Design Technician

The Company:

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 100 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression.

Overall purpose of the job: The support of electronics design and project activities with R&D.

The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in day-to-day R&D new product development activities
• General duties within the department, such as keeping laboratories and sound-room tidy and well stocked
• Controlling the labs, soundrooms and Golden Sample reference areas. Logging each sample and ensuring rotation is controlled.

Technical:

• Setting up and performing sound tests and competitor evaluations
• Assisting in the building and testing of prototypes
• Sourcing components for prototype production and testing
• Writing and performing new product test procedures and recording/presenting results

Documentation:

• The maintenance and filing of approvals documentation
• Update the RFC, Concession, Sample and Drawing Number Registers weekly following the relevant QMS process

Project Management:

• Coordinating activities between the UK and China design resources on given projects
• Updating the Programme Manager daily and provide written reports

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Degree in electronics or associated engineering subject
• A demonstrable aptitude for electronics. Will have been interested in guitar amps, consumer electronics and circuitry, or mechanical construction/design as a hobby or in a previous role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills
• Bass/guitar player
• High level of attention to detail
• Highly organised
• Independent and self-reliant
• A flexible approach to work
• Strong team and work ethics
• Personable and outgoing nature
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Enthusiastic, conscientious, committed and dependable
• A ‘can-do’ attitude
• Very methodical and diligent record keeper
• Team player
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise appropriately

Desirable:

• 1-2 years’ experience of electronic and/or mechanical design in a consumer audio or electronics environment
• Some experience of design in a fast-moving engineering environment
• Some experience of high voltage valve equipment
• Some experience in fault testing and diagnosis
• Knowledge of CAD PCB design
• Used to working to tight deadlines
• Passion for the music industry
• A structured engineering approach
• Experience of using Blackstar products or equivalent music related products

The Environment:

• Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed.
• Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole.
• Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule. Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to needs.
• If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a covering letter telling us why you are the right person for the role.