Senior Project Engineer

Company Overview: Cedar Electronics, a leading electronics firm known for its Cobra and Escort brands, is committed to innovation and quality. Head quartered in Chicago; Cedar Electronics offers a dynamic work environment focused on developing high-quality consumer electronics. The company is embarking on an exciting phase of growth and development, and this role is pivotal in driving product excellence and team leadership. Role Summary: We are seeking a Senior Project Engineer (Two-Way Radio) who will work closely with Cedar Electronics’ product development team and our vendors to deliver consumer-grade two-way radio communication products from concept through launch and sustained support. This role is responsible for creating and maintaining engineering product documentation, coordinating cross-functional technical activities, and supporting verification and regulatory readiness to ensure products meet performance, quality, and compliance requirements. This position requires strong hands-on familiarity with two-way radio systems and lab validation methods, including collecting and analyzing RF performance data to verify conformance to product specifications. The Senior Project Engineer partners with internal stakeholders and external engineering/manufacturing vendors to drive clear requirements, validate designs, and support both new product development and legacy product needs. This role can be based in either our West Chester, OH or Rolling Meadows, IL office. Essential Functions Create and maintain engineering product documentation, including the Product Detailed Technical Specification (DTS). Review vendor test data; collect, analyze, and document electrical and radio performance test results during the product development process. Support development of Quality Control Procedures (QCP) and partner with Quality Control to ensure testability and repeatable verification methods. Manage regulatory product documentation and coordinate with vendors and business partners on regulatory matters for North America and Europe (including Marine radio DSC standards). Partner with Product Category Manager(s) to develop user interface diagrams and provide early-phase product specification input, including Industrial Design recommendations during the initial design phase. Collaborate across functions—Product Category Management, Quality Control, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, product management, and senior leadership—to drive alignment on requirements, risks, and deliverables. Utilize lab test equipment to validate radio performance and confirm conformance to specifications; equipment may include service monitor, spectrum analyzer, RF signal generator, oscilloscope, and DMM (acoustic performance test systems such as Listen are a plus). Work closely with contract engineering/manufacturing partners (vendors) for new product development and legacy support issues, including real-world product testing and issue triage. Read, evaluate, and provide technical feedback on schematic diagrams and two-way radio circuit designs. Qualifications Required: BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent. Minimum 5 years of experience with two-way radio design. Knowledge of modulation methods including FM, NBFM, AM, AFSK, FSK, TDMA; willingness to learn new modes as required for new product development. Experience with Marine handheld and fixed-mount radios; FRS/GMRS radios; and DMR design and operation. Working knowledge of Marine DSC protocol. Experience with communication protocols such as RS-422. Bluetooth protocol familiarity and implementation methods. Proficiency with Windows OS and familiarity with Mac PCs; strong working knowledge of MS Word and Excel; experience with Microsoft 365 cloud tools/resources. Preferred: Active Amateur Radio or GMRS license (or comparable hands-on radio hobbyist experience). Experience with audio/acoustic validation tools and workflows (e.g., Listen or similar systems). Experience with common hardware interfaces used in embedded/wireless products (e.g., UART, SPI, I²C, and related serial interfaces). Location: This is a hybrid role and can be based in either our West Chester, OH or Rolling Meadows, IL office. Type of Employment: Full-time salaried position with benefits. Reporting: This position will report to the Head of R&D Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Cedar Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance Education: Bachelor's (Preferred) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rolling Meadows, IL 60008