Optical Engineer jobs

Electrical Engineer – Optical & Embedded SystemsStatus: Full-timeLocation: Hamilton, ON CANADA

Who We Are:

SHOTOVER Systems is headquartered in beautiful Boulder, CO, and designs and builds high-end gyro-stabilized airborne camera systems and augmented reality software used by airborne law enforcement agencies, firefighters, military, utilities, television stations, and cinematographers around the world. With additional locations in New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, and the UK, we offer a seamless end-to-end solution of software and hardware solutions while delivering an unprecedented level of control, versatility, and ease-of-use in a compact package backed by world-class service and support.

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join our growing team in Hamilton, Ontario. In this role, you will lead the electrical architecture and embedded design of our next-generation camera systems, serving as the technical bridge between optical sensors, precision mechanics, and high-performance computing.

You will step into a role defined by technical ownership and end-to-end responsibility. You will drive the development lifecycle for complex embedded subsystems—managing the process from high-level architecture and component selection through to schematic capture, PCB layout, board bring-up, firmware integration, and final EMC/EMI verification.

Unlike traditional siloed engineering roles, you will collaborate daily with mechanical and optical engineers to solve multi-disciplinary challenges. We are looking for an engineer who combines deep knowledge of digital and analog design with a systems-thinking mindset—someone who understands not just how to design a board, but how that board interacts with a high-precision gimbal in an airborne environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and design high-reliability embedded systems, including high-speed digital interfaces (PCIe, MIPI, Ethernet, USB 3.0),precision analog circuitry for sensor integration, and wiring harnesses to integrate them into the gimbal
• Execute the complete hardware lifecycle, from schematic capture and multi-layer PCB layout (Altium Designer preferred) to DFM/DFA analysis and final manufacturing release
• Drive design reviews with a focus on signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal management, ensuring robust performance under harsh environmental conditions
• Champion "First-Time-Right" design principles, utilizing simulation tools (SPICE, HyperLynx) to de-risk complex circuits before fabrication
• Conduct rigorous hands-on debugging and validation of prototypes, utilizing oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers to troubleshoot root causes at the system level
• Ensure compliance with aerospace and industrial standards (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810, FCC/CE) regarding EMC/EMI and environmental robustness
• Create and maintain meticulous technical documentation, including block diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification plans

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Mechatronics, or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in embedded hardware design, preferably within aerospace, robotics, or high-end imaging sectors
• Proven track record of taking complex PCB designs from concept to volume production
• Demonstrable experience with high-speed digital design and signal integrity analysis

Required Skills:

• Systems Curiosity: A drive to look beyond the PCB to understand how electrical choices impact mechanical stability, optical performance, and thermal dynamics
• Digital & Analog Fluency: Strong foundation in mixed-signal design, including power supply design (SMPS/LDO), sensor interfacing, and high-speed signal routing
• Design Software: ECAD proficiency in PCB design (Altium Designer strongly preferred) with experience in HDI, rigid-flex, and impedance control
• Diagnostic Rigor: meticulous approach to troubleshooting hardware/firmware integration issues, with the ability to isolate faults in complex distributed systems
• Video Interface Knowledge: familiarity with video transport standards (SDI, HDMI, DisplayPort) and image sensor interfaces (MIPI CSI-2, LVDS) is highly desirable
• Compliance Awareness: working knowledge of EMI/EMC design techniques and familiarity with designing for regulatory compliance
• Environment: thrive in a tight-knit, collaborative environment, prioritizing open communication and proactively taking ownership of project outcomes

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Familiarity with electro-optical systems (CMOS/CCD sensors, laser rangefinders, lens control systems)
• Experience in the aerospace or defense industry, specifically with gyro-stabilized systems or UAV payloads

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, with occasional evening/weekend to meet deadlines.
• Travel within Canada and internationally during testing phases may be required.

SHOTOVER performs background checks prior to employment as all applicants must be eligible for registration with the Controlled Goods Program and be able to maintain a positive security assessment.