Electrical Engineer - ROIC​/FPA

QDIR, Inc. is an early-stage startup developing advanced infrared sensing technology for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. Platforms carrying intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities are getting cheaper. The capabilities are not. QDIR exists to address the capabilities gap by building low-cost mid-wave infrared thermal cameras for drones.

We are looking for an electrical engineer to join our team and take ownership of readout integrated circuit (ROIC) and FPA bring-up, testing, and characterization. You will work hands‑on with prototype hardware, develop and improve test systems, characterize device performance, and help build the processes and infrastructure needed to move new sensor technology forward quickly. This is a high‑ownership role in a small, fast‑moving environment where you will have significant influence over how we test and validate our devices.

• Bring up, test, and debug new ROICs, focal plane arrays, and related readout electronics.
• Develop, assemble, and improve test systems, fixtures, and work flows for device characterization.
• Perform electro‑optical testing and analyze key performance metrics including noise, uniformity, responsivity, linearity, and operability.
• Write and maintain test automation scripts and data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Debug mixed‑signal issues at the board and device level using standard lab equipment.
• Support integration of hardware into cryogenic and vacuum test environments as needed.
• Document test procedures, results, and findings clearly and contribute to technical decisions as the team grows.

• Seeking responsibility, autonomy, and accountability in a small‑team startup environment and able to achieve outcomes independently.
• Experience writing scripts for test automation, data acquisition, or hardware control.
• Strong debugging skills and a practical, hands‑on approach to problem solving.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document and communicate technical results.
• Self‑driven with a willingness to learn new technologies and adapt as requirements evolve.
• Schedule varies depending on operational needs; flexibility required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience testing and debugging analog, digital, or mixed‑signal electronics including low‑noise analog electronics, high‑speed digital interfaces, or FPGA‑based readout systems, bias generation, clock distribution, ADC/DAC integration, grounding, shielding, and signal integrity (academic projects, research, internships, or industry experience all considered).
• Experience with readout integrated circuits, focal plane arrays, or imaging sensor testing and characterization.
• Experience with high‑speed signal processing, digital video pipelines, image acquisition systems, LVDS, Camera Link, CoaXPress, Ethernet, Space Wire, SPI, I2C, or similar interfaces.
• Experience analyzing imaging sensor data, including fixed‑pattern noise, temporal noise, non‑uniformity, dark current, responsivity, linearity, operability, bad‑pixel maps, saturation, dynamic range, and stability.
• Experience with Python, Num Py, Sci Py, pandas, MATLAB, C/C++, LabVIEW, or similar engineering analysis and automation tools.
• Experience working in cryogenic, vacuum, or optical test environments.
• Prior work in a startup, small team, or fast‑paced R&D setting.
• Experience improving test throughput, automation frameworks, or test processes.

This position involves access to technology and information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations (including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR)). Any employment offer will be contingent upon the candidate demonstrating the ability to comply with applicable export control requirements.

• Full‑time, onsite in Chicago, IL. This role involves hands‑on laboratory work with prototype hardware.
• Base Salary Range: $95,000 - $125,000 per year, depending on experience and fit.
• Benefits include paid time off, 401(k), health/dental/vision, HSA, and equity (depending on experience and fit).