Senior Electrical Engineer

TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AUSTIN INC; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TRI Austin is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer to design and develop integrated hardware and software for data acquisition across diverse environments. You will prototype PCBs, implement sensor-based hardware and firmware, and integrate instrumentation for both existing and new systems.

The role requires two+ years in embedded engineering, proficiency in C/C++ and Python, PCB design using Altium or KiCad, and hands-on lab experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field.
• At least two years of professional embedded systems experience.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python programming.
• Experience with PCB design software (Altium or KiCad).
• Working knowledge of hardware communication protocols (SPI, I²C, RS-232, CAN).
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (soldering, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines and document work clearly.
• Exposure to analog, RF, or microwave circuit design and NDE techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype PCBs, including schematic design, component selection, assembly, and bench testing.
• Create embedded hardware and firmware solutions for sensor-based data acquisition and control.
• Integrate instrumentation into data acquisition installations and new systems.
• Develop sensing solutions using specialized components and existing technologies.
• Apply DSP methods: sampling, amplification, filtering and data analysis.
• Design and develop motion control systems and modify equipment for specialized tasks.
• Engineer electrical systems from low-voltage DC to high-voltage AC for materials characterization.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic equipment, including legacy hardware.
• Document development progress, testing procedures, and results for reports and proposals.

Skills

C/C++

Python

PCB Design

Serial protocols

Lab equipment

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Altium

KiCad

Job description

Description

About TRI Austin

Texas Research Institute (TRI) Austin is an established small business with more than 45 years of experience providing applied materials science research and development (R&D) services to government and commercial clients. Our work spans a variety of technical disciplines, requiring innovative engineering solutions to address complex research and testing challenges.

We are looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer to contribute to the design and development of integrated hardware and software solutions used to collect experimental data across a broad range of applications and physical environments.

The successful candidate will apply their knowledge of embedded hardware, firmware development, sensor integration, data acquisition, and electronic troubleshooting to support ongoing research and development projects. This position requires someone who can take loosely defined technical requirements and turn them into practical, reliable systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype custom printed circuit boards (PCBs), including schematic design, component selection, assembly, and bench testing.
• Create embedded hardware and firmware solutions for sensor-based data acquisition and control applications, including bare-metal microcontroller programming and supporting software.
• Identify, integrate, and configure instrumentation for both existing data acquisition installations and newly developed systems.
• Develop customized sensing solutions using specialized components and commercially available technologies.
• Implement signal conditioning and digital signal processing (DSP) methods, including signal sampling, amplification, filtering, and sensor data analysis.
• Design and develop single-axis and multi-axis motion control systems, as well as modify existing equipment for specialized applications.
• Engineer electrical systems ranging from low-voltage DC power distribution to high-voltage AC applications used in materials characterization.
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic equipment, including legacy and obsolete hardware.
• Assemble and evaluate engineering prototypes through laboratory testing, refining designs as needed before field implementation.
• Maintain technical documentation detailing development progress, engineering decisions, testing procedures, and results for customer reporting.
• Assist in the preparation and review of technical proposals, project reports, and other engineering deliverables.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• At least two years of professional experience in embedded systems or related engineering development.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python programming.
• Experience with PCB design software such as Altium or KiCad.
• Working knowledge of hardware communication protocols, including SPI, I²C, RS-232, and CAN.
• Hands-on experience with engineering laboratory equipment, including soldering tools, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and researchers across multiple technical disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly when documenting technical work.
• Exposure to analog, RF, or microwave circuit design.
• Experience with nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, such as eddy current, ultrasonic, or terahertz inspection.

Position Details

• Location: Southwest Austin, Texas
• Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position
• Compensation: Salary based on qualifications and relevant experience

TRI Austin offers a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to work on diverse, technically challenging projects while enjoying the quality of life that Austin has to offer.

Security Clearance Requirement

Candidates must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. Additional information regarding clearance requirements can be found here:

https://www.dss.mil/ma/tw/dvd/vroc/faqs/

TRI Austin is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. TRI Austin is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.