Component Engineer

Component Engineer

VersaLogic's team of high-tech folk design and manufacture high-reliability embedded computer boards for mission-critical applications across aeronautic, defense and medical industries.

The Component Engineer is responsible for the selection, qualification, lifecycle management, and cost optimization of electronic and mechanical components used in embedded hardware products. This role ensures that components integrated into product designs meet quality, reliability, and supply chain standards throughout the product lifecycle. Working closely with Supply Chain and Operations teams, the Component Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining product continuity, managing component obsolescence, and driving value through engineering analysis.

Job Duties
• Research, evaluate, and qualify new and replacement electronic and electromechanical components for embedded hardware product designs, ensuring compliance with performance, reliability, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor component lifecycles and supplier product change notices (PCNs) to proactively identify obsolescence risks; develop and execute mitigation strategies including last-time buys, alternate sourcing, and redesigns to maintain product continuity.
• Lead and support Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives to reduce component and assembly costs while maintaining or improving product quality, performance, and reliability.
• Maintain and manage the approved vendor list (AVL) and approved manufacturer list (AML); evaluate and approve alternate and second-source components through engineering analysis, datasheet review, and qualification testing.
• Review and validate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for accuracy, component availability, cost targets, and lifecycle status; collaborate with PCB layout engineers and hardware designers to ensure component specifications are correctly captured in design documentation.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by providing component engineering input during design reviews, prototype builds, and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) assessments.
• Coordinate with procurement and Supply Chain teams on sourcing strategies, lead times, and inventory risk management; conduct component-level failure analysis and work with suppliers and quality teams to resolve recurring component issues.
• Ensure component compliance with applicable regulatory standards including RoHS, REACH, and conflict minerals.
• Participate in directed research to evaluate emerging component technologies and document findings for engineering and executive audiences.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation; perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in component engineering, hardware engineering, or a related role in electronics manufacturing or embedded systems environment.
• Demonstrated experience with component qualification processes, obsolescence management, and AVL/AML maintenance.

Skills
Strong knowledge of electronic components including passives, actives, connectors, power devices, microcontrollers, FPGAs, memory, and electromechanical parts; proficiency reading and interpreting component datasheets, application notes, schematics, and PCB layouts.
• Familiarity with component lifecycle management tools, databases and platforms; working knowledge of BOM management and PLM systems.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements including RoHS, REACH, and conflict minerals reporting.
• Experience supporting VAVE initiatives with demonstrated ability to identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising product integrity.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail in documentation and qualification records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders; ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, quality, and operations teams.