Lead Engineer, Electrical Model-Based Design, Systems Verification & Validation

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
Full-timeβ€’$111k-178k/year (USD)β€’Towson, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Engineer, Electrical Model-Based Design, Systems Verification & Validation

Company: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

Location: Towson, MD, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering - Electrical & Systems Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is critical for advancing Model-Based Design (MBD) practices within the Electronics & Electrical Systems group, focusing on system modeling for product development.

  • It involves the application of system models to support requirements decomposition, define system behavior, and plan/execute verification and validation (V&V) activities for electrical and electronic systems.

  • The position requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including development, testing, controls, hardware, and firmware, to enhance design quality and accelerate issue resolution.

  • A key aspect is connecting requirements, models, simulation outcomes, and test results into a structured framework to build confidence in system performance throughout the product lifecycle.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead Engineer" with "8+ years" of experience, indicating a senior technical contributor or specialized individual contributor role. The focus on "Model-Based Design," "Systems Verification & Validation," and "electrical and electronic systems" strongly places this within an advanced engineering operations or R&D operations context, emphasizing process optimization and systematic development rather than traditional GTM or RevOps.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead and support model-based design (MBD) activities for electrical and electronic systems, with a focus on system behavior modeling, requirements alignment, and verification support.

  • Develop and maintain system and subsystem models using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow, TwinBuilder, Dymola, Modelica, Ansys, and LTSPice.

  • Utilize models to aid in requirements decomposition, interface definition, architecture evaluation, and early design verification processes.

  • Define and execute comprehensive verification and validation (V&V) strategies that effectively link requirements, models, simulation outputs, and physical test results.

  • Employ simulation packages and define simulation workflows to rapidly identify root causes of Signal Integrity, ESD, and EMI-related issues during product development, and train development engineers on these processes.

  • Support development teams by using models and simulations to evaluate concepts, identify design gaps, and mitigate technical risks early in the product lifecycle.

  • Assist testing teams by defining test cases, expected behaviors, acceptance criteria, and model-to-test correlation methods.

  • Support integration teams by identifying subsystem interactions, interface issues, and system-level behavior risks prior to and during integration phases.

  • Contribute to MIL (Model-in-the-Loop), SIL (Software-in-the-Loop), and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) workflows to enhance verification coverage and development efficiency.

  • Analyze discrepancies between expected and observed system behavior and drive structured root cause investigations using model and test data.

  • Help establish and improve MBD, verification, and validation best practices, workflows, templates, and reusable libraries across the engineering organization.

  • Collaborate effectively with systems, controls, firmware, hardware, validation, and quality teams to ensure strong technical alignment throughout the development process.

  • Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and actively contribute to design reviews, verification reviews, and cross-functional engineering decisions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process development and standardization ("establish and improve MBD, verification, and validation best practices, workflows, templates, and reusable libraries"). This aligns with operations roles focused on process optimization and efficiency within R&D or product development. The explicit mention of MIL/SIL/HIL and simulation tools points to a need for systematic, data-driven engineering processes.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical field.

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Controls, or a related discipline is preferred. Experience:

  • 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in model-based design, systems engineering, verification and validation, controls development, or related product development environments.

  • Experience working in a matrixed product development environment is beneficial. Required Skills:

  • Strong, hands-on experience with MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, and Ansys.

  • Deep understanding of Model-Based Design (MBD) principles, system modeling methodologies, and simulation-driven development practices.

  • Proven experience supporting systems verification and validation, including requirement traceability, test planning, and model-to-test correlation.

  • Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across cross-functional teams, including development, testing, and system integration.

  • Ability to translate complex system requirements into actionable model structures, verification logic, and validation approaches.

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of investigating complex system behaviors.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in electrical/electronic systems such as inverters, converters, chargers, switches, or other controlled subsystems.

  • Familiarity with advanced modeling tools like TwinBuilder, Dymola, Modelica, and Modelica-based libraries.

  • Experience with specific system simulation tools such as Simscape Electrical, PLECS, or PSIM.

  • Experience with MIL / SIL / HIL environments and associated workflows.

  • Experience with Embedded Coder or other model-based implementation workflows.

  • Working knowledge of Python for scripting, automation, data analysis, or test support.

  • Understanding of system integration, interface management, and structured verification processes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "8+ years" experience requirement, coupled with "Lead Engineer" title, suggests a senior individual contributor role with potential for mentorship. The emphasis on specific simulation and modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink, TwinBuilder, Dymola, Modelica, Ansys) indicates a need for deep technical expertise in these areas, critical for driving process efficiency and quality in product development.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrations of successful application of Model-Based Design (MBD) principles in past projects, showcasing how models were used to drive requirements, define behavior, and support verification.

  • Case studies detailing how simulation-driven development was employed to identify and resolve technical challenges, specifically related to Signal Integrity, ESD, or EMI.

  • Examples of structured verification and validation strategies, illustrating the connection between requirements, models, simulations, and test outcomes.

  • Evidence of contributions to MIL, SIL, or HIL workflows, highlighting improvements in verification coverage, efficiency, or risk reduction.

  • Documentation of process improvements or best practice implementations related to MBD, verification, or validation within an engineering context. Process Documentation:

  • Workflows for developing and maintaining system and subsystem models using MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow and other specified tools.

  • Methodologies for translating system requirements into model structures, verification logic, and validation approaches.

  • Processes for defining and executing V&V strategies that correlate model outputs with physical test results.

  • Procedures for utilizing simulation packages and defining simulation flows for rapid root cause analysis of technical issues.

  • Examples of contributions to establishing or improving MBD, verification, and validation best practices, workflows, templates, and reusable libraries.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a role of this nature, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list tools but demonstrate the application of these tools to solve complex engineering problems and improve development processes. The emphasis on "process documentation" suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their systematic approach to modeling, simulation, and verification.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,600.00 - $178,000.00 Annually

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

  • Life and disability insurance coverage.

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

  • Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, holidays, and personal days.

  • Tuition reimbursement program for continued education.

  • Employee discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and partner programs.

  • Access to well-being programs and resources. Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

  • Hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a combination of on-site and remote work.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and appears competitive for a Lead Engineer role with specialized skills in the specified location. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with typical large manufacturing and technology companies. The "Hybrid" work arrangement is noted, with no specific office days mentioned, suggesting flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Manufacturing & Tools, Consumer Goods, Power Equipment. Stanley Black & Decker operates at the intersection of traditional manufacturing and technological innovation, driving towards Industry 4.0 initiatives. This context implies a company that values both established engineering principles and forward-thinking technological adoption.

Company Size: Approximately 43,500 diverse and high-performing professionals globally. This large size indicates a mature organization with established processes, but also significant opportunities for career growth and impact across various brands and divisions.

Founded: History dating back to 1843. This long history suggests a stable company with deep roots in manufacturing, now actively evolving and innovating.

Team Structure:

  • The role is part of the Electronics & Electrical Systems group, specifically within the Electronics & Electrical team.

  • This engineer will work closely with development, testing, controls, hardware, firmware, and integration teams, indicating a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

  • As a "Lead Engineer," there's an expectation of technical leadership and mentorship, suggesting a structure where senior engineers guide and support junior members. Methodology:

  • Emphasis on Model-Based Design (MBD) and simulation-driven development for electrical and electronic systems.

  • Structured approach to requirements decomposition, system behavior definition, and verification/validation (V&V).

  • Application of MIL, SIL, and HIL workflows to enhance engineering efficiency and product quality.

  • Focus on data-driven root cause analysis for technical issues.

  • Commitment to establishing and improving engineering best practices, workflows, and reusable libraries.

Company Website: https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Stanley Black & Decker's blend of historical strength and modern innovation (Industry 4.0) provides a unique context. For operations professionals, this means working within a large, established company that is actively investing in advanced technologies and systematic development processes. The "Lead Engineer" role will likely be instrumental in driving these advanced engineering operations.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior individual contributor role, designated as "Lead Engineer." It signifies a high level of technical expertise and responsibility, with expectations of contributing to strategic technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and driving process improvements within the MBD and V&V domain.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will report to a manager within the Electronics & Electrical Systems group. They will collaborate extensively with various cross-functional teams, indicating a network of influence and partnership rather than a rigid hierarchical structure for day-to-day project execution.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts product quality, development speed, and technical risk reduction by advancing MBD and V&V practices. By ensuring robust system models, simulations, and validation processes, this role contributes to the reliability and performance of Stanley Black & Decker's electrical and electronic systems, ultimately influencing customer satisfaction and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced MBD, simulation tools, and complex electrical systems, potentially becoming a subject matter expert (SME) within the organization.

  • Leadership Development: Progress into roles with greater technical leadership responsibilities, such as Principal Engineer or Technical Fellow, or transition into engineering management roles.

  • Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to further standardize and optimize MBD and V&V processes across different product lines or divisions.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on diverse projects across different brands and product categories within Stanley Black & Decker.

  • Industry Engagement: Contribute to the advancement of MBD and V&V best practices through industry forums or publications.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Lead Engineer" title suggests a clear career path for technical specialists who want to remain in engineering but take on more complex challenges and leadership responsibilities without necessarily moving into people management. The company's size and brand portfolio offer diverse avenues for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote and on-site work. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration and access to specialized lab equipment.

Office Location(s): Towson, MD, United States. This location will serve as the primary base for on-site work.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with development, testing, controls, hardware, and firmware teams, fostering a dynamic and collaborative workspace.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering tools and software (MATLAB/Simulink, Ansys, etc.) is fundamental, as is likely access to laboratory equipment for testing and validation.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct mentorship, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions with peers and senior engineers.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid arrangement. This schedule should accommodate focused individual work (remote) and collaborative team activities (on-site).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the modern work environment at Stanley Black & Decker. For an engineering role focused on complex systems and specialized tools, the on-site component is likely crucial for hands-on work, team collaboration, and access to essential lab facilities.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Application review to assess technical qualifications, experience with MBD tools, and systems engineering background.

  • Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on MBD principles, simulation techniques, V&V strategies, and problem-solving approaches. Expect scenario-based questions and technical challenges.

  • Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of relevant projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your experience with modeling, simulation, and verification.

  • Cross-Functional/Leadership Interview: Evaluation of collaboration skills, technical leadership potential, communication abilities, and cultural fit with the team and company.

  • Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Showcase MBD Application: Clearly articulate how you've used MATLAB/Simulink and other MBD tools to solve specific engineering problems, not just list them.

  • Demonstrate V&V Rigor: Present case studies that highlight your process for linking requirements to models, simulations, and test cases, showing how you ensure system integrity.

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the benefits of your work (e.g., reduced development time, fewer design iterations, improved system performance, faster issue resolution).

  • Highlight Problem-Solving: Include examples of complex technical issues you've diagnosed using models and simulations, detailing your methodology.

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to electrical/electronic systems, signal integrity, ESD, and EMI, aligning with the job description's focus.

Challenge Preparation:

  • MBD Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario requiring you to outline an MBD approach for a given electrical system challenge.

  • Simulation Workflow Design: You might be asked to design a simulation workflow for verifying a specific system behavior or troubleshooting an issue.

  • Requirements Traceability: Practice explaining how you would ensure traceability from system requirements through models and verification tests.

  • Technical Communication: Prepare to explain complex technical concepts related to MBD, simulation, and V&V clearly and concisely.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a technical role like this, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be ready to walk through specific examples of their work, detailing the problem, their approach using MBD/simulation, the results, and the lessons learned. The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on deep technical understanding and practical application.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow: Core environment for model-based design, simulation, and code generation. Proficiency in these is essential.

  • Ansys: Likely used for electromagnetic simulation, signal integrity analysis, or other physics-based modeling.

  • TwinBuilder / Dymola / Modelica: Advanced multi-domain modeling and simulation tools, preferred for complex system dynamics.

  • Simscape Electrical: Specific Simulink toolbox for modeling electrical circuits and systems.

  • PLECS / PSIM: Specialized tools for power electronics simulation, potentially used for specific subsystems.

  • LT Spice: Common circuit simulation tool for detailed electrical analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly listed as analytics tools, the role implies using simulation results and test data for analysis. Proficiency in interpreting and presenting these results is key.

  • Experience with data analysis tools or scripting (e.g., Python) could be beneficial for processing large datasets from simulations and tests. CRM & Automation:

  • Embedded Coder: For generating embedded code from models, crucial for translating designs into implementable firmware.

  • dSPACE / Speedgoat / NI VeriStand: Platforms for real-time simulation and HIL testing.

  • Git / Azure DevOps: Version control systems for managing model and code repositories, essential for collaborative development.

  • Python: Preferred for scripting, automation of simulation runs, data analysis, and potentially test script development.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This list represents a sophisticated engineering technology stack. Candidates should highlight their experience with these specific tools and demonstrate how they've used them to improve engineering processes and product outcomes. The mention of version control (Git/Azure DevOps) and scripting (Python) points towards modern software development practices being integrated into engineering workflows.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation & Technology Adoption: A drive to embrace and implement advanced engineering methodologies like Model-Based Design and Industry 4.0 principles.

  • Technical Excellence: Commitment to high-quality engineering, rigorous verification, and robust validation processes.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared product development goals.

  • Continuous Improvement: Dedication to establishing and refining best practices, workflows, and reusable libraries to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Problem Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex technical challenges.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with diverse teams (hardware, firmware, controls, testing, quality) to ensure holistic product development.

  • Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: As a Lead Engineer, actively mentoring junior engineers and sharing expertise on MBD and V&V.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing simulation results, test data, and model correlations to inform engineering decisions and drive problem resolution.

  • Structured Communication: Clear and concise communication of technical findings, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders at various levels.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "making the world better" and innovation, combined with the technical demands of the role, suggests a culture that values both purpose and technical rigor. Candidates who can demonstrate a passion for engineering excellence and collaborative problem-solving will likely thrive here.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Adoption of MBD: Driving consistent adoption and effective utilization of MBD practices across diverse engineering teams and projects, overcoming potential resistance to change.

  • Complex System Integration: Managing the intricate interactions and potential conflicts between various electrical and electronic subsystems within complex products.

  • Bridging Model & Reality: Ensuring high fidelity between system models, simulation results, and physical hardware behavior, especially under diverse operating conditions.

  • Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in MBD tools, simulation techniques, and electrical system technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced MBD & Simulation: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge MBD techniques, multi-domain modeling, and advanced simulation software.

  • Industry Best Practices: Exposure to and contribution to industry-leading practices in systems engineering, V&V, and Industry 4.0 within a large, global organization.

  • Technical Leadership: Development of leadership skills through mentoring, technical guidance, and participation in strategic engineering decisions.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader knowledge of hardware, firmware, controls, and manufacturing processes through close collaboration.

  • Formal Training: Access to extensive learning resources, including digital learning portals and potential for specialized certifications or courses.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a lead technical role focused on process innovation within a large, established company. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for technical advancement and leadership development in a cutting-edge engineering field.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex electrical system you've modeled using MATLAB/Simulink. What were the key requirements, how did you decompose them into model components, and what verification activities did you perform?" (Focus on systematic approach, tool usage, and V&V linkage).

  • "How would you approach defining a V&V strategy for a new electrical subsystem, ensuring strong correlation between models, simulations, and physical tests?" (Assess understanding of V&V lifecycle and methodology).

  • "Walk me through a challenging technical problem you faced related to Signal Integrity, ESD, or EMI. How did you use models and simulations to diagnose the root cause, and what was the resolution?" (Evaluate problem-solving skills and application of tools).

  • "How do you ensure your models accurately represent real-world system behavior, and what steps do you take when discrepancies arise?" (Focus on model fidelity and debugging).

  • "Describe your experience with MIL, SIL, or HIL. What benefits did these approaches provide to the development process?" (Assess familiarity with advanced verification techniques). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Stanley Black & Decker and this specific role in advancing MBD practices?" (Assess motivation and alignment with company/role).

  • "How do you approach mentoring junior engineers or sharing your expertise on MBD and V&V?" (Evaluate leadership and collaboration potential).

  • "Describe a time you had to influence a cross-functional team to adopt a new engineering process or tool. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Assess change management and influence skills).

  • "How do you stay current with the latest advancements in Model-Based Design, simulation tools, and electrical engineering?" (Gauge commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: For each project, clearly define the problem statement, your role, the MBD/simulation approach used, key findings/results, and the impact or lessons learned.

  • Visuals: Use diagrams, model screenshots, simulation plots, and test data to illustrate your work effectively.

  • Quantify: Whenever possible, present metrics demonstrating the success of your approach (e.g., time saved, issues resolved, performance improvements).

  • Focus on Process: Emphasize the systematic processes you followed in modeling, simulation, and verification, aligning with the job's emphasis on established workflows.

  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, tool choices, and decision-making processes within your projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice should focus on showcasing both deep technical expertise in MBD and simulation, and the ability to apply these skills systematically to solve real-world engineering problems within a collaborative, hybrid environment. Demonstrating process-oriented thinking is key.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this engineering position:

  • Submit your application through the Stanley Black & Decker career portal.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Model-Based Design (MBD), specific tools (MATLAB/Simulink, Ansys, etc.), systems engineering, verification & validation (V&V), and any experience with Signal Integrity, ESD, or EMI. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Portfolio Preparation: Compile a portfolio that showcases your MBD projects, simulation workflows, and V&V strategies. Be ready to present specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and process-oriented approach.

  • Technical Readiness: Review core concepts of MBD, system modeling, simulation techniques, and V&V principles. Prepare to discuss your experience with MIL/SIL/HIL and relevant electrical/electronic systems.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Stanley Black & Decker's brands, industry position, and commitment to innovation (e.g., Industry 4.0). Understand their approach to engineering and product development.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and at least 8 years of experience in model-based design, systems engineering, or verification and validation. Strong proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, and simulation-driven development methodologies is required.