Senior Electrical & Product Development Engineer

Summary Description:

The Senior Electrical & Product Development Engineer will lead the hardware development of Prestan's next-generation products, with a primary focus on electronics design, PCB layout, and hardware validation. This individual will also serve as the strategic architect for product software systems — defining software logic, functional specifications, and system flowcharts, and managing external firmware and software development partners to ensure successful implementation. This role will collaborate with all functions within the organization to ensure that products meet design specifications while maintaining reliability, safety, cost, and schedule, and will partner with Distributors, OEMs, product end users, business partners, and vendors to ensure Prestan's objectives are met or exceeded throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Hardware & Electronics Design

·       Lead the end-to-end design, schematic capture, and PCB layout of robust electronics systems using industry-standard tools such as Altium.

·       Design, prototype, and evaluate PCBA schematics to meet project requirements as well as applicable safety, reliability, and industry standards.

·       Devise and design efficient electronics plans to meet project requirements defined by the team, as well as any required safety, reliability, or industry standards.

·       Develop BOMs for all electronics packages and contribute to overall project BOM structures.

Software Architecture & Vendor Management

·       Author high-level software requirements, functional specifications, system flowcharts, and state diagrams that define how the product operates.

·       Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external firmware and software development firms; oversee deliverables, review technical direction, and ensure project milestones are met on time and on budget.

·       Manage or perform software verification steps to ensure firmware performs as intended and is free from defects or faults.

·       Manage development and maintenance of any language files needed to support product software.

Systems Integration, Testing & Documentation

·       Bridge internal hardware development and external software deliverables, leading final system integration, troubleshooting, and issue resolution.

·       Conduct hands-on lab testing, circuit validation, firmware-integration testing, prototyping, and electrical troubleshooting.

·       Design, prototype, and build production and test fixtures to validate electronics packages during and after manufacturing.

·       Direct and manage all electronics documentation, including but not limited to schematics, PCB files, Gerber files, drawings, BOMs, manufacturing procedures, and Design Verification Test reports.

Regulatory & Quality Support

·       Build and maintain regulatory technical files, coordinate lab submissions, and manage RoHS/REACH/CMRT compliance documentation in collaboration with the Quality Manager.

·       Collaborate with the team to manage and address findings from internal or external product testing.

·       Collaborate with quality to ensure defective products are tracked, evaluated, and repaired as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Partnering

·       Collaborate with Mechanical Designers and Engineers to ensure seamless integration of electronics within overall product designs.

·       Develop hardware and software cost estimates, contribute to total product cost BOMs, and support cost and lead-time planning.

·       Engage with OEMs, vendors, manufacturers, and internal customers to uphold Prestan's standards throughout the product lifecycle.

·       Collaborate with sourcing to assist in the identification, evaluation, and approval of secondary sources, new vendors, and alternate components needed to support manufacturing or cost initiatives.

·       Collaborate with manufacturing and quality to ensure required training or coaching on testing or equipment is completed and staff can perform required procedures.

·       Establish and maintain best engineering practices and product-lifecycle management techniques to support production and ensure quality.

·       Maintain awareness of advances or changes in technology, components, or tools that may impact Prestan products or manufacturing processes.

·       Ensure projects and products are tracked and documented appropriately using the methods and tools provided by Prestan.

·       Perform additional duties as required to support the needs of the business.

Qualifications & Experience:

·       Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field preferred.

·       5 years of proven experience in product development, with a strong emphasis on electrical engineering, electronics design, and hardware validation.

·       Expert-level proficiency with PCB design software (e.g., Altium Designer) and electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related lab instruments.

·       2 years of experience managing external technical contractors, software agencies, OEMs, or engineering vendors.

·       Strong ability to translate complex product features into clear software requirements, flowcharts, and state diagrams for third-party development teams.

·       Experience designing, building, or supporting production and test fixtures for electronics validation or manufacturing environments.

·       Familiarity with regulatory documentation, lab submissions, and compliance requirements such as RoHS, REACH, or CMRT preferred.

·       Experience using and designing systems with various types of sensors (IR, Capacitance, Hall Effect, Pressure, Ultrasonic, etc.).

·       Experience specifying and designing circuits containing microcontrollers.

·       Basic knowledge and experience with wireless communication systems.

·       Experience designing systems with low EMI susceptibility.

·       Experience with data capture, analysis, and reporting using electrical, mechanical, and software tools.

·       Good mechanical aptitude and basic CAD aptitude; ability to read and interpret drawings and tolerancing.

·       Strong organizational and communication skills.