Hardware Research Engineer

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better. Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what's possible. We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

This position is responsible for driving the development of cutting-edge electronic and sensing systems from conception through technology transfer and/or productization. This includes the design and execution of small scale experimental studies using prototype hardware, measurements and evaluations, and associated signal processing and data analysis. This position works with a cross-functional team of scientists, engineers and managers in Research, Technology Development, Product Development, and Program Management to solve complex technical and logistic issues aimed ultimately at delivering a product.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

Develop system architecture to support multiple sensors in a hearing product.

• Develop high level system architecture.
• Develop electronic packaging pathway to support sensor integration.
• Develop power budget plans.

Extrapolate theories on sensor operation to the hearing instrument environment.

• Determine how various sensors work.
• Determine how to make sensors as small as needed for the hearing environment.
• Model, simulate and prototype sensor systems.
• Investigate tools and equipment needed to improve efficiency.
• Guide the design of test fixtures and test strategies for sensors.
• Design feasibility runs to prove out ideas.

Develop processes to integrate miniature sensors into hearing instruments.

• Work as a team member of the Technology Development groups.
• Investigate and recommend paths to integrate existing sensor technology into Starkey products.
• Perform active searches and evaluations for needed sensor capability.
• Provide written reports for proposals, experiments, processes, and evaluations using the Starkey standard formats.

Coordinate and support the introduction of new processes into production.

• Evaluate process with Quality/Reliability department.
• Evaluate process improvements in assembly and substrate fabrication.
• Coordinate the production of prototype product builds using new processes.
• Identify, recommend and qualify new assembly equipment.
• Assist in yield improvement projects for production assemblies.
• Provide process support for manufacturing problems and concerns as directed.
• Ensure new designs are manufacturable by active participation in design reviews.
• Support and assist training of production staff in new processes or technologies.

Scanning emerging technologies.

• Attend technology seminars and present pertinent information for Starkey.
• Participate in local, national and international industry organizational meetings.
• Benchmark and explore new technologies.
• Become a recognized industry expert in sensor technology.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

At least a 4-year college degree (M.S. or Ph.D. degree preferred) in electrical or biomedical engineering.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience with B.S. degree (5 years of experience with M.S. or 2 years of experience with Ph.D.) in process or manufacturing engineering of biosensors is required including failure analysis of sensors and/or electrical components, using DOE and SPC tools and other formal problem solving techniques.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• In-depth understanding and significant application of technical expertise. Has detailed knowledge of other related disciplines.
• Knowledge of SEM, EDX, Auger, FTIR, GC/MS, SIMS, AA, LC, TGA, DSC, DMA, and other analytical tools and procedures is required.
• Knowledge of materials science, optics, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, plastics, statistics, chemistry, metrology and hybrid manufacturing required.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering, acoustics engineering, communications systems, new product development systems and quality systems desirable.
• Knowledge of programing languages and tools such as C and SPICE.
• Semiconductor and/or MEMS fabrication knowledge.
• Excellent problem solving skills required.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Identifies technical opportunities and provides technical solutions to advanced problems which require strong critical thinking skills.
• Works with minimal directions. Independently determines and develops technical objectives of assignments. Work is reviewed upon completion from a long term perspective.
• Organizes and contributes to successful completion of important projects, occasionally acting as a leader. Erroneous decisions would result in probable delay and failure of organizational objectives.
• Represents the organization as a technical contact on projects. Interacts with senior personnel on important technical matters and helps with coordination between organizations.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of analytical and metrology tools and interpretation of the data from these tools.
• Excellent leadership and people skills.
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Mentor, lead and train other technical coworkers.
• Interpret drawings and component specifications and able to communicate with sketches.
• Need to have demonstrated exceptional performance in past reviews.

WORK CONTEXT

• Working Conditions
• Standard office conditions. Travel less than 25% of the time with occasional trips to China of 2 - 3 week duration.

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