Systems Engineer – Biotechnology

Method Recruiting, a 3x Inc. 5000 company; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a specialized life sciences company, seeks an experienced embedded systems engineer to drive hardware, firmware, and software for research devices. You will take ownership from concept through production, collaborating with engineers and researchers to deliver field-ready solutions.

The role blends hardware design, PCB layout in KiCad, power management, and software in C/C++ and Python across Linux and microcontrollers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years designing low-power embedded systems.
• 2+ years C-based software for Linux and microcontrollers.
• Strong experience with C, C++, and Python.
• Experience designing PCBs using KiCad.
• Knowledge of I2C, SPI, 1-Wire, UART.
• USB and Ethernet connectivity experience.
• Hands-on PCB assembly and soldering.
• Good written and verbal communication; customer interaction.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 1 week, 2-4 times a year.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of embedded hardware and software for research devices.
• Design circuit schematics and PCBs using KiCad, including layout review and validation.
• Develop low-power embedded systems, including power regulation, PoE, and DC-to-DC conversion.
• Write and maintain firmware and software using C, C++, and Python across Linux and microcontroller environments.
• Manage external PCB manufacturing and assembly partners.
• Test and troubleshoot hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and other diagnostic tools.
• Create technical documentation, including schematics, BOMs, assembly procedures, test protocols, and end-user documentation.
• Support production and train team members on device assembly and testing.
• Work directly with customers to define requirements and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Help take products from concept through production and field deployment.

Skills

Embedded systems

C

C++

Python

PCB design

I2C

SPI

UART

USB

Ethernet

Soldering

Customer interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

KiCad

LabVIEW

Job description

Our client is a specialized life sciences company that develops products and solutions supporting scientific and preclinical research. The organization works closely with researchers and technical professionals and operates in a highly specialized, science-driven industry.

The company has built a strong reputation for stability, collaboration, and long-term employee retention. The culture is low-ego and highly collaborative, with accessible leadership and close partnerships across scientific, commercial, production, and operational teams. This is an environment where people are trusted to take ownership, work independently, and make a meaningful impact.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on role with the opportunity to take products from early concepts through design, testing, production, and real-world deployment. You'll work across hardware, firmware, software, and physical product development alongside engineers and researchers. The role offers significant ownership and variety - you'll design systems, troubleshoot complex problems, support customers, train production teams, and see your work become real products used in the field.

What You'll Do

• Own the design and development of embedded hardware and software for research devices.
• Design circuit schematics and PCBs using KiCad, including layout review and validation.
• Develop low-power embedded systems, including power regulation, PoE, and DC-to-DC conversion.
• Write and maintain firmware and software using C, C++, and Python across Linux and microcontroller environments.
• Manage external PCB manufacturing and assembly partners.
• Test and troubleshoot hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and other diagnostic tools.
• Create technical documentation, including schematics, BOMs, assembly procedures, test protocols, and end-user documentation.
• Support production and train team members on device assembly and testing.
• Work directly with customers to define requirements and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Help take products from concept through production and field deployment.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience designing, building, and troubleshooting low-power embedded systems.
• 2+ years of experience developing and maintaining C-based software for Linux and microcontroller environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with C, C++, and Python.
• Experience designing PCBs and working with KiCad.
• Knowledge of embedded communication protocols including I2C, SPI, 1-Wire, and UART.
• Experience with USB and Ethernet connectivity.
• Comfortable with hands-on PCB assembly and soldering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work directly with customers and non-technical users.
• Collaborative and comfortable working in a small, cross-functional team.
• Ability to travel domestically for up to one week at a time, approximately 2-4 times per year.

Nice to Have

• Experience with LabVIEW.
• Familiarity with 80C51 family processors.
• Experience working in laboratory animal, biotechnology, or regulated environments.
• Experience with wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys building real things and wants broad ownership beyond a narrow technical specialty. You'll have visibility across the full product lifecycle - from initial ideas and prototyping through manufacturing, customer support, and deployment - with the chance to make a direct impact on the development of specialized research technology.