Job Description
Job Description
Principal Sensor Engineer
Location:
Detector Electronics 6901 West 110th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55438 USA
Det-Tronics is an industry leading division of Spectrum Safety’s global Industrial Fire and Safety business and has an exciting opportunity for a Pr. Sensor Engineer in the Engineering team to support their existing and growing portfolio of fire, gas and smoke detection products. These detection products utilize a variety of proprietary sensing technologies from optical to chemical that must be certified to a wide range of industry standards and country-specific regulations. Customers around the world rely on these connected products to keep people and property safe in challenging hazardous environments found in applications from traditional POG (Petrochemical, Oil and Gas) markets to the latest Renewable & Clean Energy ones. This position offers a rewarding career in Det-tronics to lead the sensor development on projects for these diverse markets and applications.
I. Position Summary:
Subject matter expert in technologies used in the detection of combustible and toxic gases. Lead R&D projects on emerging technologies to identify areas of risk and feasibility for use in end products. Key participant in product design and detection algorithm development.
II. Major Job Functions:
- Apply technical expertise in the development of gas detection products. Evaluate new technologies for technical feasibility. Identify areas of technological risk or weakness, as well as mitigation paths through additional R&D or diagnostics.
- Conduct research to support product development projects. Utilize mathematical and computer modeling tools. Develop test beds and test protocols to establish and verifying model correlation.
- Define sensor and sub-system specifications and requirements for in-house sensor development or OEM sensor selection.
- Participate in technology roadmap development as well as strategic NPD and product extension planning.
- Document and protect technology and solutions through patent applications and technical reports.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and control techniques to develop innovative customer solutions. Foster relationships with key customers to understand their needs and get feedback on potential solutions.
- Act as the sensing technology subject matter expert from concept inception, through product development, and the entire product lifecycle. Provide technical leadership and consultation to the engineering team and other departments within the company.
- Ensure the organization has adequate technical knowledge of new technologies by leading technical training sessions.
- Evaluate gas detection products on the market for technology utilization and robustness.
- Thoroughly document technical activities, as well as publish relevant customer facing documents (white papers).
- Contribute to process and laboratory improvement activities.
- Support multiple technology and product development programs at a given time.
III. Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related science, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years of R&D experience with sensors and sensing products.
- Working knowledge of pellistor (catalytic bead) sensors, electrochemical cells, or Molecular Property Spectrometer (MPS) sensors to detect hydrocarbon or toxic gases.Very proficient with MATLAB/Simulink (or similar simulation software).
- Competency in both hardware and embedded firmware design.
- Possess a thorough knowledge of design practices for regulated products. High hazard applications (Industrial Life Safety, SIL2) knowledge strongly preferred.
- Strong communication and writing skills to for collaboration with project stakeholders (Product Managers, Customers, and other Engineers).
- Skilled in collaborating with other engineers to define technical requirements for system/subsystem/component architectures.
- Ability to work both as team and independently on assignments to foster continuous improvement of processes and deliverables.
- Must have led the sensor development of a product at least once through commercial launch demonstrating experience across all phases of the product development lifecycle, from requirements capture through design, implementation, and test.
- Must be able to perform job functions safely and work within established company guidelines.
- Experienced with FMEAs and developing control techniques to mitigate risks.
- Self-motivated with strong analytical and interpersonal skills
Det-tronics is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.