Electrical Engineer (Contractor)

Tangent is Growing Our Electrical Engineering Bench

Tangent is a Calgary-based product development firm that solves complex engineering challenges across consumer electronics, industrial systems, and more. We are deeply technical, practical in our approach, and focused on building reliable hardware that performs in the real world, not just on paper.

The Opportunity

We are expanding our bench of independent electrical engineering contractors for upcoming project-based work.

This is not an employee role and it is not a full-time position. It is an opportunity for established independent contractors or consultants to partner with Tangent on defined projects as needs arise. Engagements may range from targeted electrical design support to ownership of a circuit, board, subsystem, or defined electrical workstream.

We are looking for people who can step in quickly, work with a high degree of autonomy, and contribute meaningful technical value without extensive ramp-up.

The Kind of Work

Depending on the project, you may be engaged to:

• Develop electrical concepts and detailed circuit designs for physical products
• Create schematics, PCB layouts, and supporting design documentation
• Support embedded hardware development, board bring-up, testing, and debugging
• Contribute to design reviews and cross-functional problem solving
• Support prototyping, validation, compliance readiness, and manufacturing handoff
• Work with sensors, power systems, communications interfaces, or connected device architectures
• Take ownership of a board, subsystem, or defined electrical scope

Ideal Background

We are most interested in individuals who already operate as independent contractors, consultants, or incorporated engineering service providers.

You likely bring:

• Strong experience in electrical design for physical products
• Hands-on capability with schematic capture, PCB layout, and embedded hardware design
• Confidence troubleshooting real-world electrical issues, not just designing on paper
• Working knowledge of prototyping, testing, compliance, and product development processes
• The ability to document clearly, communicate well, and integrate into multidisciplinary teams
• Experience collaborating with mechanical, industrial design, firmware, and project management teams

What Makes Someone a Fit

You are likely a strong fit if you:

• Can work independently and manage your own deliverables
• Are comfortable working on a project or scope basis rather than fixed ongoing hours
• Can plug into an existing team and add value quickly
• Have examples of shipped products, validated boards, manufacturable designs, or complex electrical problem-solving
• Already provide services as an independent contractor or consultant (are set up as an Independent Contractor)
• Availability for meetings during the day (but on-site is not a requirement)

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to a variety of technical challenges and industries
• Clearly scoped project opportunities
• The chance to work with a thoughtful, highly technical team
• Opportunities to contribute to real products with practical impact

How to Reach Us

We are not looking for a formal application package. Send us:

• A short introduction
• A portfolio, project summary, or work sample
• A brief note on the kinds of electrical engineering work you typically take on as an independent contractor

We are particularly interested in real-world examples where you owned the electrical design, solved a difficult technical problem, supported board bring-up or validation, or helped move a product toward manufacturing.