Hardware Design Engineer

At JPS, we design products to enhance audio communications systems by making them more versatile and robust. For over 30 years, we have provided innovative solutions to solve modern challenges for a variety of industries - both public and private.

We are seeking a full-time Hardware Design Engineer to work with our two primary product lines. You will be working on a small team with a few other engineers.

However, comfort with solving technology problems on your own is essential, as is being a self-starter. The work environment is casual, friendly, and flexible.

We are a small company but have established a strong reputation and standing in the industry over several decades.

The key responsibilities of this role include :

• Direct involvement in the hardware design process.
• Verifying prototype hardware.
• Diagnosing hardware manufacturing defects.
• Serving as the technical interface to our contract manufacturers.
• Maintaining up-to-date product manufacturing documentation.
• Writing prototype software (C or C++ in Linux) to validate and demonstrate hardware interaction.

Why This Job Might Be for You :

• Small Company - You enjoy a small company atmosphere, including flexibility and knowing your contributions are highly valued.
• Self-Starter - You are a self-starter who likes to take large tasks and run with them with minimal scheduling, but are happy to discuss progress regularly.
• Reasonable Challenge - You prefer unique manageable challenges instead of easier / repetitive programming tasks.
• In Person - You want to come in and interact with peers in person on a daily basis, but will enjoy the benefits of having your own private office with a door.

Permanent remote work is not available.

• Long Term - You are looking for a long term role, not a short contract.
• Good Commute - The commute is reasonably good to / from many locations in the Raleigh area.
• Available Immediately - The position is targeted to be filled immediately.
• Fair Compensation - Anticipated salary range of $100,000 to $125,000, depending on relevant work experience and skill level.

Additional role responsibilities include :

• Developing and implementing test procedures and product prototypes.
• Testing products to ensure they meet performance and quality standards.
• Maintaining, organizing, and updating all engineering / manufacturing documentation such as schematics, bills of materials, assembly instructions, manufacturing test procedures, and the Master Parts List.
• Facilitating processing of design change documentation for both hardware and software.
• Serving as the primary technical interface to our off-site manufacturers and outside design firms, including answering technical questions, sourcing replacement components, and distributing updated product documentation.
• Learning the fundamentals of our various products in active development.
• Sourcing and replacing obsolete components.
• Providing thoughtful feedback regarding future product development.
• Ensuring overall manufacturing consistency and quality.

Required Skills and Qualifications :

• 5+ years of professional experience in a related role.
• Experience in schematic capture and / or PCB layout using tools such as OrCAD or DipTrace.
• In-depth knowledge of product development processes, including ideation, design, and testing.
• Proficiency in using test and laboratory equipment such as multimeter, soldering iron, signal generator, and oscilloscope.

Ideal Technology Experience :

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a technical field.
• General understanding of hardware manufacturing processes.
• Basic understanding of Linux, C, C++, and Make.
• Basic understanding of IP networking, SSH, and FTP.
• Basic understanding of analog to digital audio conversion.
• Familiarity with hardware component procurement processes.

Desired Personality Traits :

• Self-starter.
• Detail-oriented.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Desire for a long-term role.
• Comfort with an unstructured work environment.
• Comfort collaborating with a small team.

About JPS Interoperability Solutions, Inc. :

JPS was founded in 1988 by three engineers who had a knack for inventing unique solutions to many of the problems faced in the telecommunications industry.

35 years later our mission remains the same, but has expanded to keep pace with changing technology. Our products enhance a variety of communications systems for customers that include Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, global technology leaders, and branches of the military.

Over the years a distinct culture has formed at JPS, one that encourages collaboration, inclusiveness, and a sense of family.

We believe that everyone plays an important role in our mission. As we continue to design and implement new solutions in the robust communications industry, we are always looking for talented professionals to join our growing team.