Senior Electrical Engineer

Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Research Institute (TRI) Austin is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer to contribute to the hardware/software design of data-collection systems across diverse environments. You will prototype PCBs, implement bare-metal firmware, and integrate sensors for robust data acquisition and control applications.

The role requires hands-on circuit debugging, DSP-like signal conditioning, and collaboration with researchers across disciplines.

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.

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 existing data acquisition installations and newly developed systems.
• Develop customized sensing solutions using specialized components and commercially available technologies.
• Implement signal conditioning and DSP methods, including sampling, amplification, filtering, and sensor data analysis.
• Design and develop single-axis and multi-axis motion control systems, and modify existing equipment for specialized applications.
• Engineer electrical systems from low-voltage DC to high-voltage AC used in materials characterization.
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic equipment, including legacy hardware.
• Assemble and evaluate engineering prototypes through laboratory testing, refining designs for field implementation.
• Maintain technical documentation detailing development progress, engineering decisions, testing procedures, and results.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded systems

PCB design

Sensor integration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or 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.