Embedded Hardware Engineer – Electro-Optical Systems

AVIA; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Trakka Systems in Sarasota, FL seeks a hands-on Embedded Hardware Engineer to design, develop, and debug electronics for airborne, maritime, and land-based electro-optical systems. You will own hardware from concept to production, support real-time video processing, motor control, and power regulation, and act as escalation resource for manufacturing and field service.

Qualifications include a BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering, 5+ years in embedded hardware, and experience with SPI, I2C,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 5+ years embedded hardware experience in production environments.
• Experience with SPI, I2C, UART, RS-232/422, Ethernet.
• FPGA-based systems and microcontrollers experience.
• Experience with DO-160, MIL-STD-810/461 a plus.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ITAR/U.S. Person status.

Responsibilities

• Design board-level hardware from requirements through release.
• Bring-up, debugging, and qualification of hardware.
• Develop test fixtures and production documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Provide field and supplier support.

Skills

Embedded hardware design

Schematic capture/PCB layout

Real-time video processing

MCU/FPGA development

Power electronics/DC-DC

High-speed interfaces

Troubleshooting/Root-cause analysis

Signal integrity/EMI/EMC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

VHDL/Verilog

Job description

About Trakka Systems

Trakka Systems is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of mission-critical vision, surveillance, and situational awareness solutions for airborne, maritime, and land-based operations. For more than 25 years, Trakka has delivered innovative technologies including advanced gyro-stabilized imaging systems, EO/IR sensor platforms, high-intensity searchlights, mission management and mapping software, counter-UAS solutions, and integrated surveillance systems that support defense, law enforcement, border security, search and rescue, utility, and special mission operators around the world. Trakka Systems is a member of the Acron Technologies platform of specialized companies that innovate to create safer skies and protect lives.

Job Title

Embedded Hardware Engineer – Electro-Optical Systems

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Embedded Hardware Engineer to design, develop, and debug the electronics within advanced airborne, land, and maritime electro-optical systems.

This is a highly technical, bench-focused engineering role where you will own hardware development from concept through schematic capture, PCB layout, bring-up, integration, qualification, and production support. The position includes development of electronics supporting real-time video processing, motor control and stabilization, communications interfaces, and power regulation systems.

In addition to new product development, you will serve as a hardware escalation resource for manufacturing and field service teams, supporting root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous product improvement initiatives.

Hardware Design & Development

• Own board-level hardware design activities from requirements through release, including architecture development, component selection, schematic capture, and PCB layout
• Design circuitry supporting real-time video processing, motor control and stabilization, serial communications, and DC/DC power regulation and distribution
• Apply disciplined high-speed digital, mixed-signal, and power design methodologies
• Design for EMI/EMC compliance, thermal performance, reliability, and environmental robustness
• Integrate and support microcontrollers, FPGAs, and supporting digital architectures
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including schematics, bills of material, fabrication drawings, interface control documents, and test procedures

Bring-Up, Debug & Validation

• Perform first-article board bring-up and hardware characterization activities
• Troubleshoot hardware faults at the component, circuit, and system level
• Utilize oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, DMMs, power supplies, thermal imaging equipment, and other diagnostic tools
• Validate interfaces including SPI, I²C, UART, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, Ethernet, CAN, USB, HDMI, SDI, LVDS, and related technologies
• Execute design verification activities and support EMI/EMC and environmental qualification testing
• Drive corrective actions and design improvements based on qualification and test results

Production & Field Support

• Support manufacturing and service teams with troubleshooting, yield improvement, and technical issue resolution
• Develop test fixtures, functional test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and production support documentation
• Conduct failure analysis activities on returned and fielded products
• Support engineering change implementation and continuous improvement efforts
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Testability (DFT), and Design for Serviceability (DFS) principles
• Provide occasional customer, supplier, and field support

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on embedded hardware design experience supporting production hardware
• Experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, hardware integration, and production support
• Practical experience with embedded digital interfaces including SPI, I²C, UART, RS-232, RS-422, and Ethernet
• Experience supporting high-speed video, high-speed serial, or related interface technologies
• Experience working with microcontrollers and FPGA-based systems
• Strong understanding of power electronics, DC/DC conversion, regulation, sequencing, and protection circuits
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR regulations

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with Altium Designer
• Experience with brushless motor control and stabilization systems
• Experience supporting gyros, encoders, IMUs, or related sensor technologies
• Experience with EO/IR imaging systems and video electronics
• Exposure to FPGA development, VHDL, or Verilog environments
• Embedded firmware development experience in C
• Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or environmental qualification standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or MIL-STD-461.
• Experience supporting airborne, maritime, defense, public safety, or surveillance systems
• Experience with structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies

  Trakka Systems is a member of the Acron Technologies platform of specialized companies that innovate to create safer skies and protect lives.

  Equal Opportunity Statement

  Acron Aviation is proud to be an affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity and to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

  Additional Information

  Acron Aviation maintains a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where allowed by law. Acron Aviation is an E-Verify employer.