Electrical Engineer III - Communications

OTTO Engineering • Carpentersville, IL

1d • $90,000 - $105,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As an Electrical Engineer III in the Communications Division at OTTO Engineering, you will design advanced circuitry for our communications and power-management products. You will 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. You will also be responsible for resolving field and production issues and influencing overall project direction. The 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.

Benefits

• Profit Sharing Bonus
• Vacation: 80 hours
• Medical Insurance (HMO Plan, Standard PPO Plan, Enhanced PPO Plan, High Deductible PPO Plan)
• FSA, LFSA, and HSA
• Dental Insurance (Base Plan, Buy-Up Plan)
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Life insurance (Life/AD&D, Voluntary Life/AD&D)
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• 10 paid holidays
• Company picnic
• Holiday party
• Numerous OTTO celebrations throughout the year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior