Electrical Design Engineer

$90,000 - $110,000/Yr

Utilidata - Ann Arbor, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Ann Arbor, MI

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Utilidata is seeking an electrical design engineer to join their team, focusing on the development and validation of mixed-signal and sensing electronics for grid-edge metering hardware. This role combines embedded systems engineering, power systems engineering, and data science to enhance the functionality of utility operations in the context of a rapidly evolving energy landscape. The position is hybrid, requiring in-person collaboration in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while also working with remote teams across the country.

Responsibilities

• Test, validate, and debug mixed-signal and sensing electronics.
• Coordinate prototyping of PCBs and enclosures including in-house assembly and modification as needed.
• Coordinate work with contract manufacturers to build state-of-the-art grid edge metering hardware correctly and on schedule.
• Write internal assembly, test, and quality procedures and external support documentation.
• Collaborate with algorithms, software, and product teams to evaluate, process, and derive insights from data generated on the grid edge using statistics, algorithms, machine learning, subject-matter expertise, and critical thinking.
• Conduct background research on utility/customer requirements, UL/FCC standards, sensor technologies, component datasheets, and competitive products.
• Support the design of state-of-the-art grid-edge metering hardware incorporating complex electronic circuits with analog, digital, microcontroller, and wireless/IoT components.
• Support the design, simulation, layout, validation, and documentation of mixed-signal electronic circuits for grid edge sensing and computing.

Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, computer science or similar field OR equivalent training and on-the-job experience.
• Deep understanding of analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, Altium, C/C++, Verilog.
• Familiarity with existing electronics industry supply chains and issues, sourcing of PCB components, and contracting PCB prototyping and manufacturing services.
• Proficient with signal integrity and medium/high-speed time and frequency domain testing using oscilloscopes and signal analyzers.
• Ability to acquire and process data and present outcomes graphically.
• Detail oriented, highly organized, and able to document work.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Circuit design and layout - power supply design, communication protocols (SPI, QSPI, I2C), microcontroller selection, wireless comms, low-noise instrumentation, etc.
• Understanding of the physics, mathematics, and hardware components which underlie the existing U.S. electricity grid and evolving domestic/commercial power systems.
• Experience pursuing IEC, UL, FCC, CE and other relevant industry certifications.
• Experience integrating current measurement, surge protection, and other modular components into complex electronic assemblies.
• Knowledge of strategies for thermal management and weatherproofing of outdoor hardware.
• Experience with ML, IoT, AI SOMs (AMD/XILINX Kria, NVIDIA Jetson, etc.).
• Experience with EV charging, PV inverter, and backup battery protocols/standards.

Benefits

• Flexible paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employer-match 401k