Systems Designer

The Systems Designer is responsible for the hands‑on design, development, and prototyping of Black Star Tech ’s FM-Approved Fire Sight Robotic Fire Watch system and its next-generation enhancements. Key focus areas include developing a new thermal camera option and building the capability to stream multiple camera feeds — wirelessly or over LTE — to a base monitor unit. This person combines real software development with hands‑on electronics: writing and integrating code, wiring and assembling hardware, and building working prototypes through to field‑ready systems.

This person may also contribute to Black Star Tech ’s Beacon Broadband Series, specifically the development of Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) connectivity over public and private LTE networks. We are looking for an experienced engineer who is still very much at a working level — someone who personally designs, codes, builds, and tests rather than only directing others. Fundamental product‑development experience (taking concepts through prototype to product) is valuable, as is an understanding of applicable codes and standards.

This is an on‑site role based in Wilmington, NC.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Design, develop, and prototype hardware and software for the Fire Sight Robotic Fire Watch system, including the development of a new thermal (IR) camera option.
• Build the capability to stream multiple camera feeds simultaneously — wirelessly (Wi‑Fi) or over public/private LTE — to a base monitor unit, with reliable video quality and low latency.
• Develop and extend system connectivity across public LTE, private LTE, and wireless networks, selecting and integrating cellular modems/routers, antennas, wireless bridges, and IP cameras.
• Contribute to the Beacon Broadband Series, specifically the development of IoT device connectivity over an LTE system.
• Build out, bench‑test, and iterate working prototypes — performing hands‑on electronics work including wiring, soldering, termination, and troubleshooting.
• Write, integrate, and debug software and/or firmware for cameras, video streaming, alerting, and device connectivity, collaborating with other developers on the team.
• Integrate flame and thermal detectors, cameras, controls, power, batteries, and networking into rugged, deployable assemblies.
• Develop and document bills of materials, wiring diagrams, schematics, and assembly/work instructions, reusing existing hardware and components where practical to avoid delays.
• Conduct functional, field, and acceptance testing of integrated systems under realistic operating conditions, and support compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, FM).
• Support sales demonstrations and customer pilots with technical setup, on‑site integration, and troubleshooting as needed.

* Travel:
Travel expectations are flexible but would likely be 25% or less, primarily to customer sites, field demonstrations, and supplier or partner facilities. Occasional travel, including some overnight or longer trips, may be required.

• Several years of hands‑on experience developing, building, and integrating electronic, embedded, or instrumentation systems — an experienced engineer who still works at the bench and in code.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Mechatronics Engineering (or related field), or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Strong hands‑on electronics skills, including reading schematics and wiring diagrams, soldering and terminating connections, and using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and basic test equipment.
• Solid software development skills (e.g., embedded/firmware, Python, C/C++, or application/scripting level) with the ability to write, integrate, and debug code at a working level.
• Working knowledge of IP networking and connectivity, including public and private LTE, Wi‑Fi, cellular modems/routers, antennas, and IP cameras.
• Experience with IP and/or thermal (IR) cameras and video streaming (e.g., RTSP/ONVIF), including streaming multiple feeds, is strongly preferred.
• Experience connecting IoT devices over LTE or similar…