Product Development Engineer - Rugged Computing

Advanced Electronic Design Inc; North Attleborough (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Electronic Design Inc. is seeking a hands-on engineer to participate in the complete development of rugged computer systems, from concept to field deployment.

The role spans mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software engineering, with regular hands-on work in the lab and collaboration with suppliers and customers. You will work on prototypes, mechanical enclosures, PCB design, embedded firmware, BIOS integration, and manufacturing support, with opportunities to influence product

Qualifications

• Strong engineering fundamentals, curiosity, and willingness to learn across disciplines.
• Candidates with electrical/computer/electrical/mechanical engineering backgrounds are welcome.
• Experience in C, C++, Python or other software development is desired.

Responsibilities

• Design rugged computers, tablets, docking stations, and related electronic systems.
• Participate in projects from initial concept through production.
• Develop mechanical components, enclosures, thermal solutions, and mounting systems.
• Design, review, prototype, and troubleshoot printed circuit boards.
• Develop or modify embedded firmware for microcontrollers and system controllers.
• Assist with BIOS, EC, driver, and operating-system integration.
• Develop test utilities, manufacturing tools, and supporting software.
• Build and evaluate prototypes in the lab.
• Diagnose hardware, firmware, software, thermal, and system-level problems.
• Work with suppliers, manufacturers, customers, and other engineers.
• Support regulatory, environmental, reliability, and production testing.
• Document designs and help transition products into manufacturing.

Skills

Electrical Eng

Mechanical Design

PCB Design

Embedded Firmware

C/C++

Python

BIOS/UEFI

System Integration

Lab Troubleshooting

Prototype Development

Education

Bachelor's in EE/CE/ME/CS

Tools

CAD Software

PCB Layout Tools

Job description

Description

Work arrangement

On-site. This role requires regular hands-on work with prototypes, laboratory equipment, and production hardware.

About the Role

We are a small, established technology company that designs and manufactures rugged computer systems used by first responders and other demanding professional users.

We are looking for a hands-on engineer who wants to participate in the complete development of a product—from early concepts and prototypes through testing, production, and field deployment.

This is not a narrowly defined engineering position. Our engineers work across multiple disciplines and have significant influence over the products they develop. Depending on your background and interests, your work may include mechanical design, PCB design, embedded firmware, system software, BIOS integration, troubleshooting, testing, and manufacturing support.

We do not expect one person to already be an expert in every area. We are looking for someone with a strong engineering foundation, curiosity, and a genuine interest in learning how complete computer systems are designed and built.

What You Will Do

• Help design rugged computers, tablets, docking stations, and related electronic systems
• Participate in projects from initial concept through production
• Develop mechanical components, enclosures, thermal solutions, and mounting systems
• Design, review, prototype, and troubleshoot printed circuit boards
• Develop or modify embedded firmware for microcontrollers and system controllers
• Assist with BIOS, EC, driver, and operating-system integration
• Develop test utilities, manufacturing tools, and supporting software
• Build and evaluate prototypes in the lab
• Diagnose hardware, firmware, software, thermal, and system-level problems
• Work directly with component suppliers, manufacturers, customers, and other engineers
• Support regulatory, environmental, reliability, and production testing
• Document designs and help transition products into manufacturing

Why Join Us?

• Work on meaningful products used by first responders
• Take broad ownership across the product-development lifecycle
• Expand your skills across mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, BIOS, thermal, and manufacturing engineering
• Work directly with prototypes and production hardware
• See your ideas move from initial concept to finished products used in the field
• Have a visible impact on products, technical decisions, and project outcomes
• Receive mentoring in unfamiliar technical areas
• Build broad technical depth rather than being limited to one narrow function or subsystem
• Benefits may include medical, dental and vision insurance, HSA, paid time off, paid holidays and retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.

Requirements

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for candidates with strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on technical interest, and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Electrical or computer engineering
• Mechanical product design
• PCB schematic capture and layout
• Embedded systems and microcontroller firmware
• C, C++, Python, or other software development
• BIOS, UEFI, embedded controller, or low-level system integration
• Windows or Linux system development
• Thermal design and testing
• Prototype development and laboratory troubleshooting
• Design for manufacturing and product introduction

You do not need to meet every qualification listed. The most important qualities are strong problem-solving ability, hands-on technical interest, curiosity, and a desire to understand the complete product.

The Right Person for This Role

You may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy building and troubleshooting real products
• Prefer broad technical ownership over working on one small portion of a large project
• Like moving between CAD, schematics, firmware, software, testing, and the lab
• Want to see your designs become finished products used in the field
• Are comfortable working in a small-company environment
• Can work independently but also ask questions and collaborate when needed
• Are interested in learning disciplines outside your primary area of expertise
• Take ownership of problems, follow them through to resolution, and communicate when additional input or support is needed

Experience Level

We welcome candidates at a range of experience levels.

An early-career engineer with strong fundamentals, personal projects, internships, or demonstrated technical curiosity may receive mentoring and grow into the broader responsibilities of the position.

We are also interested in experienced engineers who enjoy hands‑on development and want more direct ownership of products than they might receive at a larger company.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.