Neil Vranicar - Embedded Systems Hardware Designer

Research Diagnostic Instruments

Projects

In my role as R&D Manager at Arete Biosciences, I lead the development of multiple research diagnostic instruments in the biomedical industry. These projects involve managing a cross-functional team to design, prototype, and produce advanced diagnostic tools. My responsibilities include: Project Leadership, Process Optimization, Hardware Lifecycle Management, Circuit Design, Software Integration

These projects not only reinforced my technical skills in hardware and software integration but also highlighted my ability to lead teams, streamline processes, and grow an engineering department.

Airborne Embedded Subsystem

During my tenure at Cubic Mission Planning Solutions, I played a pivotal role in the development of an airborne embedded subsystem, contributing as a Senior Electrical Engineer. This project was integral to enhancing the capabilities of live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) environments. My responsibilities included: Digital CCA Design, RF CCA Design, High-Speed Digital Signal Simulation, Integration and Testing

This project built my expertise in high-speed digital and RF circuit design, FPGA development, and comprehensive system integration. It also provided me with strong fundamentals of engineering department structure and business operation.

Almost a decade of experience in electronics design and hardware integration for embedded systems.

Work Experience

Mixed Signal Circuit Board Design

2015 - Present
Designed over a dozen circuit cards including component selection, schematic/layout in Altium, and test/validation. Digital protocols include I2C, SPI, Ethernet 10/100 BASE-T, RS-485, DDR, JESD, PCIe). Designs include layer stacks from as few as 2-layers to as dense as 20+ layers. Implement design for manufacturing (DFM) by minimizing unique parts and gridding part placement with sufficient clearances. Implement design for test (DFT) by strategically placing test points and probe hook ins for debugging. Design for EMI with proper decoupling components and grounding techniques. Simulated cross-talk and DC power drop for multiple designs using Hyperlynx. Utilize LTSpice for regulator design and filtering.

Embedded Systems Design

2015 - Present
Designed systems with FPGAs, ARM-Cortex microprocessors, ADCs, and DACs. C/C++ programming of microcontrollers and continuing education courses in C/C++ for embedded applications. Integrated pressure sensors, temperature sensors, servo motors, stepper motors, DC motors, and optical sensors for automated instruments.

Project Managment

2018 - Present
PMP certified by Project Management Institute in 2023. Led technical projects with budgets >$1M. Worked on waterfall projects in a large corporation setting as well as agile projects in a start up environment.

Software

2015 - Present
Designed test code in VHDL for board system integration. Written python for machine learning applications and image processing. Written C/C++ for controls systems.