Electrical Engineer

Gemological Institute of America; Secaucus, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Gemological Institute of America in Secaucus, NJ seeks an Electrical Engineer to join the Instrument Development group. Design, test, and support high-precision electronics for gemological instruments, collaborating with mechanical, software, and optical teams.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics or Computer Engineering and at least 5 years in electronics design, with hands-on prototyping, Altium experience, and knowledge of UART/SPI/I2C.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in electronics design, development, and testing.
• Proficient in embedded system fundamentals and hardware interfaces.
• Experience with schematic capture tools (e.g., Altium Designer).
• Hands-on prototyping and debugging skills; ability to assemble and test systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electronics for automated instruments, including schematic capture, PCB layout review, and component selection.
• Create and maintain documentation such as schematics, BOMs, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes and production systems using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies).
• Support the full product lifecycle, helping transition designs from R&D to production and sustaining engineering.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and optical teams to integrate systems and meet project requirements.
• Interface with vendors for sourcing and validating electronic components.
• Ensure designs meet performance, quality, cost, and safety requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts, including root cause analysis and process optimization.

Skills

Embedded systems fundamentals

Schematic capture & PCB layout

Microcontrollers

Electrical testing

Industrial automation components

Communication protocols UART SPI I2C

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Job Title

Electrical Engineer, Instrument Development

Company

GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 600 of its 3,000 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment. Click here to learn more about GIA!

Location

This position is located in Secaucus, New Jersey. This role is onsite 5 days a week, Monday - Friday, with an option for remote work 1 day a week.

Culture

We foster an environment of autonomy, performance, and passion. Our team members collaborate extensively across various departments, providing high‑quality service to internal staff, stakeholders, and the organization as a whole. We value initiative, cross‑functional cooperation, and a commitment to excellence in all our endeavors.

What to expect

We offer competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401‑K plans (no vesting required) Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits

Job Overview

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer to join our Instrument Development team. You will play a key role in designing, testing, and supporting high‑precision electronic systems used in advanced gemological instruments. This role involves working closely with engineers from different disciplines to bring innovative, high‑quality instrumentation from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electronics for automated instruments, including schematic capture, PCB layout review, and component selection.
• Create and maintain documentation such as schematics, BOMs, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes and production systems using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, etc.).
• Support the full product lifecycle, helping transition designs from R&D to production and assisting with sustaining engineering.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (mechanical, software, optical) to integrate systems and meet project requirements.
• Interface with vendors for sourcing and validating electronic components.
• Ensure designs meet performance, quality, cost, and safety requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts, including root cause analysis and process optimization.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in electronics design, development, and testing.
• Proficient in embedded system fundamentals, including microcontrollers and hardware interfaces.
• Experience with schematic capture tools (e.g., Altium Designer or similar).
• Strong hands‑on skills with electronic prototyping and debugging.
• Familiar with industry‑standard communication protocols: UART, SPI, I2C, etc.
• Good understanding of motors, sensors, relays, and industrial automation components.
• Ability to assemble, test, and troubleshoot electronic systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with lasers, optics, or spectroscopy systems.
• Knowledge of safety systems and standards (e.g., UL, ANSI, IEC).
• Familiarity with Ethernet, CAN, or Modbus communication.
• Exposure to embedded firmware (C/C++) is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and assembly diagrams.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on quality and reliability.
• Excellent communication skills—written and verbal.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team player who collaborates well with others while working independently when needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. For the test, debug, and maintenance of instruments, the employee may be expected to inspect, probe, wire, install and uninstall components which requires frequent use of hands and arms, standing, reaching, bending, crouching, and occasionally lifting/carrying weights up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Pay Range

(depending on experience): $95k - $135k base salary

An Equal Opportunity Employer

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer

This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at‑will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.

Working at GIA

With a reach that spans the globe — GIA is a nonprofit institute dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry through cutting edge gemological research and rigorous education programs. We have shaped the gem industry, protected millions of consumers and taught generations of jewelers and gemologists all over the world since 1931. Comprising over 3,000 employees in 13 countries, GIA is a place of diversity, innovation, creativity and engagement. Whether you are passionate about science, history, design, education, IT or a corporate career, GIA has a place for you. Join one of the world’s most colorful and brilliant industries with an organization that serves the public good by bringing knowledge and objectivity to gems and jewelry.

What GIA Does

• Research that deepens the world’s understanding of gems and jewelry manufacturing and shares these findings with academia, the industry, and the gem‑buying public
• Education that builds careers and enhances the knowledge and integrity of the gem and jewelry industry
• Standard setting that protects those who buy gems by ensuring the qualities of gems and jewelry are objectively and consistently described
• Laboratory services that provide an unbiased and scientific assessment of gem quality

Employee Benefits

GIA offers competitive salaries and exceptional benefits as well as training opportunities to employees all over the globe.

Crime Statistics (For U.S. Only)

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, GIA's current annual crime statistics are available at: Clery Report: Annual Disclosure of Campus Security Policies and Crime Statistics