Principal Electrical Engineer

Business Overview

Asylum Research designs, develops, and manufactures Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs), high precision imaging systems used in a wide range of applications from life science to semiconductors and everything in between.

We are part of a successful global technology company, Oxford Instruments plc, a leading provider of high technology tools and systems for industry and academic research.

How we work

We’re committed to being the leading provider of high-tech products and services for the world’s most important industrial and scientific research communities.

Our people are vital to our success. We strive to offer the opportunities that will attract, motivate and retain the very best talent in our sector.

This involves creating an inclusive environment and culture, where difference is valued and people are recognized for what they deliver and bring to the team.

Empowering People to Make a Difference

We don’t wait for change to happen. We enable it. That’s why we aim to create the best working environment and culture for our people to thrive.

We share the same goals and value diversity of thought, perspective and experience. With a focus on the ongoing development, engagement and wellbeing of our people, we know we will continue to exceed customer expectations and drive change for the future.

About the Opportunity :

We are looking for a senior level Electrical Engineer to join us as a key member of our highly technical product development team.

At Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, we design and manufacture atomic force microscopes which are used in a wide range of materials science applications.

These complex instruments enable cutting edge research discoveries for our customers around the world, while simultaneously providing our team with an endless stream of unique and interesting engineering challenges to be solved.

If you are a curious, collaborative problem solver looking to have a big impact in a hands-on role which touches all parts of the product life cycle, this could be the perfect opportunity for your next career move.

You’ll be part of a small but robust engineering team working out of our Santa Barbara facility where we design, sell, manufacture and support a complete product suite of research instruments used in industry and academia.

The Role :

• Provide electrical engineering expertise and support throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept design and prototype builds through to volume production implementation and sustaining engineering for new and existing products.
• Thoroughly document design requirements, calculations, power budgets, validation results, and build instructions. Use engineering change control and product lifecycle management systems and help improve existing processes.
• Establish productive professional relationships with outside vendors, consultants, and contractors as needed to support new and existing products.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software engineers, R&D scientists, and product managers to design and support complex electrical and opto-mechanical systems.
• Contribute as a senior member of the engineering team, driving innovation to improve capabilities and reliability while minimizing cost and schedule.

Provide insight and support wherever needed, including but not limited to project management, budget estimations, mentoring of peers and less experienced colleagues

Candidate Qualifications :

• BS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent degree / experience combination.
• 15+ years of circuit design experience with emphasis on analog circuit design including amplifiers, filters, Low noise - high speed ADC signal chains and optical detector transimpedance preamplifiers.

A track record of designing low noise circuits for scientific instrumentation is a plus. Also mixed signal and embedded system design (including ARM-based controllers, FPGA, DSP, power management, electrical signal characterization, and interfacing environmental sensors.

• Experience with Altium and OrCAD schematic capture and PCB layout with emphasis in designing for manufacturability and both Multilayer High-density PCB and Rigid flex design.
• Familiarity with high-speed, high-resolution ADC and DAC data converter design circuits.
• Experience with analog and digital behavioural modelling.
• Lab or work experience with EMI / EMC compliance challenges, design for reliability, and design for manufacturability and service are a plus.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical capabilities. Experience with theoretical modelling and simulation at the design stage and finding root causes during troubleshooting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to colleagues across a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.
• Curiosity, passion and drive for new technology and innovation. Keen on keeping up with literature, conferences, and technology roadmaps.

Ability to stay organized and follow / improve engineering processes.

Salary : In accordance with California law, the expected salary for this position is between $148,500 - $182,000. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Oxford Instruments Perks and benefits :

• Generous benefit packages - We offer our employees competitive health insurance options, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Our 401k program has options for saving both pre- and post-tax dollars for retirement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Work-life balance is a key part of our company culture here at OI, and we know that our employees do their best work when they can take the time they need to rest and recharge.

Employees start with 4 weeks of PTO which is accrued each pay period.

• Holidays - We recognize 12 holidays this year.
• In addition to all the standard PTO options, OI proudly offers a generous and progressive paid family leave policy.
• Professional Development - OI supports you and your professional development with $5,250 available in annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.

Oxford Instruments is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.