Electrical Engineer III - Communications

OTTO Engineering•Carpentersville, IL

49d•Onsite

About The Position

OTTO Engineering's Communications Division designs and manufactures ruggedized, application-specific communication systems built to perform when failure isn’t an option, serving the military, law enforcement, public safety, and industrial customers worldwide. As a core value, we focus on delivering for our customers through innovative technology, superior quality, value, and responsiveness. Employees are our greatest asset, which is why we share our company’s profits to celebrate our collective success. As a privately-owned company, we are proud to invest significantly in our community and in our own growth, focusing on long-term business success. We are proudly American! Join a team where your engineering talent directly supports the people who protect and serve. At OTTO Engineering, we design and build innovative communications and power‑management products used by Public Safety professionals and Military teams around the world. You’ll help create rugged, reliable, and innovative products that professionals depend on every day. If you’re excited by meaningful engineering challenges and the chance to build technology that truly matters, this role is a great fit. Specifically, we are seeking experience with Digital, analog, and audio circuit design, SDIO, I²C, SPI, RS‑232, UART, JTAG, parallel/serial interfaces, GPS, accelerometers, IMUs, speakers, microphones, Bluetooth, USB, and related protocols, and schematic/layout tools; Altium preferred. As our Electrical Engineer III you will design advanced circuitry for our communications and power‑management products. Work across the full development cycle—from concept through production—developing analog, digital, audio, sensing, and battery‑powered systems while driving hands‑on bring‑up, validation, and cross‑functional integration. This role requires technical depth, initiative, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, with minimal supervision. Includes resolving field and production issues and influencing overall project direction. Degree of supervision required to perform job duties should not exceed 20%.

Requirements

BSEE degree
U.S. Citizen
5+ years of concept‑to‑production experience
Expertise in digital, analog, and audio circuit design — Including bring‑up and HW/SW integration.
Microprocessor interface experience — SDIO, I²C, SPI, RS‑232, UART, JTAG, parallel/serial interfaces.
Sensor and audio subsystem knowledge — GPS, accelerometers, IMUs, speakers, microphones.
Connectivity proficiency — Strong understanding of Bluetooth, USB, and related protocols.
Battery‑system knowledge — Charging circuits, battery technologies, and power‑management fundamentals.
EMC/ESD mitigation experience — Designing for noise reduction, compliance, and robustness.
Failure‑analysis capability — Diagnose issues, interpret test results, and drive design improvements.
CAD proficiency — Schematic/layout tools; Altium preferred.
Strong execution discipline — Able to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
Excellent communication and teamwork
Microsoft Office proficiency
Independent, results‑oriented problem solver — Flexible, proactive, and effective in both solo and team environments.

Nice To Haves

Embedded software familiarity (a plus, not required)

Responsibilities

Lead full‑cycle development — Drive design, bring‑up, HW/SW integration, factory support, validation, and customer support.
Own component selection — Specify and evaluate components for performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Design digital systems — Architect interface logic, sensors, peripherals, microprocessors, memory, and connectivity.
Develop audio circuitry — Work with A/D and D/A converters, audio power amps, op‑amps, and signal‑chain components.
Engineer advanced analog circuits — Filters, FETs, linear/switch‑mode power supplies, battery monitoring, and charging.
Validate product performance — Test, analyze, and document performance to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Support existing products — Implement updates, troubleshoot issues, and assist factory and field teams.
Create production‑ready documentation — Generate schematics (Altium), BOMs, ECNs, test plans, and specifications.
Guide PCB design — Provide direction on routing, high‑speed interfaces, impedance control, power distribution, and EMC compliance.
Perform hands‑on troubleshooting — Use oscilloscopes, DMMs, and lab equipment to debug and refine designs.
Define and execute testing — Lead performance, reliability, EMC, and failure‑analysis testing.
Establish production test requirements — Define board‑level and end‑of‑line test strategies and select appropriate equipment.
Collaborate cross‑functionally — Work with Sales, Quality, Mechanical, Firmware, and Manufacturing Engineering.
Drive design reviews — Participate in design reviews and DFMEAs to ensure robust, high‑quality designs.
Ensure regulatory compliance — Coordinate with test labs and agencies to meet industry standards.
Support project planning — Help define timelines and ensure adherence to project schedules.
Take on evolving challenges — Contribute to additional engineering tasks as projects grow and shift.
Assists with other related duties as required or assigned.