Embedded Systems Engineer (Hardware and Firmware)
American Control Electronics in Chanhassen, MN
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Full-Time On-Site
JOB PURPOSE
Responsible for design, development, testing, and maintenance of electronic hardware and embedded firmware for microcontroller- and processor-based products. The role includes schematic capture, PCB design oversight, component selection, embedded C/C++ firmware development, hardware/firmware debugging, system integration, and validation. The ideal candidate has experience with digital and analog circuit design, power electronics, communication protocols (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, and/or Ethernet), and laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, frequency analyzers, current probes, and logic analyzers. The engineer will work across the entire product lifecycle, from concept through production and field support.
JOB RESPONSIBILITY SUMMARY
- Design and develop firmware, schematics, and oversee PCBA layout for AC and DC motor controllers and other embedded systems
- Select components with consideration for performance, availability, lifecycle, and cost
- Support and review PCB layout for signal integrity, power, and thermal performance
- Collaborate with clients, 3rd-party engineers, technicians, salespeople, and specialists on custom designs to ensure system-level integration
- Define and support DFM, DFA, and DFT requirements
- Generate and maintain design documentation (BOMs, schematics, test procedures)
- Support prototype builds, bring-up, debugging, and validation testing
- Support design changes and continuous product improvements
- Maintain professional, technical, and computer knowledge via continuous education
- Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures; report all unsafe activity to supervisor or Human Resources
- Participate in team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals
- Perform other duties as assigned
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.)
Education/Licensure/Credentials
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field
Experience
Required:
3-5 years of experience in hardware and firmware development
Special Knowledge/Skills
Required:
- Solid understanding of:
- Power electronics and signal integrity
- Analog and digital circuit design
- Microcontrollers, sensors, and communication interfaces
- Strong schematic design skills (preferably using Altium and/or PADs)
- Experience with firmware development in C/C++ for microcontrollers and collaboration with firmware teams
- Hands-on lab experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power supplies
- Experience supporting designs through prototype and production
- Ability to read datasheets, schematics, and manufacturing documentation
- Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred:
Experience with motor control circuits and firmware algorithms
Experience with SolidWorks/Fusion for system/machine integration and design
Familiarity with EMC/ESD mitigation techniques
Knowledge of functional safety or regulatory compliance (UL, CE, etc.)
Physical Demands
Required:
(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
- Standing, walking, and sitting for a majority of the time
- Use of hands and arms to touch, lift, and reach, etc.
- Talking and hearing for a majority of the time
- Typing for portion of time
- Lifting and/or exerting up to 10 lbs. of weight/force constantly; lifting and/or exerting up to 20lbs. frequently; and lifting and/or exerting up to 50 lbs. of weight /force occasionally
- Cognitive requirements include ability to learn quickly, handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously, demonstrate strong attention to detail, and be highly productive without need for much supervision
- Must be capable of remembering, imagining, logical, numerical, and verbal reasoning, perceiving, problem solving, and providing output that users can act upon
This job description supersedes all previous job descriptions. The job description is intended to be a tool to describe the primary purpose of the job and the KEY duties and responsibilities. The job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. Management has the right to add to or change the job responsibilities at any time. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.