Prototype Engineer Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Deako is redefining the way people experience lighting in their home. Our premium, effortless modular smart lighting solutions make it easy for builders and homeowners to offer affordable luxury—combining beautiful design, effortless installation, and future-ready smart home compatibility.

Combine expertise across firmware control systems, advanced sensing algorithms,

custom PCBA design, component selection, manufacturing support, and quality

assurance procedures as integrated development processes rather than separate

engineering disciplines. Utilize direct customer engagement to guide technical

design decisions ensuring new technologies and features address real-world

installation challenges faced by both professional electricians and DIY consumers.

Implement user experience validation through prototype testing and iterative

refinement based on customer feedback, demonstrating ability to translate technical

capabilities into compelling consumer value propositions. Design, implement, and

debug embedded firmware for Atmel and STM32 microcontrollers using C

programming language and Eclipse-based IDEs. Develop switch control systems

requiring deep understanding of real-time embedded systems, interrupt handling,

and hardware abstraction layers. Engineer novel sensor systems for complex

environments utilizing firmware-based digital signal processing, analog signal

conditioning circuits, and algorithm development. Employ Python and Excel for

prototyping and iterative design optimization of sensing algorithms for consumer

applications. Architect and implement low-cost communication protocols for

electrically connected light switch networks. Integrate rapid electronic prototyping, C

firmware development, and dataanalytics infrastructure using Google Sheets for

field data collection and real-world algorithm optimization. Conduct comprehensive

microcontroller selection analysis using vendor relationships and technical research.

Develop custom drivers and bring up peripheral functionality using C programming,

technical documentation, and AI-assisted development tools such as Claude CLI.

Utilize Altium Designer for schematic capture, BOM creation, and multi-layer PCB

layout design for production consumer electronics at volumes up to 100k per year.

Collaborate with PCB vendors for prototyping and contract manufacturers for

design-for-manufacturing optimization. Provide on-site and remote manufacturing

programming support, requiring expertise in compilation toolchains, firmware

flashing procedures, and comprehensive product functionality testing with incoming

quality controls, in circuit testing and functional circuit testing. Source electronic

components through vendor relationships and online resources, ensuring

compliance with safety standards while optimizing cost and functionality for

consumer electronic products. Work with contract manufacturers using PLM

services to specify components to be used in production. Design and implement

robotic test systems using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Python, and C++. Develop

automated data collection systems utilizing UART and I2C protocols for sensor data

extraction and desktop computer integration for analysis and storage. Execute rapid

de-risking of technical challenges through iterative experimental approaches.

Manage high-uncertainty projects requiring scientific methodology, stakeholder

communication, and drive agile project planning in fast-paced development

environments. Soldering and PCB rework expertise utilized to reduce prototype

cycles and reduce cost of development. Diagnose electronic and firmware issues

using digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and custom

microcontroller-based diagnostic equipment. Document failure modes, implement

corrective actions, and coordinate with external suppliers for issue resolution and

verification. Create comprehensive technical documentation using Draw.io, Google

Workspace suite for internal design communication and external partner

collaboration. Prepare patent documentation for novel inventions and conduct

structured FMEA analysis to identify and mitigate design.

Employer will allow a remote/in-office hybrid work schedule.

• Work remotely with a passionate, collaborative team shaping the future of smart home technology.
• Make an impact on a fast-growing brand with premium positioning and ambitious growth goals.
• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives.

Deako Lighting Core Values:

• Driven: We are quick learners, innovators, and endlessly curious. We absorb information from diverse sources to continually refine our approach.
• Focused: We tackle challenges one at a time, prioritizing where we can make the most immediate and impactful difference.
• Transparent: We embrace both successes and setbacks. Innovation is born from problem-solving, and we cultivate a trustworthy environment where all issues can be discussed openly.
• Respectful: We engage respectfully at all times, valuing all contributions and challenging ideas constructively.
• Team-first: Our collective strength fuels our success. We value our community of partners and customers and recognize that our achievements are a result of our collaborative efforts.
• Accountability: Define success, measure results, and hold yourself and your teammates accountable. To reach our full potential as a company and as individuals, we must fully understand our successes and our shortcomings

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related, plus 3 years in Embedded Systems Development for Lighting and Appliance Controls. Employer will accept applicants with any suitable combination of education, training, or experience.

Expertise in home automation, lighting controls and appliance controls.

Demonstrated experience in design, analysis, simulation, testing and debugging

of analog and digital circuits.

Proficiency in analog circuits, embedded systems, consumer electronics or

similar area.

Demonstrated experience in design and review of schematics and PCB layout.

Proficiency in real-time embedded development using C.

Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and resolving EMI and EMC

issues.