Electrical Engineer (on hold)

Term: Full-time, permanent

Ideon Technologies (www.ideon.ai) is transforming subsurface discovery, using the energy from supernova explosions in space to image density anomalies deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Based in Richmond, BC, on the beautiful west coast of Canada, we are a world pioneer in cosmic-ray muon tomography. Our discovery platform integrates proprietary detector hardware, imaging systems and software, inversion technologies, and artificial intelligence to provide x-ray-like visibility up to 1 km underground. We capture, measure, and transform muon data into reliable geophysical surveys and 3D density maps that help geologists identify new mineral and metal deposits with precision and confidence. As a result, they drill less and discover more – reducing cost and risk, saving time, and minimizing environmental impact – ultimately accelerating the world’s transition to low-impact mining. Watch this short video to learn a bit more about what we do.

The role
Reporting to the Director, Hardware Engineering, the Electrical Engineer will contribute to electronic design, assembly and testing activities related to our proprietary geophysical sensors (muon tracking detectors, gravimeters, and others) and related infrastructure such as data aggregators, remote power sources, and OTS peripherals. Responsibilities include the following:

  • Carry out assignments to upgrade, improve, test electrical devices and components.
  • Design electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems, and equipment.
  • Design new and improve existing embedded systems (inclusive of microcontrollers, FPGAs, ASICs and associated firmware and controls).
  • Prepare reports and design specifications for electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
  • Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment; implement the requirements and impact of relevant standards of electrical system design (i.e. safety).
  • Investigate electrical or electronic failures. Diagnose faults or analyses design problems, perform feasibility studies on electrical devices, and recommend equipment modification when required.
  • Understand tests and acceptance criteria for electrical systems and key components relevant to the design to ensure effective solutions.
  • Electrical testing/trouble shooting of electrical systems and various subcomponents including report writing on the findings.
  • Inform design decisions for manufacturability, robustness, ease of assembly and other ongoing product improvements.

Qualifications

  • University degree in electrical engineering or in an appropriate related engineering discipline.
  • 3-4 years of related practical experience.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer or have the necessary qualifications to apply for licensing as a Professional Engineer with Engineers & Geoscientists BC (EGBC).
  • Project management skills and engineering experience, such as functional and safety specifications, conceptual design, detailed design, testing and troubleshooting, installation, operations and commissioning.
  • Knowledgeable in electrical design and the practical applications, regional codes, and standards. Experience with electrical system certification is desired (e.g. CE, CSA, UL, FCC, ISO).
  • Ability to conduct validation testing and to debug electronic circuits using electrical lab tools.
  • Strong understanding of analog circuit components, mixed signal designs, and power electronics.
  • Hands on experience designing high density, complex muti-layer and miniaturized PCB designs and flex rigid boards. Experience with PCB certification processes.
  • Experience with design for manufacturing including automated testing and meticulous version control.
  • Familiarity with communication protocols (UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, MIPI, USB, Ethernet, BLE).
  • Proficient in CAD software. Proficiency with computer design tools and schematic capture software (AutoCAD, Altium Designer and Mathcad) is a key asset.  
  • Proficient with using electrical tools, such as oscilloscopes, multi-meters, signal generators, power analyzers, soldering for prototypes.
  • Exposure to and comfortable working with low-level firmware for microcontrollers (e.g. ARM, Atmel, Microchip).
  • Well versed with authoring technical documents, such as operation manuals, technical specifications, functional tests, commissioning records, and design change notes.
  • Strong understanding of electronics parts/component selection for circuits.
  • Good communicator, ambitious go-getter, results-oriented, works effectively solo or in a team environment.
  • Highly motivated, innovative, keen to work ‘outside the cubicle’, and able to apply critical-thinking skills on the fly.
  • A track record for making good decisions and producing quality designs in a competitive and fast-paced environment.
  • Working knowledge of process controls, PLCs, and instrumentation is an asset.
  • Ability to program in Python and operate in a Linux environment is a big plus but not essential.
  • Legally able to work in Canada on a permanent basis.

Job Requirements
The position is based in Richmond, BC (Greater Vancouver).

What We Offer
This is an opportunity to work with a dynamic technology start-up and spin-off from TRIUMF (Canada’s national particle physics laboratory) as we scale up our business rapidly. You will be working to advance a ground-breaking solution that will generate significant economic and environmental benefit. Our team is entrepreneurial by nature, mission-driven, and focused on doing things right to deliver great customer outcomes. We are also committed to seeking out the best brains and the most exceptional humans, wherever they come from and however they happen to be packaged.

We’ve also just introduced a new benefits program and early equity option allocations for new hires.

What It’s Like Here
Great ideas and rich company culture come from diversity of thought, experience, and perspective. The Ideon culture is anchored in a set of core values that directly shape how we hire, coach, evaluate, and develop our people: 

  • Driven by industry, informed by science
    We solve industry problems with scientific rigour: listening carefully, analyzing the data, and developing solutions that our clients – and the planet – cannot live without.
  • Inspired to create, wired to deliver      
    We’re imaginative, creating new possibilities and embracing the diversity of thought and experience within our team to move with urgency, learn from our failures, and execute masterfully.
  • Unified team, personally accountable
    We have each other’s backs and operate with integrity, respect, and empathy. Success depends on leaving egos at the door, celebrating our differences, delivering promises, and owning the outcome together.
  • Boldly ambitious, exceptionally human
    We think big and have the courage to blaze new trails. We’re in this business to win, but that doesn’t mean we compromise on doing the right thing for our people, our clients, and our world.

Contact
Please send your résumé and cover letter via email to [email protected], including the job title ‘Electrical Engineer’ in the subject line.