Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.

The Role:

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is looking for a Electrical Engineer (EE) to join our global Hardware Development Team for eReader Products. The successful candidate will be stationed in Taiwan and works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team in Toronto R&D Headquarter to liaise, co-develop and follow through the complete Product Development Process from end-to-end with our manufacturers/ODM in Asia.

You will be responsible for reviewing an eReader electrical/system design, validating and signing off all the development cycles. The role requires you to have a hands-on electrical & computer engineering experience with demonstrated knowledge of Wi-Fi, BT, SoC, RAM, ROM, Battery, overall system, embedded software etc... The role serves products jointly designed by Rakuten Kobo with our ODM in Taiwan & China.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop PCB layout for eReader applications
• Co-work with ODM’s electrical engineering team, review their designs of different blocks of electronics sub-systems and PCB layout.
• Helping in board bring-up and testing subsystems throughout development lifecycle and signing off each development stage upon validation.
• Developing test strategy, writing test cases and executing platform validation plans to meet quality criteria for different phases of the program.
• Helping in research best suitable electrical components for future products.
• Creating and managing technical component specifications
• Participate in internal technical design reviews, weekly program calls with ODMs.
• Providing support to conduct failure analysis and debugging during development.
• Ensuring electrical design is compatible with mechanical design as well as manufacturing processes.
• Reviewing system engineering and validation coverage throughout the lifecycle of the program and publish plan vs. progress reports.
   

Requirements

• This role offers a hybrid work option, with time split between the lab and on-site at vendor facilities.
• Some travel to manufacturing facilities or suppliers in Asia is required.
   

The Skillset:

• BS/MS in Electrical or Computer engineering or related fields.
• Graduates from relevant graduate programs with no related work experience are acceptable. Or relevant university degree with two years of work experience.
• Knowledge of electrical designs, validation at system and sub system levels.
• Ability to prioritize and work multiple tasks to completion.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Known as analytical skills with ability to conduct engineering analysis.
• Knowledge and experience of electronic manufacturing processes
• Experience using lab measurement instruments: Power/battery emulator, network analyzers, signal analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes, signal generators, logic analyzers and spectrum analyzers.
• Scripting knowledge and experience to connect to DMM/Oscilloscope lab equipment.
• Ability to travel visiting ODM’s and other key component vendors.

The Perks:

• Flexible working hours with a hybrid remote work environment
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Talent development and professional training programs
• Free Kobo device plus a free weekly eBook or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Tech University learning sessions
• Birthday allowance and birthday leave: enjoy a paid day off during your birthday month
• Festival bonuses for the Dragon Boat Festival and Mid‑Autumn Festival
• Annual leave that exceeds statutory requirements
• Work from Anywhere program
• Annual Selected Benefits: NT$10,000 per year, flexibly usable across various Rakuten services
• Employee Stock Options Program
• Annual health check‑up
• Fully subsidized group insurance
• Marriage, maternity, and childcare reimbursement benefits
   

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: https://rakutenemploymentalert.com/