Teardown Research Engineer

This position is responsible for performing product teardowns and competitive analysis. Reverse engineer the latest electronic gadgets to determine sub-system and IC functions and collect measurement data to determine key behavior and characteristics. Provide a complete analysis of the overall system, subsystems, and specific IC's, for electronic devices in categories such as smartphones, tablets, hearable, wearables, smart home, and automotive infotainment.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer detailed product information by identifying areas of interest, selecting appropriate analytical techniques and evaluating results

• Compose and perform innovative test experiments to determine system and IC performance

• Work closely with subject matter experts in Systems, Design, and Marketing teams to analyze results to determine relevance to internal developments

• Deliver comprehensive assessments of electronic, electro-mechanical, and mechanical subsystems and components in a product, including diagrams for system connectivity and circuit schematics where possible

• Assess product architectures and provide reasoning for design choices

• Provide material lists, including estimated passive component and IC costs/pricing

• Assess competitive IC's capabilities and physical analysis for analog/digital/memory structures

• Provide HW/FW/SW interaction analysis, algorithm functional analysis, and protocol analysis

• Develop equipment and techniques for the analysis of new devices and technologies; perform experimental research to find and define solutions

• Engage external data sources/services/contractors or outsource functions as required

• Produce reports and build competitive database

• Keep up with news about competitors and new electronics products/technology

• Communicate ideas and specifications to technical audiences

• Autonomously manage task list and competing priorities

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• BS in Electrical Engineering with 3+ years of experience reverse engineering devices and circuits with lab experience in system and device-level functional testing

• Experience with multiple applications/technology used in electronic products such as audio, autofocus and optical image stabilization, voice coil or other motor drive/control, MEMS, inertial/light/pressure/magnetic/touch/force/temperature sensors, haptics, wireless radios/protocols, USB or other complex serial bus protocols, etc.

• Strong analytical problem-solving skills and optimistic attitude to addressing challenges

• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to succinctly compile and compose written reports

• Task and detailed oriented, very organized

• Dynamic and able to learn quickly, self-starter, and unafraid to ask questions

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of semiconductor device physics

• Knowledge of closed loop control and adaptive algorithms

• Understanding of kernel level coding and debugging and device drivers

• Programming or macro/script development experience

• Macro photography and photo editing/annotating experience