Senior Electronics Hardware Engineer in Thatcham

Electronic Design for High End Transmissions

Job Title: Senior Electronics HW Engineer

Reporting to: Head of Control Systems and Electronics

Xtrac is the world’s leading design and manufacture of specialist transmissions. Our customers include the top motorsports racing series including Formula One, Le Mans, IndyCar and NASCAR and we also supply transmissions for the most exclusive high-performance cars in the world. We are at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation opportunity as the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion to electric and hybrid and our experienced and dedicated teams are using the latest cutting-edge technology to achieve this transition.

Xtrac also has a new partnership with Zoerkler, a specialist in gear manufacture and precision engineering. This strategic venture marks a significant step forward in our ambitious growth plans and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class transmission components and systems to our customers.

The Role

OVERALL OBJECTIVE:

• To enact the requirements of the Head of Control Systems and Electronics.
• To take ownership and deliver project electronic hardware requirements.
• To oversee and technically manage the design and incorporation of electronic assemblies within the transmission and vehicle systems.
• To learn from your compatriots and develop your own ability.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To take responsibility for electronic hardware development projects and to undertake such projects to the requirements of the Head of Control Systems and Electronics.
• To technically supervise and co-ordinate engineers to undertake electronic hardware development projects.
• To take responsibility for designing electronic schematics and PCB layouts, including component selection.
• To lead integration of electronics, electrical and software components in transmission sub-systems, systems and at the vehicle level.
• To deliver electronic hardware development activities on time to the specification, making consideration for project cost.
• To derive methods and tools to undertake activities to company standards and procedures.
• To support test activities, both on and off site, including travel.
• To assist the Head of Control Systems and Electronics in the timescale and resource planning of projects.
• To ensure continual improvement in the analysis of Xtrac product.
• To approve work tasks and reports where appropriate.
• To mentor staff, new starters and students as required.
• To ensure that all electronic hardware development activities are concluded in an appropriate manner.
• To follow and develop Xtrac standards, operating procedures and work instructions.
• To offer continuous improvement in activities related to the job role.
• To attend training and conference events as required.
• To always observe Health and Safety rules.
• To carry out reasonable duties as requested by management, and to conduct yourself as a professional engineer befitting of the organisation.

About You

Education, Qualifications and Training

Minimum of BEng or BSc (or similar), Degree or higher in electrical & electronic, mechatronic or control system engineering.

Incorporated or chartered engineer or actively striving to become incorporated or chartered.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of electronic design, and a knowledge of microprocessors, wiring and sensors selection for use in automotive applications.
• A good understanding of transmission systems such as AMT, DCT, planetary auto, CVT, single speed reducers.
• A working knowledge of networking, communication, and calibration protocols CAN, CCP/XCP, UDS, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet, SPI, I 2 C, RS485/422)
• A working knowledge of, or application of:

ISO26262

ASPICE

IEC61508

UNECE Regulation 155 and ISO/SAE 21434

• Knowledge of both internal combustion engine and electric machine power sources.
• An understanding of software requirements and rig and vehicle calibration activities.

Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience as Electronic Hardware Engineer in an automotive engineering environment.
• Generate requirements and specifications for electronic hardware used in high-performance powertrain applications.
• Create circuit schematics, PCB layouts and drawings of electronic assemblies and piece parts implemented with Altium Designer tools or similar.
• Experience of automotive component selection, including sensors, and circuit design.
• Generate wiring schematics and physical loom drawings.
• Document design calculations, worst-case analysis, assembly instructions and test procedures.
• Previous experience of EMC, ESD and environmental compliance design and testing.
• Verification and validation techniques using bench tests, test rigs and vehicle testing.
• Proactive in development and review processes such as HARA, TARA, DFMEA, peer reviews, calibration reviews.
• Working with suppliers and manufacturers during the design and production phases.
• Generate test rig schematics documentation to support test engineering.
• Produce, update, and maintain BOMs for electronics products.
• Create, update, and maintain process and assembly procedure documentation for electronics products.
• Ensuring correct tooling & jigs are available to meet production needs.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent IT skills and a knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Be practical, hands-on, and conversant with tools such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, thermal cameras etc.
• Must be a strong communicator across a multi skilled organisation and especially in communicating technical ideas to staff members and to customers.
• Able to work with project engineers with mechanical or software backgrounds to ensure that vehicle wiring, sensor and actuator installations are correctly detailed and manufactured.
• Must have organised, have a structured approach to problem solving.
• Application of logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Must have leadership skills and take responsibility for decisions taken.
• Must demonstrate a disciplined, methodical approach to work which is appropriate for the framework set by an ISO 9001:2008 organisation.

Special Requirements of the role

• To work to a high and consistent standard especially when under pressure.
• Be hands on, approachable and have a desire to resolve problems.
• Able to build and develop team members.

About Xtrac

Here at Xtrac, we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Motorsport and High-Performance Automotive Transmission Solutions. Our products are used internationally across the most prestigious motorsport events so naturally we have a passion for winning and continuously improving, whether that be our products, our people, or our business. Our vision is to transform into a world class high performance automotive supplier whilst retaining our position as a world leader in motorsport, so now is the time to join our journey, make an impact and contribute to the success of our future.

What makes us who we are is our people. We share behaviours and values to ensure Xtrac remain world class and have a culture that delivers!

We are…

Accountable

Externally Focused

Yearn to Learn

If you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity, you could be just what Xtrac are looking for.

DEI Statement

Xtrac believe that diversity is not only a fundamental value but also a key driver of innovation, growth and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including to but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion disability and veteran status. We recognise that diverse teams are more creative, collaborative and effective in solving complex problems and driving positive change.

Xtrac are dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We actively promote diversity and inclusion through recruitment, training and development, and advancement opportunities for all employees. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we not only strengthen our organisation but also enrich the experience of our employees and the communities we serve.

Join us at Xtrac and be part of a diverse and inclusive team that values and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual. Together we will drive innovation, excellence and succ

Company benefits include

Pension Contribution

Life Assurance

Private Health Care

Eye Care Assistance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Company Events

On-site Parking

Reward & Recognition Incentives

Flexible Working for Some Roles

Salary Sacrifice Electric Car Scheme

Free Safety Workwear

At Xtrac we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and an environment where people can come to work to be themselves. We collect information about job applicants to ensure that we are attracting a diverse candidate pool, and we use that information to assess if applications and success rates reflect the targets we have set ourselves. This information is held anonymously, confidentially and separately to the remainder of your application and is in no way used to make any recruitment decisions.