Engineering Manager, Electronics Hardware and Firmware

Job Summary/Overview

The Engineering Manager Electronics Hardware and Firmware leads a team of engineers in the design and development of advanced electronic systems and embedded firmware for industrial and commercial applications including elevator drives and material handling systems. This role oversees the planning execution and delivery of engineering projects while providing technical leadership throughout the product development lifecycle. The manager ensures the team maintains the necessary skills and tools to drive innovation in hardware and firmware design and introduces new methodologies and technologies to solve complex engineering challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze input from Product Management and Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback to understand customer needs and translate those into hardware and firmware design specifications for new products or major redesigns.
• Collaborate with project managers and leadership to develop project plans schedules and resource allocations.
• Assess team workload and help prioritize projects to ensure focus on high-impact initiatives.
• Communicate project progress risks and mitigation strategies to stakeholders.
• Review employee performance and ensure quality and compliance of hardware and firmware specifications.
• Approve design verification and validation test plans to ensure products meet performance regulatory and quality standards.
• Lead and participate in design reviews to ensure technical soundness and alignment with project goals.
• Maintain documentation and records in accordance with product development procedures.
• Benchmark competitor products to identify technological advantages and opportunities.
• Collaborate in recruiting interviewing and hiring engineering talent.
• Ensure the teams technical skills remain current with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Enforce compliance with safety policies work rules and regulations.

Knowledge Skills Competencies and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team in a hardware and firmware development environment.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems analog and digital circuit design microcontrollers and communication protocols.
• Experience with PCB design tools (e.g. Altium) simulation software and lab equipment for testing and validation.
• Proficient in industrial firmware development in C/C and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Hands-on experience with laboratory testing of AC and DC drives including setup instrumentation and performance validation.
• Proficient in motor control algorithm development including vector control sensorless control and torque/speed regulation techniques.
• Strong background in power electronics design and testing including inverters converters gate drivers and thermal management.
• Ability to define problems collect data analyze results and implement effective solutions.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to attract develop and retain top engineering talent.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on team success and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver products to market that meet technical and business objectives.
• Willingness to lead change and adopt new technologies and approaches.
• Ability to manage timelines and budgets effectively.
• Experience with compliance standards such as UL CSA CE FCC and RoHS TSCA.
• Working knowledge of firmware version control tools (e.g. Git) and issue tracking systems (e.g. Jira DevOps).
• Up to date knowledge of cybersecurity and code process development.
• Familiarity with IoT hardware platforms sensor integration and low-power design techniques.
• Understanding of elevator drive systems including regenerative drives motor control algorithms and safety systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with cranes and hoist material handling drive systems including load control braking systems and industrial automation interfaces.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program. Masters degree preferred.
• 6 - 10 years of embedded firmware development with exposure to the associated hardware development including leadership of industrial product development engineering projects.
• 4 years experience in embedded C/C development and microcontroller-based system design.
• 2 years exposure to circuit design PCB layout and hardware validation.
• Hands-on experience with motor control algorithm development and power electronics testing is required.
• 25% travel within Columbus McKinnon Corporations global footprint.