Electronics and Mechatronics Engineer — Research Hardware

The role

Develop the electronics and mechanical systems that allow early scientific ideas to be measured repeatably. That means real decisions about analog noise, grounding, PCB layout, instrument control, enclosures, and calibration—not merely assembling purchased modules.

The work

• Design and build precision analog and mixed-signal acquisition systems.
• Develop low-noise amplifiers, filtering stages, sensor interfaces, power electronics and embedded control systems.
• Design schematics and PCBs in KiCad, Altium or equivalent EDA tools.
• Develop firmware and instrument-control interfaces for microcontrollers and embedded platforms.
• Design mechanical structures, mounts, fixtures, enclosures and experimental assemblies using SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Prototype rapidly using 3D printing, machining, commercially available components and external fabrication vendors.
• Integrate optical, acoustic, electronic and electromechanical subsystems.
• Build automated test setups and validate noise, bandwidth, timing, thermal stability and measurement repeatability.

What matters

• Strong practical experience with analog and digital electronics.
• Understanding of grounding, shielding, interference, signal integrity and precision measurement.
• Experience building PCBs and debugging real hardware.
• Hands-on embedded programming in C/C++ or Python.
• Working knowledge of mechanical CAD and fabrication constraints.
• Comfort using oscilloscopes, function generators, DAQs, power supplies and laboratory instruments.

What good work looks like

A documented, testable instrument subsystem that works repeatedly, not only in a single demonstration.

Why this work matters

Give theoretical and experimental research a reliable physical platform.

Get in touch

Send us your CV, your personal website or examples of work you have done, particularly a circuit, instrument, embedded system or mechanical prototype you built and tested. Include an informal handwritten statement of purpose, with no prescribed length, telling us why this mission matters to you, what difficult work has taught you, and what you would like to take responsibility for at Walnut. This mission will demand scientific rigor, patience, independent thinking and a willingness to test ideas against reality. Write the statement entirely in your own words, without using generative AI. We will not consider statements written using AI. A photograph or scan of the statement is sufficient, and a typed version is welcome if handwriting is difficult. A reference from someone who knows your work is welcome, but not required.