Prototype Engineer

At Nielsen, we believe that career growth is a partnership. You ultimately own, fuel and set the journey. By joining our team of nearly 14,000 associates, you will become part of a community that will help you to succeed. We champion you because when you succeed, we do too. Embark on a new initiative, explore a fresh approach, and take license to think big, so we can all continuously improve. We enable your best to power our future. 

About the role

We are the hardware engineering group that designs and implements embedded systems (meters) for collecting TV tuning and TV viewing data. Our team’s responsibilities include electrical schematic design, circuit board layout, and enclosure mechanical design. We use contract manufacturers to build prototypes and production meters. Typical meter designs consist of a single main board with a dozen or more integrated circuits (BGA, QFP, TDFN, SOT, etc) and related passive components. Our designs range in size from rack mount equipment to devices as small as a wrist watch. We design and create automated manufacturing test systems that incorporate various instruments such as optical detectors, power supplies, DVMs, RF generators, and frequency converters. These test systems are used to validate newly manufactured equipment.

Key Responsibilities

The prototyping engineer’s role involves designing, documenting, and assembling proof of concepts and prototypes for Engineering teams to validate the feasibility of proposed hardware/software design concepts. Prototyping involves both designing mechanical prototypes and assembling proof of concept models using off the shelf hardware and software.

Role requirements

• Designing prototype embedded electronic systems to demonstrate feasibility of proposed hardware/software design concepts
• Documenting prototype designs to ensure that prototype designs are well understood and reproducible
• Designing and documenting mechanical designs using 3D modeling tools such as Solid Works
• Responsible for 3D printing and/or machining prototypes for use in mechanical design validations
• Assisting the mechanical and electrical engineering teams with building and modifying prototypes
• Supporting manufacturing through development and implementation of specialty test gadgets.
• Writing embedded software that allows the prototype to demonstrate desired functionality
• Conducting engineering updates at various stages of prototype development
• Driving root cause analysis efforts through experimentation & collaboration with other teams
• Maintaining 3D prototyping equipment and Environmental Chambers.

Key skills

• Extensive experience at reading electrical schematics
• Expert at using 3D modeling tools to design 3D enclosures for prototypes
• Experience with 3D Stratasys & UltiMaker 3D printers and APSX SPYDER CNC machines
• Proficiency with oscilloscopes, voltmeters, spectrum analyzers, programmable power supplies
• Extensive experience of using off the shelf embedded systems, such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi, in Engineering prototype efforts where appropriate
• Extensive experience in C/C++ & Python embedded software development
• Working knowledge of Git version control
• Basic soldering and prototyping skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years relevant experience
• 3+ minimum years experience with SolidWorks or AutoDesk Fusion

Diversity

Here at Nielsen, we believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Nielsen is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from people that are excited to work for us, regardless of their background - so please get in touch!

Nielsen provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to any protected characteristics under local law.

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