What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hardware System Engineer position at MultiSensor AI?
**Job Title: Hardware Generalist / Sensor Integration Engineer**
We are seeking a hands-on hardware generalist with strong electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals and experience integrating sensors and hardware systems. In this role, you will select components, design and build multisensor systems (thermal, infrared, optical gas imaging, visual, acoustic, vibration), develop enclosures that withstand environmental stresses, interface systems with edge-processing and cloud platforms, debug hardware/software issues, support lab work, and coordinate production readiness (BOM and manufacturing).
### **Work Schedule**
Full-time, standard hours. The first 2 months require onsite work in Beaumont, TX, after which the role can transition to partial remote.
### **Key Responsibilities**
**Sensor Integration & Calibration**
* Design and build assemblies that integrate infrared cameras, optical gas imaging, visual, acoustic, and vibration sensors into an edge-processing hub.
* Source components, develop test fixtures and calibration procedures, and validate accuracy.
**Mechanical & Environmental Design**
* Design enclosures and mounting systems that withstand temperature, vibration, humidity, and dust.
* Perform mechanical simulations or analyses to ensure reliability, serviceability, and thermal management.
**Edge Gateway Integration**
* Configure and deploy IP-rated edge gateways that collect and process data from multiple sensor types.
* Ensure up to 7 PoE sensors are networked and AI/ML detection models run locally for real-time detection.
* Maintain power, network, and environmental requirements for reliable field operations.
**IoT Protocols & Software**
* Implement hardware interfaces (Ethernet/PoE, Wi-Fi, cellular, serial), embedded firmware, and edge-to-cloud data pipelines.
* Understand PLC/DCS/SCADA integration and contribute to software components that support cloud workflows.
**Lab Support & Collaboration**
* Test new sensors, run experiments, collect performance data, and maintain lab equipment and safety protocols.
* Create clear documentation and provide training when needed.
**Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving**
* Debug hardware and software issues across sensors, edge gateways, and cloud interfaces.
* Use strong analytical skills to identify root causes and implement effective solutions quickly.
**Production Coordination**
* Assist with BOM development, sourcing, and vendor selection.
* Collaborate with manufacturing partners to ensure builds meet design specifications and reliability standards.
* Provide input on DFM and support field deployments.
**Customer-Focused Mindset**
* Operate with urgency, ownership, and cross-team collaboration to deliver reliable systems that prevent downtime and improve safety.
### **Required Qualifications**
* Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering fields
* 5–7 years of experience in hardware design, testing, and integration
* Hands-on experience with vibration sensors, infrared cameras (thermal imaging), analog/digital interfaces, and calibration
* Experience designing enclosures or assemblies for environmental stressors (temperature, vibration, dust, humidity)
* Familiarity with IoT protocols: Ethernet/PoE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Modbus, MQTT, LoRa, or cellular
* Embedded systems programming (C/C , Python, RTOS) and scripting for cloud API integrations
* Ability to read schematics, create wiring diagrams, and perform board-level debugging
* Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to work across hardware/software boundaries
### **Preferred Skills**
* Experience with edge AI/ML model deployment or embedded GPUs
* Background in vibration analysis, thermography, or environmental testing for condition monitoring
* Familiarity with industrial control systems (PLC, DCS, SCADA) and CMMS integration
* Experience with predictive maintenance or reliability engineering projects