Advanced Engineering Lead-Principal Electrical Engineer

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions at our company owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China.  This role is based in North Kingstown, RI.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic electrical engineer to lead electronic hardware innovation for next-generation swimming pool automation and control systems. As the Advanced Engineering Electronic Hardware Lead, you will play a pivotal role in advancing smart, energy-efficient solutions for the pool industry. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends technical expertise, innovation, and collaboration to drive cutting-edge developments in pool control technologies.

Innovation & Product Development

• Lead the design, feasibility analysis, and development of advanced electrical systems, including circuit design, power electronics, sensors, LED lighting products, and automation systems.
• Identify and implement cutting-edge technologies that enhance pool performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Solve complex engineering challenges related to safety, energy management, remote monitoring, and automation to create intelligent, user-friendly systems.

Technical Leadership & System Integration

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a small team of cross-disciplinary engineers, guiding them through all phases of concept development to prototype validation.
• Oversee the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems to ensure seamless operation and communication.
• Develop testing protocols and validation procedures for electrical components and sub-systems to meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Lead multiple advanced engineering projects, ensuring timely execution, budget adherence, and alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, firmware/software developers, product managers, and external partners to optimize development.
• Maintain detailed documentation of designs, trade-offs, constraints, test results, and project progress.
• Present technical reports and findings to stakeholders and senior leadership.

Continuous Improvement & Industry Advancement

• Stay ahead of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in electronics, automation, and IoT.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in product design, manufacturing processes, and overall system performance.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in electrical engineering and product development.
• 2+ years of experience leading engineering teams or managing projects.
• Patent history or demonstrated experience in novel problem-solving is a plus.
• Experience in consumer electronics, embedded systems, or automation is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g., Altium, Cadence).
• Strong knowledge of power distribution, low-voltage circuitry, embedded systems, and communication theory.
• Experience with safety standards and compliance regulations (e.g., UL, CE).
• Familiarity with communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Zigbee, Wi-Fi) for IoT applications.
• Knowledge of AI and machine learning as it relates to predictive systems is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work across functions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Passion for innovation and driving technology advancements.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with swimming pool systems, fluid management technologies, and user-centered design.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and energy-efficient design.
• Experience with embedded software development or hardware/software integration.

Why Join Hayward?

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid time off & holiday leave.
• Opportunities to innovate and shape the future of pool automation technology.

If you are a highly skilled electrical engineer with a passion for developing cutting-edge technology, we encourage you to apply and help us redefine the future of smart pool control systems!

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