Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better. Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what’s possible. We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart. https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

Under minimal supervision, lead the definition, design, verification, and optimization of novel hearing aid products, technologies, and accessories. Must thrive in solving challenging multi-discipline product and manufacturing challenges to bring compelling new hearing aid products to market. Must possess relevant technical expertise across multiple engineering disciplines, effective communication skills, creativity, and internal drive to lead the creation of product designs that are recognized as best-in-class in the hearing aid industry. Must have the ability to work both independently and in a group environment. Must be able to lead effectively in a cross-functional team environment, lead teams with and promote an entrepreneurial team spirit, provide leadership and clarity for addressing hearing aid product, design, and manufacturing challenges, and have a passion for continuous improvement.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS 

• Collaborate with Advanced Development and participate in R&D technology development initiatives to define and mature new product concepts and technologies; inform and influence Starkey technology and product roadmaps
  • Establish a strong pipeline of innovation which brings new product concepts, and technologies forward to hearing aid products
• Lead the transition of new product concepts and technologies from Technology Maturation through New Product Development
  • Provide leadership and contribute to product specification and requirement generation working with Advanced Development, Product Management, Product Development , and other Starkey functions as necessary.
  • Provide consultation and subject matter expertise guidance to Technology Development projects and personnel to ensure efficient and predictable integration of new product concepts and technologies
• Lead the development of novel hearing aid products through the Starkey gNPI product development process
  • Ensure that the released products meet the stated product DFX objectives as defined in the Product Vision while meeting committed scope, quality, reliability, and timeline objectives .
  • Lead the process of effective decomposition of Product User and System Requirements into hearing aid subsystem requirements and specifications that guide product development
  • Lead the cross-functional design and implementation of hearing aid products and respective sub-assemblies; ensure rigorous cross-functional design, review, and issue management processes
  • Guide DFMEA,risk assessment and mitigation, project planning, and Design for Cost/Quality/Reliability attainment for product development.
  • Lead Design Verification (DVT) testing, data analysis, problem solving, and conduct commensurate reviews to ensure and document that the product meets applicable requirements
  • Support Design Validation and clinical testing of new products
• Lead research and technology development for novel or advanced hearing aid concepts,
  • Research latest developments in
  • Research latest developments in the field of acoustics, MEMS, and other hearing aid and relevant consumer audio technologies.
  • Develop portfolio of concept designs for both standard and custom hearing aid products highlighting innovations and design for manufacturability
  • Identify patentable IP and write patent disclosures.
  • Write to document design decision, technology investigations and inform company technology strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement in product development and processes.
  • Identify and implement improvements in the product development process that could be streamlined.
  • Contribute to advancing the capabilities of product development and R&D which drive impactful improvements in efficiency, quality, reliability, and predictability of execution
• Drive transfer of products and product knowledge into manufacturing, education and training, sales, and trade shows.
  • Provide inputs for Quality, Manufacturing, and Marketing to support Product Transfer and Product Release .
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, and quality activities for ramp-up of hearing aid products.
• Support products over entire life-cycle to realize continuous improvement, cost reduction and quality and reliability improvements.
• Mentor and provide work direction to senior and junior engineers and technicians.
  • Meet with senior and junior engineers and technician regularly to provide work direction.
  • Meet with the senior and junior engineers periodically to provide guidance on projects and tasks.
• Patent disclosures submitted regularly; mentor less experienced engineers in writing invention disclosures
• Participate in the Patent Review Process
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert for Peer Reviews
• Lead/Contribute to competitive benchmark testing of competitor hearing aid products and/or relevant consumer audio products

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education, Certification and Experience Requirements

Education and Experience

• BSEE required, MSEE desired, Minimum 10 years of experience in related areas

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Expertise in acoustics and hearing aid or consumer ear-level audio products
• Advanced working knowledge of DSP hardware and embedded firmware; specific to audio preferred
• Expertise in RF hardware design concepts, practices, and procedures required.
• Advanced knowledge of injection molding processes and tooling preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of materials and processes used to manufacture injection molded plastic, stamped metal, and elastomeric components preferred.
• Intermediate proficiency in
• Knowledge of architecture of programmable devices such as DSPs and Microcontrollers.
• Knowledge of and of firmware architecture, implementation, and verification.
• Intermediate proficiency with schematic, PCB layout, and circuit simulation CAD tools required.

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to decompose Product, Technology, and Organizational Strategies into initiatives providing clarity for execution
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must have strong interpersonal communication skills to lead a cross-functional team.
• Familiarity with writing FW for development desired.
• Familiar with FCC, ETSI and other wireless regulatory standards required.
• Familiarity with high volume production required.
• Expert in using the following equipment: oscilloscope, signal generator, spectrum analyzer, Network analyzer required.
• Excellent data statistical analysis and statistical process control skills.
• Excellent computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office tools.
• Capable of performing with minimal supervision required.
• Comfortable with prioritizing and driving multiple tasks for team.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, team-oriented environment.
• Must be able to adapt positively provide leadership to a changing environment.

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