Hardware Engineer I

SUMMARY:

Experienced engineering professional specializing in enterprise server hardware, system validation, and advanced cooling technologies. Responsible for server provisioning, hardware integration, testing, troubleshooting, automation, and reliability qualification while supporting product development, manufacturing readiness, and cross-functional engineering initiatives. Demonstrates strong technical leadership, problem-solving skills, and expertise in enterprise computing platforms, firmware, operating systems, and laboratory testing environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Provision, configure, validate, and maintain enterprise server platforms, including operating systems (Windows, Linux) , BIOS, BMC, firmware, networking, storage, and related hardware and software environments.

- Set up, maintain, and support engineering laboratories, test benches, validation environments, equipment, and inventory.

- Prepare and configure enterprise servers for air-cooled, immersion-cooled, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and other advanced thermal test environments.

- Perform hardware assembly, integration, upgrades, modifications, soldering, cable fabrication, thermal component installation, and rework activities supporting product development and validation.

- Operate laboratory and test equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, logic analyzers, signal generators, thermal measurement equipment, and data acquisition systems.

- Maintain accurate test records, engineering logs, and technical documentation.

- Analyze and troubleshoot server, subsystem, and component-level issues, perform root-cause investigations, and recommend corrective actions.

- Create and maintain automation scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, Shell scripting, or similar tools to improve testing and data collection efficiency.

- Support manufacturing builds, pilot production, qualification testing, and product transition activities.

- Interpret and create schematics, engineering drawings, block diagrams, assembly instructions, and technical documentation.

- Support regulatory and compliance testing activities, including EMC/EMI, safety, environmental, and product certification requirements.

- Provide technical guidance to engineering technicians and support coordination of project activities within cross-functional engineering teams.

- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support product development, validation, and issue resolution.

- Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety requirements, company policies, and engineering best practices.

- Participate in engineering design reviews and provide technical recommendations related to server hardware, cooling systems, validation strategies, and product improvements.

- Lead small to medium technical projects and coordinate activities across engineering, operations, suppliers, and manufacturing teams.

- Maintain confidentiality of proprietary company information, engineering data, designs, customer information, and intellectual property in accordance with company policies.

- Learn about companys business as appropriate. Shows up to work on time and attends work as scheduled.

- All other duties as requested by supervisor or department head.

Qualifications

COMPETENCY QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If an employee does not meet the required competency level in any area, a required development training plan will be implemented.

Job-Specific Competencies:

(Education and/or years of experience; technical and/or analytical; software or applications; department and/or position specific; internal or external certifications required)

- Bachelors degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent experience.

- 5+ years of relevant enterprise server hardware or engineering experience.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering documentation tools.

- CompTIA A+ certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire; equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience may be considered.

- Linux Power User - CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006) or equivalent.

- Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) or equivalent.

- Python/Bash/PowerShell scripting experience.

- CAD/CAM experience.

- Experience with air cooling, liquid cooling and immersion cooling technologies.

- Ability to follow all applicable Business Management System (BMS) processes.

Management Competencies:

(Management experience required)

- N/A

Core Competencies:

(Other core requirements including communication, presentation, langu age, math, and reasoning skills)

- Strong knowledge of enterprise server architectures, including processors, memory subsystems, storage technologies, networking, firmware, and system management platforms.

- Working knowledge of industry-standard interfaces, protocols, and interconnect technologies, including PCIe, NVMe, SATA, SAS, USB, I²C, SPI, and serial communications.

- Familiarity with Intel, AMD, ARM, and comparable computing architectures used in enterprise and high-performance computing environments.

- Design Verification & Validation – Ability to develop, execute, analyze, and document hardware, firmware, system, thermal, power, and reliability validation activities.

- Root Cause Analysis – Ability to systematically investigate technical issues, identify failure mechanisms, and implement effective corrective actions.

- Technical Decision Making – Applies sound engineering principles, data analysis, and risk assessment to make informed technical recommendations.

- Engineering Judgment – Evaluates complex technical problems, balances trade-offs, and recommends practical solutions that support business and product objectives.

- Project Planning & Execution – Effectively plans, prioritizes, and executes engineering assignments while managing competing priorities and meeting project milestones.

- Troubleshooting & Problem Solving – Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve system-level, subsystem-level, and component-level hardware and firmware issues.

- Continuous Improvement – Identifies opportunities to improve product quality, testing efficiency, engineering processes, and organizational effectiveness.

- Technical Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document findings, present technical information, and influence cross-functional teams.

- Collaboration & Teamwork – Works effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, and program management teams to achieve project objectives.

- Initiative & Accountability – Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned projects, and deliver results with minimal supervision.

- Attention to Detail – Maintains a high level of accuracy in testing, documentation, analysis, and engineering deliverables.

- Proficiency with engineering laboratory equipment and diagnostic tools, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, signal generators, data acquisition systems, and thermal measurement instrumentation.

- Fine Motor Skills.

- Know and follow established company core values.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; to sit, stand, walk; and to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks associated with hardware installation, assembly, and laboratory operations.

- Ability to work safely and effectively in an engineering laboratory environment, including prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, and working around electronic, mechanical, and thermal test equipment.

- Lifting Requirement: 50 pounds

- Lifting Limitation: 50 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Ability to work in an environment with moderate office and laboratory noise levels.

- Ability to work safely around energized electronic equipment, power distribution systems, and laboratory test equipment.

- Comfortable working in engineering laboratory settings that include powered electronic, mechanical, and thermal test systems.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

UNICOM Engineering is a Strategic OEM Integration Partner; starting with scalable and reliable hardware, combined with a suite of services from design engineering to system integration, logistics, regulatory and trade compliance, as well as support. UNICOM Is known best for its solution design technologies, integration expertise, and unique deployment capabilities. UNICOM is proud to be in compliance with ISO 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and TL9000; assuring that customers receive high-reliability products and services that meet or exceed industry standards. With primary facilities Plano, TX, Canton, MA, and Galway, Ireland, UNICOM continues to maintain one of the largest portfolios of purpose-built turnkey platforms. For additional information, visit: www.unicomengineering.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

UNICOMS VISION

To provide technology solutions to enable innovators to drive digital transformation and exceptional experiences

UNICOMS MISSION

Enabling global technology companies to deliver innovation while providing superior brand protection

UNICOMS CORE VALUES

Integrity, Partnership, Flexibility, Innovation, Flawless execution

PERKS OF WORKING AT UNICOM

Employees of UNICOM have a wide range of benefits available to them such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Healthcare and Dependent Care FSA, Voluntary Life Insurance Plans, and 401(k). UNICOM provides its employees with Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, and Short-Term Disability Insurance. In addition to accrued PTO, UNICOM offers 8 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays each year. UNICOM provides employees with a Tuition Reimbursement Program and Employee Assistance Program which also includes a large library of educational videos to encourage growth. UNICOM also provides employees with a Wellness Program to promote a healthy lifestyle. Peer recognition for going above and beyond is encouraged and milestone tenure is recognized and celebrated. UNICOM was given a rating of 4.19 (out of 5) on the confidential internal 2026 Employee Survey!