Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and driving innovation in the hearing aid industry? At Starkey, we're looking for a forward-thinking hardware researcher to explore and develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance the performance, reliability, and user experience of hearing instruments. In this role, you'll actively seek out emerging technologies, evaluate their feasibility, and prototype groundbreaking concepts that shape the future of hearing aids. If you're excited about blending scientific discovery with real-world impact, this is your chance to make a difference in the lives of millions while contributing to a culture of innovation and excellence.

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better.

Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what’s possible.

We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart:

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

Explore new hardware technologies suitable for the hearing instrument environment

Perform active searches and evaluations for emerging technology

Monitor and recommend new hardware technology to the organization

Investigate how to make new hardware feasible with good understanding of the design limitation

Model, simulate and prototype to demonstrate feasibility

Support the design and execution of test fixtures and test strategies

Provide written reports for proposals, experiments, processes, and evaluations

Provide technical support for research that will lead to innovation to the hearing aid industry

Apply proper research method and experimental design to explore new ideas and features

Analyze and interpret experimental results within the context of scientific discovery and benefit for users

Manage experimental documentation and procedures, including writing experimental protocols and final reports

Assist in developing Starkey’s research portfolio by exploring new technologies and forging new directions in research that lead to innovations in the hearing-aid industry

Participate in innovation initiatives, including contributing to the corporate intellectual property portfolio

Monitor patent literature and emerging technologies in relevant areas of expertise

Contribute ideas to department and company-wide innovation initiatives

Create and file patentable inventions

Coordinate and support the introduction of new processes into production

Evaluate process with Quality/Reliability department

Evaluate process improvements in assembly and substrate fabrication

Coordinate the production of prototype builds using new processes

Generate component requirements and review and contribute to system performance requirements

Provide process support for manufacturing problems and concerns as directed

Ensure manufacturability of new designs by active participation in design reviews

Support and assist in the training of production staff in new processes and technologies

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

At least a 4-year college degree in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering or related fields with a strong emphasis on hearing instrument, medical devices, biology, physiology, or sensor technology

Experience:

No industrial experience is required with PhD, or 2 years with M.S. or related experience, or Minimum 4 years with B.S. or related experience

Knowledge

Good understanding of the fundamentals of research methods and hypothesis testing

Proficiency with MatLab, Python, Octave or other analytical tools is desired

Proficiency in statistical analysis is desired

Programing experience in C or other languages is a plus

Intermediate working knowledge of one or more of the following:

analog, digital and mixed signal circuit design

multi-component electrical devices, PC interfaces, communication protocols, digital design, DSP, wired and wireless communication

signal processing concepts, including: block diagrams, filters, Fourier analysis, audio, acoustics

electrical schematic and layout CAD packages

circuit simulation tools

printed circuit board analysis software and tools

Skills & Abilities

Hands-on

Capable of identifying technical opportunities and providing technical solutions to advanced problems which require strong critical thinking skills

Ability to work with minimal directions and independently determine and develop technical objectives of assignments

Ability to support and contribute to successful completion of important projects

Comprehensive knowledge of analytical tools and interpretation of data

Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal

Excellent people skills

This job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education and other factors

Salary and Other Compensation :

The target pay rate for this position is between $78,540 – $115,000 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

Benefits : The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401 (k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid time off, 8 days/hours of paid sick and safe time, and 6 paid holidays annually.