Electrical & Embedded Systems Engineer

About RM Speech

RM Speech develops innovative speech-generating devices, access switches, environmental control interfaces, and other assistive technology solutions that empower individuals with communication and accessibility needs. Our mission is to create reliable, user-centered products that improve independence, participation, and quality of life.

We are seeking an Electrical & Embedded Systems Engineer to help design, prototype, test, troubleshoot, and bring to market the next generation of RM Speech hardware products. This role will work closely with mechanical engineering, product development, manufacturing partners, and customer support teams to develop durable, accessible, and production-ready assistive technology solutions.

The ideal candidate enjoys building real products, solving complex technical challenges, and supporting products throughout their entire lifecycle—from concept and prototyping through manufacturing, deployment, troubleshooting, repair, and continuous improvement. This position reports onsite in Columbia, TN.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Engineering

• Design and develop electronic systems for speech-generating devices, switches, switch interfaces, environmental control systems, and related assistive technology products.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineering on enclosure design, internal component layout, connector placement, acoustics, thermal considerations, durability, serviceability, and manufacturability.
• Design, prototype, test, and troubleshoot electrical circuits, wiring systems, PCB assemblies, and integrated hardware solutions.
• Develop and integrate Bluetooth-enabled devices, audio systems, embedded controllers, sensors, and communication interfaces.
• Design and support power management systems, charging circuits, battery integration, and USB-C connectivity.
• Evaluate, select, and integrate microcontrollers, embedded systems, sensors, communications modules, and peripheral devices.
• Create and maintain schematics, PCB layouts, wiring diagrams, assembly documentation, bills of materials (BOMs), engineering change documentation, and technical specifications.
• Develop and execute electrical validation, reliability, environmental, and performance testing plans.
• Support design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-for-assembly (DFA), and transition-to-production activities.

Troubleshooting, Repair & Product Support

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair prototype, production, and customer-returned devices.
• Perform root-cause analysis of hardware, firmware, and system-level failures and implement corrective actions.
• Support customer service, manufacturing, and field support teams in resolving technical issues.
• Develop repair procedures, diagnostic tools, testing protocols, and service documentation.
• Analyze warranty claims, recurring failures, and field performance data to identify opportunities for product improvement.
• Support product lifecycle management, component substitutions, and long-term product sustainment.

Supplier & Manufacturing Support

• Work with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external engineering partners to support product development and production.
• Evaluate and source electronic components, modules, batteries, connectors, speakers, and other hardware components.
• Identify alternate sources and replacement components to address supply chain risks, cost optimization opportunities, and component obsolescence.
• Support vendor qualification, prototype builds, pilot production runs, and manufacturing troubleshooting.