Sr Electrical Engineer

Vatn Systems; Bristol (RI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vatn Systems in Rhode Island is seeking a Senior Electrical/Computer Engineer to lead electrical system design and PCB layout for cutting-edge autonomous underwater vehicles. You will mentor engineers and drive architecture decisions, balancing performance with reliability.

You will collaborate across software and mechanical teams, shape validation plans, and ensure a smooth Engineering to Manufacturing handoff for scalable product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 7+ years in electrical or computer engineering with PCB design.
• Proficient in Altium Designer and PCB fabrication/assembly.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, schematic capture, and PCB layout for electrical systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive design decisions.
• Ensure manufacturability and handoff to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with software, mechanical, and project teams.
• Develop testing plans and document interfaces.

Skills

Altium Designer

Schematic capture

PCB layout

Signal integrity

Power electronics

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

SPICE simulations

ECAD tooling

Job description

About Vatn SystemsVatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.

SummaryWe are seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Electrical Engineer / Senior Computer Engineer to take on a leadership role in the electronic system design & analysis, schematic capture, and PCB layout within our fast-paced and innovative AUV startup.

As a senior member of our engineering team, you will own the design, development, analysis, and optimization of electrical systems and PCBs for our cutting-edge AUV technology, while mentoring junior engineers and driving key architecture decisions that shape our undersea superiority.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and implementation of all things electronic on our present and future products, driving architecture decisions in collaboration with the Electrical Engineering team and all other engineering departments
• Complete schematic capture and layout of high-quality, complex PCBs, considering signal integrity, power distribution, thermal management, and manufacturability
• Research, evaluate, and select electronic components, including microcontrollers, sensors, connectors, and power management devices, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and environmental requirements
• Develop wiring diagrams and harness designs for in-house and external fabrication
• Design and execute rigorous testing plans to validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of the electrical systems, firmware, and PCBs internally developed and externally procured. Identify and resolve any issues or anomalies that arise during testing.
• Create & maintain detailed documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, test procedures, and manuals
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, mechanical engineers, and project managers, to ensure successful project execution. Communicate technical concepts and ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in relevant tools, technologies, and practices. Identify opportunities to enhance system performance, reduce cost, reduce complexity, and increase manufacturability
• Responsible for a successful Engineering to Manufacturing handoff when transitioning R&D efforts into manufacturable product
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, reviewing designs and supporting their growth

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
• 7+ years of experience in electrical or computer engineering roles, with a focus on electrical system design & PCBs; experience in the Marine Industry and/or Robotics Industry highly desirable
• Strong proficiency with PCB design tools (Altium Designer) and deep familiarity with PCB fabrication/assembly processes
• Strong understanding of analog and digital circuit design as well as AC / DC power electronics. Experience with simulation tools such as SPICE
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment and engage with external partners and suppliers
• Comfortable working in a dynamic startup environment with changing priorities. Self-motivated with a passion for innovation and learning.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers, lead technical discussions, and drive design decisions independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a startup or fast-paced product development environment
• Experience with embedded firmware development (C/C++) on platforms such as Microchip dsPIC and STM STM32, and digital communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CANbus, Ethernet, etc.)
• Experience with energy storage systems (such as Lithium-Ion Battery Packs) and both low & high voltage DC systems (12V to 800VDC)

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer.