Staff/Principal Electrical R&D Test Engineer

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

• We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Principal Electrical Engineer to join the R&D Test Team. The engineer’s responsibilities include improving existing multi-disciplinary systems and leading the development projects of new autonomous vehicle concepts and prototypes. Technical activities include engineering, designing, building, and testing of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software driven systems in the process of developing various autonomous vehicle systems.

  The candidate must be able to draw on a wide range of engineering principles, work within demanding timeframes, and develop original, practical solutions to complex technical and logistical problems while operating with a high degree of autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Understanding the technical requirements, problems, or client briefs and developing solutions that satisfy the requirements

• Lead engineering, design, and prototype development of electro-mechanical systems and software for autonomous vehicles and related devices and subsystems

• Apply advanced engineering principles, best practices, and analysis in areas including mechanical, electrical, electronics, and software

• Conduct applied research, document findings, and present reports to internal stakeholders

• Develop and review design documents for parts, sub-systems, and fully integrated systems

• Select and evaluate tools, components, and materials for manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance processes

• Lead integration of electro-mechanical systems and software into fully integrated systems

• Lead proof of concept, functionality, and reliability testing of components, sub-systems, and fully integrated systems

• Lead testing efforts in the laboratory and in the field, including marine environments and at-sea testing

• Identify trends in runtime and failures of ASV components, subsystems, and systems through continual analysis of expansive datasets

• Identify areas of weakness in systems and processes and drive implementation of improvements

• Lead troubleshooting, diagnostics, and resolution of complex electrical and system-level issues

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers and technicians in build, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities

• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, software, and autonomy teams to ensure seamless system integration

• Interface with vendors to evaluate components, support integration, and ensure system performance and reliability

• Responsibilities culminate in leading the development of ASV platforms and the software to interface with them

Qualifications

• BS or MS in electrical engineering, robotics engineering, mechatronics engineering, or similar

• 16+ years of relevant experience

• Strong understanding and skills in engineering fundamentals, best practices, and analysis methods including analytical first principles, numerical methods, and simulation modeling

• Extensive experience operating, maintaining, diagnosing, testing, and repairing electrical and electro-mechanical systems

• Power calculations, analysis, measurement, low voltage, 3-phase AC

• Electrical schematic development and usage

• SPICE based circuit simulations or equivalent

• PCB design and development experience

• Networking: ethernet, CAN J1939, serial

• Sensor and data acquisition

• Software skills including Rust, C/C++, Linux, Python

• Ability to work in collaborative or independent environments and lead technical efforts

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and validating electrical systems for autonomous, robotic, or complex vehicle platforms

• Experience leading system integration of electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems into fully functional platforms

• Experience developing test plans, procedures, and validation strategies for complex systems

• Experience operating and troubleshooting systems in laboratory, field, or marine environments

• Experience working in marine, defense, aerospace, automotive, or other harsh or mission-critical environments

• Experience generating and reviewing engineering drawings, electrical schematics, bill of materials, and work instructions

• Experience evaluating and selecting components, vendors, and technologies for performance, reliability, and manufacturability

• Familiarity with environmental and ruggedization considerations (e.g., shock, vibration, thermal, EMI/EMC)

• Experience mentoring engineers or technicians and guiding technical work streams

• Experience with electrical engineering simulation tools and system-level analysis methods

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports

• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Benefits:

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.