Senior Electrical Engineer - Navigation & Positioning Systems
Saronic Technologies
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Austin, TX, USA
Posted 6+ months ago
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Position Overview
Saronic Technologies is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to drive research and development efforts in navigation and positioning technologies for autonomous marine systems.
This individual will be responsible for evaluating, benchmarking, and integrating cutting-edge navigation and sensor technologies — including GNSS, IMUs, FOGs, LRGs, LiDARs, and supplemental sensing electronics — across Saronic’s fleet of autonomous vessels.
This is a hands-on, technically focused role with a strong analytical and experimental component. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in electrical systems design, system-level trade studies, and technology evaluation, and thrives at the intersection of hardware innovation and applied research.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead R&D initiatives focused on next-generation navigation and positioning solutions for autonomous vessels.
- Design and execute benchmarking tests of commercial and prototype systems (GNSS, INS/IMU, radar, LiDAR, Doppler velocity logs, etc.), including lab, dockside, and sea-trial environments.
- Perform trade studies and comparative analyses of current and emerging market offerings to inform system selection, integration paths, and performance improvements.
- Develop system architectures and interface specifications for integrating navigation sensors with vessel control, autonomy, and data processing subsystems.
- Prototype, test, and validate new electrical configurations supporting advanced sensing and positioning.
- Author technical reports and white papers summarizing benchmarking results, performance metrics, and recommendations.
- Collaborate with autonomy, software, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless sensor fusion and data pipeline integrity.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal R&D roadmaps for navigation system evolution.
- Contribute to IP generation, system qualification, and design standardization for future vessel platforms.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
- 7+ years of professional experience in electrical systems engineering, preferably within marine, aerospace, automotive or defense domains.
- Demonstrated expertise with navigation and positioning systems: GNSS, INS/IMU, radar, LiDAR, or sensor fusion.
- Proven experience in system-level benchmarking, R&D experimentation, and trade study development.
- Strong understanding of signal integrity, timing synchronization, and sensor data acquisition.
- Proficiency with schematic and wiring design tools (e.g., Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, or SolidWorks Electrical).
- Experience with communication interfaces such as CAN, Ethernet, and serial protocols.
- Excellent technical writing and presentation skills — capable of producing concise, data-driven R&D documentation.
- Ability to operate effectively in both lab and field environments, including vessel trials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in autonomous or unmanned system development, particularly maritime platforms.
- Familiarity with sensor fusion algorithms and real-time data processing pipelines.
- Working knowledge of relevant industry standards (ABS, USCG, MIL-STD, IEC).
- Background in environmental testing, EMI/EMC compliance, and system reliability analysis.
- Experience supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) or model-based system simulations.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
- Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
- Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Occasional standing and walking within the office.
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
- Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
- Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
