Shaun Franklin

Experienced Systems and Product Development Engineer with over 25 years of experience developing embedded electronic products from concept through to manufacture. Strong background in embedded systems, wireless technologies, product validation, manufacturing support, customer requirements analysis and technical leadership. Experienced in managing the complete product lifecycle including requirements definition, feasibility studies, architecture development, embedded firmware, hardware integration, testing, compliance support and production implementation.

Proven track record across diverse markets, delivering reliable products in demanding environments and bridging engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to ensure successful delivery.

Firmware & Hardware Engineer at Ultrontech Technologies (2025-01 – Present)

• Development and support of electronic control systems for stairlifts and platform lifts supplied to the mobility sector.
• Responsible for embedded firmware development, system integration, schematic review and support of electronic product development activities.
• Participate in design reviews with electrical, mechanical and manufacturing teams to ensure compliance with safety, reliability and production requirements.
• Support product verification, fault investigation, EMC pre-compliance activities and engineering change implementation.
• Produce technical documentation including specifications, engineering change notices, test procedures and product support documentation.
• Contribute to the development and verification of safety-related functions used within mobility products.
• Liaise with suppliers, manufacturing teams and external stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.

Senior Systems Engineer / Research & Development Director at Sherlotronics (Pty) Ltd (2014-01 – 2025-01)

Sherlotronics is a leading Security and Access manufacturer and supplier, specialised in radio frequency licence-free remote-control systems and evolving products that have revolutionised transmitters and receivers across the panic alarm, nurse call, residential and factory markets.

• Led the development of wireless security, access control, panic alarm and industrial control products from concept through manufacture and market release.
• Successfully designed and developed a range of products which contributed significantly to profits and revenue
• Conducted in-depth research and development, benchmarking international cutting-edge technology in order to adapt to local conditions
• Project managed new product life cycle from concept, feasibility studies through to build, testing and go-to-market launch
• Created documentation (assembly procedures, user manuals, etc) for all products, ensuring that design and testing were compliant to industry regulators – ESDA (Security) SADAC, ICASA, CE, IEC and Safety certifications
• Managed relationships with all stakeholders – clients, manufacturers and suppliers
• Directed the team responsible for development of electronic hardware, software and embedded firmware
• Provides quality assurance with prototyping and design of test-jigs, subsequent debugging and testing along with internal IT maintenance and support
• Defined product requirements and system architectures for embedded wireless products.
• Led design reviews covering hardware, firmware, manufacturing and compliance requirements.
• Supported product certification activities including ICASA, CE and safety-related approvals.
• Worked closely with customers and suppliers to convert requirements into commercially successful products.

Research and Development Manager at Sherlotronics (1998-01 – 2012-01)

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Technology (Software Engineering) – Eduvos / Pearson Institute