Embedded Hardware Engineer – Electro-Optical Systems

About Trakka Systems

Trakka Systems is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of mission-critical vision, surveillance, and situational awareness solutions for airborne, maritime, and land-based operations. For more than 25 years, Trakka has delivered innovative technologies including advanced gyro-stabilized imaging systems, EO/IR sensor platforms, high-intensity searchlights, mission management and mapping software, counter-UAS solutions, and integrated surveillance systems that support defense, law enforcement, border security, search and rescue, utility, and special mission operators around the world. Trakka Systems is a member of the Acron Technologies platform of specialized companies that innovate to create safer skies and protect lives.

Job Title

Embedded Hardware Engineer - Electro-Optical Systems

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Embedded Hardware Engineer to design, develop, and debug the electronics within advanced airborne, land, and maritime electro-optical systems.

This is a highly technical, bench-focused engineering role where you will own hardware development from concept through schematic capture, PCB layout, bring-up, integration, qualification, and production support. The position includes development of electronics supporting real-time video processing, motor control and stabilization, communications interfaces, and power regulation systems.

In addition to new product development, you will serve as a hardware escalation resource for manufacturing and field service teams, supporting root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous product improvement initiatives.

Hardware Design & Development

• Own board-level hardware design activities from requirements through release, including architecture development, component selection, schematic capture, and PCB layout
• Design circuitry supporting real-time video processing, motor control and stabilization, serial communications, and DC/DC power regulation and distribution
• Apply disciplined high-speed digital, mixed-signal, and power design methodologies
• Design for EMI/EMC compliance, thermal performance, reliability, and environmental robustness
• Integrate and support microcontrollers, FPGAs, and supporting digital architectures
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including schematics, bills of material, fabrication drawings, interface control documents, and test procedures

Bring-Up, Debug & Validation

• Perform first-article board bring-up and hardware characterization activities
• Troubleshoot hardware faults at the component, circuit, and system level
• Utilize oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, DMMs, power supplies, thermal imaging equipment, and other diagnostic tools
• Validate interfaces including SPI, I²C, UART, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, Ethernet, CAN, USB, HDMI, SDI, LVDS, and related technologies
• Execute design verification activities and support EMI/EMC and environmental qualification testing
• Drive corrective actions and design improvements based on qualification and test results

Production & Field Support

• Support manufacturing and service teams with troubleshooting, yield improvement, and technical issue resolution
• Develop test fixtures, functional test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and production support documentation
• Conduct failure analysis activities on returned and fielded products
• Support engineering change implementation and continuous improvement efforts
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Testability (DFT), and Design for Serviceability (DFS) principles
• Provide occasional customer, supplier, and field support

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on embedded hardware design experience supporting production hardware
• Experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, hardware integration, and production support
• Practical experience with embedded digital interfaces including SPI, I²C, UART, RS-232, RS-422, and Ethernet
• Experience supporting high-speed video, high-speed serial, or related interface technologies
• Experience working with microcontrollers and FPGA-based systems
• Strong understanding of power electronics, DC/DC conversion, regulation, sequencing, and protection circuits
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR regulations

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with Altium Designer
• Experience with brushless motor control and stabilization systems
• Experience supporting gyros, encoders, IMUs, or related sensor technologies
• Experience with EO/IR imaging systems and video electronics
• Exposure to FPGA development, VHDL, or Verilog environments
• Embedded firmware development experience in C
• Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or environmental qualification standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or MIL-STD-461.
• Experience supporting airborne, maritime, defense, public safety, or surveillance systems
• Experience with structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies