Virtual Hardware Engineer

Canada Solar Inc. is seeking a Hardware Engineer in Kitchener, ON, responsible for designing and documenting electronic hardware for inverters and energy storage systems. The role involves schematic design, PCB layout, and collaboration with various teams to ensure robust hardware. Candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years of experience in PCB design and power electronics. Compensation ranges from $87,000 to $135,000 plus bonuses.
Position Title
Hardware Engineer Department
Inverter Firmware Compensation
$87,000 - $135,000 + annual bonus Reports To


Director of Digital Inverter Firmware Location


Kitchener, ON (onsite) About the Role The PCB Designer / Hardware Engineer is responsible for the schematic design, PCB layout, and documentation of high‑reliability electronic hardware used in inverters, batteries, and energy storage systems. This role requires hands‑on experience across the full hardware design lifecycle, from schematic capture and component selection through layout, prototype bring‑up, and production release. You will work closely with power electronics, firmware, FPGA, systems, and mechanical teams to deliver robust, certifiable, and manufacturable hardware for utility‑scale BESS applications.


Responsibilities Translate system‑level, functional, and regulatory requirements into complete and well‑documented schematic designs. Design and develop electrical schematics for inverter control boards, power interface boards, sensing circuits, communication interfaces, and auxiliary hardware. Perform component selection for digital, mixed‑signal, and power‑related circuits, considering performance, availability, reliability, and cost.


Define hardware architecture and electrical interfaces between PCBs, power stages, FPGA/DSP/MCUs, sensors, and external systems. Design multilayer PCB layouts for energy storage and inverter applications. Perform component placement and routing for high‑speed signal, mixed‑signal, high‑power, and high‑voltage designs, ensuring optimal signal integrity, EMI/EMC, and thermal performance.


Apply best practices and standard compliance (UL, IEC) for creepage, clearance, isolation barriers, grounding, and shielding. Prepare and maintain complete manufacturing deliverables, including schematic packages, PCB layouts, stack‑ups, Gerbers, BOMs, pick‑and‑place files, and assembly drawings. Support prototype bring‑up, board testing, debugging, and root‑cause analysis in the lab.


Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback to improve reliability, manufacturability, and cost. Support ECOs, cost‑down activities, supplier coordination, and field issue investigations during the product lifecycle.


Required Qualifications And Skills Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering Technology, or a related discipline. 5+ years of professional experience in schematic design and PCB layout for embedded systems, power electronics, or industrial equipment. Demonstrated experience designing hardware for power converters, or other high‑reliability electronic systems.


Experience supporting designs subject to safety and regulatory standards such as UL, IEC, or equivalent certifications. Hands‑on experience supporting prototype builds, lab validation, and production release. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, documentation, and technical communication skills.


Solid understanding of power supply design, signal conditioning, isolation techniques, and protection circuitry. Ability to read, create, and review complex schematics and PCB layout with attention to safety, robustness, and certifiability. Strong experience designing schematics for digital, mixed‑signal, and power electronics systems.


Strong understanding of signal integrity, EMI/EMC, creepage, and clearance requirements.


Experience with professional PCB CAD tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or equivalent. Capability to create and manage schematic symbols, footprints, and PCB libraries.


Experience working in cross‑functional engineering teams across hardware, firmware, FPGA, and mechanical disciplines. Familiarity with version control, ECO processes, and structured hardware release workflows. Strong documentation discipline and attention to detail.


Equal Opportunity Employer e‑STORAGE is Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.