’s manufacturers be more productive, sustainable, and agile. With more than 28,000 employees who make the world better every day, we know we have something special. Behind our customers - amazing companies that help feed the world, provide life-saving medicine on a global scale, and focus on clean water and green mobility - our people are energized problem solvers that take pride in how the work we do changes the world for the better. We welcome all makers, forward thinkers, and problem solvers who are looking for a place to do their best work. And if that’s you we would love to have you join us! Job Description As a Senior Hardware Engineer , you will participate in product development activities including electronics design calculations, prototype troubleshooting, design for testability, test plan generation, conducting compliance tests, and creation of design documentation. You will report to the Hardware Engineering Team Lead and will work a hybrid schedule at our office in Milwaukee, WI. You will work with others to develop the next generation of process industry safety controllers and I/O products. Some of the activities of this role include improving performance, functionality, cost optimization, test efficiency, manufacturability and quality in products delivered. We are looking for someone who has experience with hardware, drives solution investigations, and works with other members of a team. We are looking for someone who has an electronics development background, works well in a team setting, is an collaborator, and is respectful of others. Your Responsibilities: You will do testing in the following areas: • Microprocessor/Microcontroller system design • Memory system designs • Design for circuits with FPGA/CPLD/PAL devices • Ethernet and USB design, testing, certification • Digital and analog electronics, power supply and I/O circuits • Design tools for Schematic Capture and PCB Layout • Accomplish board level and system level design verification tests • EMI noise reduction techniques/countermeasures for PCB layout • Test to EMC/EMI regulatory certifications • Signal Integrity measurements using Network Analyzers, Oscilloscopes • Perform product testing for Environmental and Certification Test Standards • Manage prototype build from BOM creation to build change requests • Functional Safety product development with IEC61508 The Essentials - You Will Have: • Bachelor's Degree in Relevant Field • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. The Preferred - You Might Also Have: • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent. • Typically requires 5+ years related experience. • Experience in Electronics Product Design, including the responsibilities listed above. • Have a desire for continuous improvement in applying best practices and modern technologies in hardware design and processes. What We Offer: • Health Insurance including Medical, Dental and Vision • 401k • Paid Time off • Parental and Caregiver Leave • Flexible Work Schedule where you will work with your manager to enjoy a work schedule that can be flexible with your personal life. • To learn more about our benefits package, please visit at www.raquickfind.com . This position is part of a job family. Experience will be the determining factor for position level and compensation. At Rockwell Automation we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just you or other roles. #LI-Hybrid #LI-MP1 #LifeAtROK We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans. If you are an individual with a disability and you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our services team at +1 (844) 404-7247. Rockwell Automation’s hybrid policy aligns that employees are expected to work at a Rockwell location at least Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays unless they have a business obligation out of the office.

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