Hardware Research and Development

Lead, R&D Hardware Research and Development

Engineering / Product Development/ Product Management

Ottawa, Ontario

$100,000–$130,000 a year

The Opportunity

An innovative and hands-on R&D Hardware Research and Development Specialist to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced hardware & embedded software solutions. This role focuses on exploring new technologies, prototyping concepts, and delivering robust hardware designs that support next-generation products. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with a research-driven mindset and a passion for innovation.

Objective & Summary

· In cooperation with the Principal Engineer, drive innovation by researching, evaluating, and applying emerging hardware technologies for Products and Testing

· Accelerate product development through rapid prototyping and iterative designs

· Ensure hardware designs meet performance, quality, safety, regulatory standards, and baseline engineering quality standards

· Support seamless integration between hardware, firmware, and software systems

· Quickly turn initial requirements into a concept prototype for demonstrations/acceptance

· HW architectures, PCBAs, and Mechanical concepts for Improving Product Test Station multi-up designs, including cost reductions

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Research & Innovation

· In cooperation with the Principal Engineer or individually, conduct new component research, materials research, and research technologies relevant to product development

· Evaluate feasibility, performance, and cost of new hardware concepts

· Develop proof-of-concept prototypes and validate innovative ideas

· Stay current with industry trends, standards, and emerging technologies

Hardware Design & Development

· Design electronic hardware systems, including schematics, PCB layouts, and system architecture.

· Select components based on performance, cost, availability, reliability, and environmental compliance

· Perform circuit design, simulation, and analysis (analog, digital, and mixed signal)

· Collaborate with mechanical and software teams to ensure seamless system integration

Prototyping & Testing

· Build and test prototypes to validate design concepts and performance requirements

· Develop and execute test plans, including functional, environmental, and reliability testing

· Analyze test data and iterate on designs to improve performance and robustness

· Use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and power analyzers

Validation & Compliance

· Ensure designs meet regulatory and industry standards (e.g., UL, CE, FCC, IEC, CSA other).

· Support certification processes and documentation as it relates to Hardware Design

· Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Work closely with software, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams

· Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA), including cross-functional failure mode analysis (FMEA)

· Support transition from prototype to production, including cross-site (Ottawa / Moncton) development

Product Development & Lifecycle Management

· Work with cross-functional teams (Engineering, R&D, Operations, Sales, Marketing, Quality) in cooperation with Project Management to deliver product development projects, including developing detailed product test plans complete with efforts and timeline estimates.

· Manage Hardware and Software design IP according to PLM standards and methods, including revision controls, data structures and release processes

Management

· This position reports to the R&D Manager

Education, Training & Experience

· B.SC. Engineering SW/HW

· >8 years of experience in HW Product Design

· Electrical Design using Altium and related life cycle management best practices

· PSPICE Simulations / Processors/ Microcontrollers

· Math CAD

· C++

Skills and Competency Requirements

· HVAC Gas Sensors/Transmitter product knowledge will be considered a strong asset

· HVAC Gas Sensors/Transmitter field application knowledge will be considered a strong asset

· Ability to communicate and work with technical and non-technical staff to define product requirements

· Understanding/Writing Product Requirements

· System Design (Monitor/Transmitter and BAC)

· SW / Scripting Languages