Job Summary:
Musashi AI North America, Inc. is a growing hardware and software-focused company developing smart vision solutions for quality assurance in manufacturing environments. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, we employ a talented and dynamic team of R&D and Applications Engineers driving new technology development, building innovative products, and supporting deployed solutions.
As the Lead Hardware Engineer – Electrical & Embedded Systems at Musashi AI, you will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing our cutting-edge automated inspection and AI-based hardware technologies. You will lead a cross-functional team of Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, and Optical Engineers, with your time split approximately 70% hands-on engineering and 30% team leadership across system design, integration, and implementation. Your responsibilities will span Electrical Design, panel layouts and electrical schematics, discrete and embedded electronics design, and embedded software and controls, integrating these systems with AI-enabled inspection hardware. You will ensure project success from concept to commissioning, supporting both internal initiatives and external customer projects. This role requires occasional travel for customer site installations and commissioning. Your technical expertise and leadership will be instrumental in achieving company goals related to Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery.
Reports to: Director of Engineering – AI
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Engineering Technology (Electrical, Electronics, or Mechatronics is preferred)
- 8+ years of engineering & design experience
- Proven experience leading and managing technical teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment
- Demonstrated experience in electrical and electronic design — from requirements and schematics through panel layout, circuitry, and build
- Experience with discrete and embedded electronics, able to read schematics and design circuitry (including PCBA design)
- Proficient in embedded software and controls using languages such as Python and C — including tuning motors, testing sensors, and embedded system integration
- Experience selecting, configuring, and tuning motor drives and servo/motion systems (e.g., VFDs, servo and stepper drives)
- Skilled in AutoCAD and Draftsight, and proficient in creating and interpreting electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams
- Strong knowledge of the Canadian Electrical Code and Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) and electrical best practices, including preparing equipment for ESA inspections
- Experience with machine safeguarding and functional safety — safety circuits, risk assessments, and CSA/PSHSR safeguarding requirements (e.g., CSA Z432 / ISO 13849)
- Willing and able to travel to customer sites for installation and commissioning, including cross-border travel within North America
Preferred / Nice-to-Have:
- Working knowledge of industrial communication and embedded interfaces (e.g., EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, CAN, and SPI/I²C/UART) is an asset
- Familiarity with PLC & HMI programming is an asset (experience with Mitsubishi, Keyence, or Allen Bradley a plus)
- Experience with robotics and robot programming (collaborative and traditional robots such as FANUC) is an asset
- Familiarity with robot simulation tools such as FANUC Roboguide is an asset
- Experience with industrial Cameras, Vision systems, or AI-based vision applications is an asset
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead and support a team of Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, and Optical Engineers with internal and external customer projects through the design, build, test, and commissioning phases
- Mentor, coach, and develop engineers across disciplines, providing technical guidance and supporting their professional growth
- Accountable for the planning, scheduling, execution, and overall success of projects
- Strategically plan and prioritize projects — defining scope, timelines, and resourcing, and proactively identifying and mitigating risks
- Delegate and assign tasks across the team, monitor progress against milestones, and ensure deliverables are completed on time and to specification
- Lead and review project requirements and specifications throughout the project lifecycle
- Prepare and deliver business plan and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) reports
- Manage engineering development through continued learning and industry best practices
- Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD/Draftsight
- Spearhead the design, programming, testing, and deployment of electrical panels, control circuitry, discrete and embedded electronics, and embedded software systems
- Build and bring up electrical control panels and PCB assemblies, verifying power distribution, I/O, and safety circuits before integration
- Perform motor tuning and sensor testing as part of embedded controls development and system commissioning
- Debug and validate hardware using lab instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analyzers
- Lead equipment procurement, calibration, and maintenance activities
- Prepare Bill of Materials for automation projects and relevant documentation for machine manuals
- Align testing requirements with industry and Musashi standards, considering customer specifications
- Lead the preparation of machines for ESA & PSR inspections to ensure they meet all requirements
- Merge insights from Optical Engineers and AI Software Developers to integrate electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control systems — including discrete electronic components and PCBA systems — with AI-enabled inspection hardware to deliver cohesive, cutting-edge solutions
- Work closely with the Hardware Applications, Engineering, and Production teams for project alignment and execution
- Collaborate with department managers and teams to determine business needs, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
- Collaborate with machine builders and contractors to verify hardware, mechanical, and software functionality
- Deploy machinery at customer facilities, test and commission projects on-site, and provide post-installation support and troubleshooting
- Travel for customer and business requirements as needed
Personal Skills:
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Self-motivated, resourceful, and well organized
- Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills
- Self-starter with a proactive, driven mindset
- Independent worker capable of taking initiative and ownership of tasks
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Effectively manage multiple priorities while meeting project deadlines
- Flexible with good time management
- Strong technical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance hands-on engineering work with team leadership and project planning
Musashi Expectations:
Company Standards:
- Uphold company policies.
- Be a champion of Musashi Philosophy.
- Follow all safety procedures & instructions.
- Actively involved in company and department goals.
- Follow Musashi’s “5S” principles, quality, environmental, and health & safety systems.
- Interact with all Musashi working peers in a respectful and pleasant manner.
Pay: $100,000.00-$130,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
