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Principal Hardware Engineer

    • Boston, MA
  • Engineering
  • Full time
a group of people sitting at tables in a room with orange walls

About DraftKings

At DraftKings, AI is becoming an integral part of both our present and future, powering how work gets done today, guiding smarter decisions, and sparking bold ideas. It’s transforming how we enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and unlock new possibilities. Our teams are energized by innovation and readily embrace emerging technology. We’re not waiting for the future to arrive. We’re shaping it, one bold step at a time. To those who see AI as a driver of progress, come build the future together.

The Crown Is Yours

As a Principal Hardware Systems Engineer, you’ll define and scale the hardware and automation systems that power high-volume fulfillment operations. You’ll lead the technical architecture behind complex electromechanical platforms, partnering across Software Engineering, Product, Operations, and external vendors to deliver reliable, production-ready systems at scale. In this role, you’ll drive the integration of hardware and software across mission-critical automation workflows while shaping long-term platform strategy, standardization, and system performance. You’ll play a key role in solving complex operational challenges and advancing the next generation of fulfillment automation infrastructure.

What you’ll do as a Principal Hardware Systems Engineer

  • Define end-to-end architecture for hardware and automation systems across fulfillment and operational workflows.

  • Lead technical decision-making across electromechanical systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, maintainability, and production readiness.

  • Partner with external vendors, contractors, and system integrators to guide development, review technical designs, and validate delivery quality.

  • Translate operational and product requirements into technical specifications, validation plans, test procedures, and system acceptance criteria.

  • Drive reliability and observability initiatives across production systems, including telemetry, diagnostics, root cause analysis, and performance optimization.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Software Engineering, Product, and Operations teams to support seamless hardware and software integrations.

  • Review and evaluate electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, firmware behavior, production test data, and system-level performance metrics.

  • Shape the long-term technical strategy for automation initiatives, including standardized hardware platforms, integration frameworks, and deployment best practices.

What you’ll bring

  • At least 10 years of experience working with electromechanical systems, industrial automation, robotics, embedded systems, or related technologies.

  • Deep cross-disciplinary engineering expertise spanning mechanical, electrical, controls, and embedded systems, with the ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues.

  • Experience working with motion control systems, sensors, motor drives, PLCs, and industrial communication protocols such as RS-232/485, Modbus, or EtherNet/IP.

  • Strong understanding of hardware and software integration concepts, including APIs, control flows, telemetry systems, diagnostics, and production monitoring.

  • Experience reviewing and validating electrical schematics, mechanical assemblies, bills of materials, firmware behavior, and production test results.

  • Strong knowledge of reliability engineering principles, production-quality systems, and common electromechanical failure modes in operational environments.

  • Experience overseeing external vendors, contract manufacturers, or system integrators through technical execution, validation, and deployment.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to clearly present technical risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations across teams and leadership.

Join Our Team

We’re a publicly traded (NASDAQ: DKNG) technology company headquartered in Boston. As a regulated gaming company, you may be required to obtain a gaming license issued by the appropriate state agency as a condition of employment. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the process if this is relevant to your role.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is 185,400.00 USD - 231,800.00 USD, plus bonus, equity, and benefits as applicable. Our ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The compensation information displayed on each job posting reflects the range for new hire pay rates for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range and how that was determined during the hiring process. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Ready to Own What's Next?

We know finding a new job can be intimidating. Don't let imposter syndrome stop you from applying! Even if you don't think you tick off every box in this job description, we'd still love for you to apply or join our Talent Community. 

DraftKings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of your gender identity, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, or status as an individual with a disability.

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Your Benefits

In the US

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Health Benefits

We take your wellbeing and health seriously. DraftKings offers comprehensive health benefits, including various medical plans, dental, and vision.

Wellbeing Program

You’ll have free access to programs such as free therapy sessions with Lyra Mental Health Solution, Lyra Employee Assistance Program, the Calm App, Virtual Yoga Classes, and many more.

Parental Leave & Support

We are proud to give 14 weeks of 100% paid parental leave to all global team members and offer workplace lactation support. Additionally, we are pleased to partner with Care.com, a care finder and backup childcare partner for our U.S. employees. 

Family Planning

DraftKings is proud to offer a range of benefits that support family planning. We've got you covered whether you’re considering adoption, surrogacy, fertility treatments, or other family planning.

Flexible PTO

Go ahead and plan your next big getaway. When you join, you'll have flexible PTO if you work in the United States.

Pet Insurance

Your furry babies deserve the best care, too! We’ll help you save on vet expenses for accidents, illnesses, and more through our pet insurance benefit.

Gym Reimbursement

Whether it’s cardio, yoga, or training for a marathon, we’ll reimburse part of your gym membership once you enroll in a health insurance plan. All you need to do is find your favorite gym.

Financial Planning

We’ll help you plan for your financial future and success. From 401(k) matching to programs such as Origin Financial, we’ll set you up for future healthy financial habits and goals.

Commuter Benefits

No matter how you commute to and from the office, we want to help you lower costs. Once you join, you’ll have access to our commuter benefits to help you save money on your daily commute.

Tuition Reimbursement

We want you to expand your knowledge and continue learning within your career through our Tuition Reimbursement Program. Eligible team members can receive tuition reimbursement for educational courses related to their positions or another position at DraftKings.