Professional Embedded Audio Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Electrical & Embedded Systems EngineerAbout 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 Columbus, TN.

Key ResponsibilitiesProduct 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Experience designing, prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting electronic systems.
• Proficiency with electrical schematics, circuit design, PCB development, and electronic debugging.
• Experience using laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and logic analyzers.
• Strong understanding of embedded hardware systems and electronics integration.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Hands-on experience building, troubleshooting, and improving physical hardware products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and single-board computers (ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Nordic, NXP, or similar platforms).
• Experience with Bluetooth, wireless communications, audio electronics, amplifiers, microphones, and speaker systems.
• Experience with rechargeable battery systems, charging circuits, USB-C power delivery, and power management.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar tools.
• Experience integrating electronics into mechanical enclosures and production hardware.
• Experience supporting design-for-manufacturing (DFM), assembly, testing, and production processes.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing electronic devices at the component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Familiarity with accessibility technology, AAC systems, environmental controls, healthcare technology, educational technology, consumer electronics, robotics, or regulated product development environments.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and external product development partners.
• Experience performing root-cause failure analysis and implementing corrective actions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate enjoys taking products from concept to reality and is equally comfortable designing circuits, reviewing enclosure designs, troubleshooting hardware failures, testing prototypes, and supporting manufacturing. They understand that great products require thoughtful integration of electronics, software, mechanics, reliability, usability, and serviceability.

Most importantly, they are motivated by creating innovative technology that helps individuals communicate, access their environment, and live more independently.

Why Join RM Speech?

At RM Speech, your work directly impacts the lives of individuals who rely on assistive technology every day. You will have the opportunity to contribute across the full product lifecycle, work on meaningful and innovative technology, and help shape the future of communication and accessibility solutions.