The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded electronics, power systems, underwater hardware challenges, and a passion for precision engineering in mission-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Hardware Design & Development
- Design, prototype, and test electronic systems for professional underwater ROVs, including power electronics, motor controllers (ESCs), sensor interfaces, and communication systems
- Develop and maintain PCB schematics and layouts using industry-standard EDA tools (e.g., Altium or equivalent)
- Select and evaluate components for reliability, availability, and cost-effectiveness in marine/underwater environments
- Design and troubleshoot battery management systems (BMS), including charging, protection, and state-of-charge monitoring circuits
Embedded Systems & Firmware
- Collaborate with software engineers to define hardware/firmware interfaces and ensure seamless system integration
- Develop and debug low-level firmware for microcontrollers and FPGAs used in ROV systems
- Implement and validate communication protocols including RS-232, RS-485, CAN bus, I2C, SPI, and Ethernet/tether communication
Underwater & Marine Systems
- Design electronics for operation in pressure-rated, waterproof enclosures rated to depths exceeding 1000 meters
- Work with acoustic systems, including acoustic beacons, modems, and USBL positioning systems
- Ensure compliance with EMI/EMC requirements and underwater safety standards
Testing, Validation & Documentation
- Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including environmental, pressure, and operational testing
- Investigate and resolve field failures, ESC anomalies, sensor faults, and integration issues through systematic root cause analysis
- Create and maintain thorough engineering documentation including schematics, BOMs, assembly drawings, and test reports
- Support production team with manufacturing documentation and quality review processes
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with mechanical engineers, software developers, and production staff to deliver fully integrated ROV systems
- Support sales and customer service with technical documentation, product demonstrations, and field issue resolution
- Contribute to product roadmap discussions and new product development initiatives
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in electronics design and development
- Proven experience with power electronics design, including motor drive circuits, ESCs, and DC power management
- Proficiency in PCB design using Altium Designer, KiCad, or equivalent EDA software
- Hands-on experience with embedded microcontrollers (ARM Cortex, AVR, PIC, or similar)
- Strong understanding of analog circuit design, signal conditioning, and sensor interfacing
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex electronic systems using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other lab instrumentation
- Experience with technical documentation: schematics, BOMs, engineering change orders, and test procedures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to explain technical concepts clearly
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with underwater marine electronics systems or similar.
- Knowledge of Linux and embedded programming is a plus.
- Familiarity with acoustic systems: underwater acoustic beacons, transponders, modems, or USBL/LBL positioning systems a plus.
- Knowledge of brushless motor drive systems and ESC tuning for underwater thrusters
- Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV applications
- Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade electronics
- Knowledge of relevant standards: MIL-SPEC, IPC, or IEC marine electronics standards
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary (DOE)
- Performance-based incentives and bonus program
- Health, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Company paid holidays (10)