Now Hiring R&D Electrical Engineer with PCB specialisation

Job Title: Electrical Engineer - R&D Specialist in PCB Design and Firmware

Location:

  • Initial Base: Southern Germany or Switzerland
  • Potential Future Location (18 months): Norway

About Us:

KREA Swiss AG is a well-established Swiss company with a proud history of over 70 years specializing in providing spraying systems to various industries. Over the last decade, we have focused on supplying these products to bakeries and restaurants worldwide. This not only pays the R&D bills but also gives us specialist insights into the typical problems that need solving in the food preparation market.

Our challenge isn’t finding great product development ideas—it’s finding great engineers. Maybe we’ve found you.

We focus on disruptive technologies that drive technology revolution rather than gradual evolution. Our goal is to challenge the status quo by delivering groundbreaking solutions that redefine industry standards and open new frontiers for innovation.

In 2025, we are rolling out three industry-changing products that are expected to generate tremendous enthusiasm in the market. Alongside this, our website and marketing efforts are undergoing a transformation over the coming months, so you’ll be joining us at a very exciting time.

We are also making significant progress in our Future Farms vision—a revolutionary approach to indoor farming. Soon, this vision will enable even tropical crops like avocados and papayas to be grown in unlikely places such as Norway, and perhaps one day even on Mars.

Role Overview:

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer - R&D Specialist with a specialization in PCB design and firmware development. This role involves leading innovative R&D projects to solve complex technical challenges and turn conceptual ideas into tangible, market-ready solutions. You will play a critical role in developing groundbreaking technologies for automation and food preparation, including projects such as advanced internal positioning systems for drones operating in GPS-restricted indoor environments using technologies like onboard cameras and LiDAR.

The ideal candidate enjoys tinkering and trying things out. Problems don’t paralyze them—they wake them up. If you thrive on challenges and see obstacles as opportunities for innovation, this is the role for you.

Key Activities for PCB Design:

  • Schematic Capture: Design and document circuit diagrams, ensuring functionality and compatibility with other systems.
  • PCB Layout Design: Create optimized board layouts using industry-standard tools (e.g., Altium Designer, KiCAD, or Eagle).
  • Component Selection: Identify and source appropriate components, balancing cost, performance, and availability.
  • Signal Integrity Analysis: Conduct simulations and checks to ensure reliable performance of high-speed or sensitive circuits.
  • Prototyping and Testing: Develop and test prototype boards to validate designs, troubleshoot issues, and refine functionality.
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Optimize board designs for ease of manufacturing, assembly, and cost efficiency.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Ensure designs meet required EMC standards through testing and iterative refinement.

Firmware Development and Programming:

  • Firmware Design: Develop low-level firmware for microcontrollers and embedded systems, enabling seamless operation of hardware.
  • Programming Languages: Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Python is required. Experience with RTOS or similar real-time operating systems is a plus.
  • Peripheral Integration: Write drivers for common interfaces like SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN bus.
  • Optimization: Implement and optimize algorithms for speed, power efficiency, and reliability.
  • Debugging and Testing: Use tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit debuggers to identify and resolve firmware and hardware issues.

Team Collaboration:

You will work in a small, high-performing team alongside a Mechanical Engineer, a Software Engineer, and a Project Manager, each bringing their unique expertise to product development.

  • The Mechanical Engineer ensures that the physical design, structural integrity, and thermal performance of products are optimized for both reliability and scalability.
  • The Software Engineer focuses on seamless system integration, control algorithms, and the digital interface of the product.
  • The Project Manager coordinates the team’s efforts, ensuring timelines are met while balancing creativity and practicality in the development process.

This team thrives on collaboration, brainstorming, and a shared passion for innovation. Each member’s unique perspective is not only valued but essential in creating groundbreaking solutions. The final product is something you will feel proud to have been part of bringing to life.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead R&D initiatives to design and develop high-performance PCBs and associated firmware.
  • Research, prototype, and test new technologies to address complex challenges in automation and food preparation industries.
  • Collaborate with the engineering team to ensure full integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
  • Conduct feasibility studies, technical evaluations, and iterative development cycles to drive innovation.
  • Focus on disruptive, transformative technologies that deliver revolutionary advancements rather than incremental improvements.
  • Develop robust design documentation, including schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware specifications.
  • Contribute to intellectual property generation through patents or trade secrets.
  • Troubleshoot, optimize, and ensure the scalability of electronic systems for commercial applications.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and apply insights to R&D projects.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Experience: 5-10 years of hands-on experience in R&D, PCB design, and firmware development.
  • Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, and validate innovative solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of integrating technologies such as LiDAR, cameras, sensors, and embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with automation solutions or advanced technologies is a significant asset.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to independently manage R&D initiatives.
  • Work Authorization: You must be legally able to work in Switzerland or Germany.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluent English: Essential for collaboration in an international team.

Our Philosophy:

  • Work is not just a salary—it is a way to express your passion. We aim to foster an environment where your creativity and dedication shine.
  • We provide the framework to develop your skills and encourage continuous personal and professional growth.

What We Offer:

  • The opportunity to lead R&D projects and make a tangible impact on cutting-edge product development.
  • A collaborative and supportive environment that values curiosity, initiative, and innovation.
  • Competitive compensation and relocation support.
  • The chance to directly influence the success of transformative R&D initiatives.

Application Process:

If you’re serious about this opportunity, please send a short cover letter summarizing:

  1. Why this role at a small, dynamic company is interesting to you (as opposed to a big company).
  2. How you think you can contribute to the team’s development.
  3. Some personal insight about yourself, your possible start date, and your current salary.

Please note that we kindly request complete applications addressing these points. Generic or incomplete submissions may not be considered. We value transparency and openness and look forward to hearing from individuals who share this mindset.

Start Date:

  • ASAP

For more information, contact us at info@kreaswiss.com.