Careers At Blackstar

Department:  R&D

Job Title:  Graduate Design Technician

Reporting to:  R&D Manager

Overall purpose of the job: The support of electronics design and project activities with R&D

Main Activities / Tasks: Assisting in day-to-day R&D new product development activities General duties within the department, such as keeping laboratories and sound-room tidy and well stocked   Technical Setting up and performing sound tests and competitor evaluations Assisting in the building and testing of prototypes Sourcing components for prototype production and testing Writing and performing new product test procedures and recording/presenting results The modification of electronics schematics, with guidance from the Design Engineers The modification of PCB artworks using CAD, with guidance from the Design Engineers   Documentation Creation and maintenance of parts lists and associated documentation on assigned projects The maintenance and filing of approvals documentation   Project Management The creation and upkeep of project plans and timescales Coordinating activities between the UK and China design resources on given projects Updating the R&D manager daily and provide written reports Occasional travel to OEMs in the Far East if required

 
 
The Person

Person Specification	Desirable	Essential
Education / Qualifications	1-2 years’ experience of electronic and/or mechanical design in a consumer audio or electronics environment	Degree in electronics or associated engineering subject
Training / Technical Skills	Some experience of design in a fast-moving engineering environment Some experience of high voltage valve equipment Some experience in fault testing and diagnosis Knowledge of CAD PCB design	A demonstrable aptitude for electronics. Will have been interested in guitar amps, consumer electronics and circuitry, or mechanical construction/design as a hobby or in a previous role
Experience / Knowledge	Used to working to tight deadlines	Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent numerical and analytical skills Bass/guitar player High level of attention to detail Highly organised Independent and self-reliant A flexible approach to work
Personality / Characteristics	Passion for the music industry A structured engineering approach	Strong team and work ethics Personable and outgoing nature Excellent interpersonal skills Enthusiastic, conscientious, committed and dependable A ‘can-do’ attitude Very methodical and diligent record keeper Team player Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise appropriately
Specific Requirements of the Role Hours	Experience of using Blackstar products or equivalent music related products	Full time, 8:00 – 17:00, Monday – Friday Willing to work extra hours as and when required.

• Location: Northampton
• Ref No: R&DGDT
• Job Type: Permanent
• Department: Research and Development

Position: Digital Audio Electronics Engineer
Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire
Salary: Negotiable depending on experience
 
Launched in 2007, Blackstar are an internationally recognised Amplification company. We are a company of musicians who we are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone - whether practicing at home or on stage in a live environment.
 
Blackstar are based in Northampton, England with over 50 years combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. We are totally committed to providing people with the ultimate tools for self-expression.
 
Due to continued business growth we are looking to appoint a number of Audio Electronics Engineers to join our established team on a full-time permanent basis. This is an important position within the R&D team and you will be key in driving the development of new audio products from initial design, through to production and post-production maintenance.
 
The duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Assisting with the design, input and modification of digital & analogue electronic schematics, with guidance from the Chief Engineer and wider team.
• Undertaking the building and testing of electronic prototypes.
• Advising and assisting with the sourcing of components for prototype production and testing.
• Writing and performing new audio product tests, recording and presenting results.
• Setting up Speaker test environments.
• Brainstorming new product ideas and technical requirements/ specifications.
• Communicating with UK and overseas teams on project-specific topics.
• Assisting other day-to day technical activities of the R&D department.
• Possible, infrequent overseas travel as required - this is not essential, however can be an exciting opportunity for an engineer to broaden their knowledge and experience.

 
The ideally sought candidate will possess the following:

• Degree qualified in electronics or similar engineering subject.
• 2+ years’ commercial experience in electronic design, ideally in audio electronics.
• Audio experience working with ADC/DAC (Analogue/Digital Converters) and associated components, Op-amps etc.
• High speed digital electronics experience, working with microcontrollers, DSPs etc.
• PCB layout experience.

 
The below skills would be beneficial, however not essential.

• Commercial proficiency using Altium design software.
• Appreciation of EMC and its considerations during design.
• Experience using Audio Precision test equipment.
• Experience with project coordination, helping to deliver a project from concept through to delivery.

 
The Person fit

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Guitar or bass player is preferred.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Independent and self-reliant.
• A flexible approach to work.

 
Environment

• Blackstar is a very unique environment; we are all musicians and dress code is very relaxed.
• Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole.
• Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule.
• Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to business needs.

 
Please apply with an up to date CV for an immediate response. We are looking to hold interviews asap of which an initial telephone conversation would be the first step.
 
 

• Location: Northampton
• Ref No: KM0220
• Job Type: Permanent
• Department: Research and Development