Electrical Engineer (Contract Position)

As the Electrical Engineer, you are responsible for the engineering design and development of leading edge electrical systems used in waterblast tools and accessories with a focus on robotic, wireless, and electrical system command and control. The Electrical Engineer is responsible for product design from concept through sustainment in conjunction with a larger product design team comprised of Software, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers.

This position will take direction from the Director of Custom Solutions.

Our ideal contractor will have the ability to be responsible for product design from conception through sustainment, and be capable of working independently, mentoring others, and leading small projects and/or test activities.

Personal attributes that will lead to success in this role include a positive attitude, high-level problem solving, emotional intelligence, accountability, team building, and a collaborative nature.

This contract will be 3-6 months of full time work at a rate of $55-$65/hr.

Who we are: StoneAge is a progressive, engineering/manufacturing company with a 35+-year history as a global leader in supplying waterblast technology solutions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Product Design Responsibilities:

·        Design system architecture and assess functional feasibility via in-house test programs.

·        Derive and define electrical interface characteristics for electro-mechanical systems and component requirements.

·        Select and specify appropriate sensors to collect necessary data enabling automation.

·        Participate in the development process for new products via end-user interface and collaboration with the Product Management, Marketing, and Engineering Teams.

·        Derive product requirements, work with Software, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers to meet system functional requirements.

·        Generate and maintain drawings, schematics, electrical component source control documents, interface control documents, and technical requirements in accordance with StoneAge standards.

·        Create component specifications, test plans, and other technical design documents.

·        Estimate material/fabrication costs for new products and custom products – execute new product development to cost targets and communicate cost vs. performance conflicts early in the design.

·        Perform design analyses and simulation as appropriate.

·        Develop assembly and test methods for electro-mechanical systems and test fixtures as needed.

·        Resolve issues and concerns with cross functional teams including Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and/or outside contractors.

·        Perform failure analysis on production and Customer returned products that contain electrical/electronic components.

Product Test Responsibilities:

·        Draft test plans and perform testing for evaluating the performance, safety, and reliability of designs.

·        Develop standard test methods for product conformance.

·        Review and evaluate field-tests and customer feedback on field tests to improve product.

·        Accompany new products on field tests, operate the equipment and/or software, train others, and document feedback.

Product Transition Responsibilities:

·        Assist in completion of the marketing information checklist and support marketing in the development of datasheets, web content and sales documents.

·        Support bug fixes, enhancements and tuning for performance and usability.

·        Coordinate with the New Products Team (Engineering, Purchasing, Quality Operations, Sales, Product Management, and Marketing) to ensure that new electrical assemblies and products transition smoothly into release and/or production.

·        Train end-users, Dealers, and StoneAge Staff on proper operation, features, and functions.

·        Assist deployment, testing, and training associated with new products.

General:

·        Maintain real-time communication regarding project status, obstacles, key design decisions and schedule with Engineering Leads, Project Manager and/or the Engineering Manager.

·        Create Engineering Change Notices (ECN) when engineering drawings are revised and work with Production Coordination for recording/ implementing any reworks required outside the ECN process.

·        Present new product ideas to Engineering team via the Engineering Meeting; must have a collaborative nature.

·        Develop designs and concepts that are consistent with requirements – review and collaborate frequently.

·        Prepare and facilitate product design reviews and incorporate feedback into designs as permitted given product requirements and project schedules.

·        Track and record engineering time, by project, using timekeeping software.

·        Identify and communicate patent-able technology during the creation of new products.

Requirements

Relevant / Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experienced with capacitive, hall effect, inductive, optical, acceleration, vibration and audio-based sensors.
• Experience designing sensor suites for industrial applications.
• Experience in device characterization by sensor suite.
• Knowledge of various sensor types including their applicability and limitations.
• Knowledgeable in RFID implementation.
• Experience designing close loop control systems with fail-safe states for harsh environments.
• Experience designing control systems for automated mechanical linkages and drive systems.
• Experience with mesh sensor networks.
• Skilled with uWatt and low power datalogging.
• Familiarity with embedded hardware design, component selection, RISC architecture microcontrollers (ATMEL, PIC), MOSFETS, AC to DC converters, ADC and DACs, system integration and troubleshooting.
• Some low-level programming competency (assembly, low level Basic, low level C), basic control system programming experience (PID, fuzzy logic), UART universal asynchronous receive and transmit (serial communications, USB, I2C, CANBUS).
• Electrical CAD design capability (e.g. Eagle CAD, National Instruments, PCAD, 4PCB, ORCAD)
• Wireless system design experience.
• Familiarity with design for IPC, CE, ATEX, and other industry standards.
• Experience working with electro-mechanical contract manufacturers and test labs.
• Good hands-on engineering skills – soldering (e.g. DIP, SOIC, TQFP, 0402 packages, lead free), system and printed circuit board troubleshooting, lab instrumentation (e.g. National Instruments, LabVIEW, digital instrumentation).
• Knowledge of electric over air/oil for pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of End of Life electronic/electrical components and work around solutions.

KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university.
• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Self-starter.
• Experience in design for manufacturing.
• Experience in product research and development.
• Hands-on style and preference.
• Working knowledge of MS Office software.

OTHER INFORMATION

·        Travel may be required.

·        Extended working hours may be needed at peak times or when short staffed.

·        Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

·        Must be able to lift heavy loads using proper lifting techniques as outlined in the StoneAge Employee Handbook.