From lab to Field
Our Process
Developing rugged electronics takes more than good engineering.
Choose a process that reduces risk, validates performance, and prepares products for successful deployment.
Built for Demanding Environments.
Our Engineering Design Framework (EDF) provides a structured, systematic approach to product development that helps keep projects on schedule and within budget.
Each phase is defined by clear inputs, outputs, and decision points to ensure consistent progress and measurable results. While the framework is designed as a seamless end-to-end process, STL Engineering can deliver value at any stage of development—from concept and design through validation, production, and beyond.
PHASE 1: PLAN
Design and Risk Reduction
Every successful program starts with understanding where the risks are. Before hardware is built, we evaluate your application's technical requirements, operating environment, and qualification objectives. Through engineering analysis, simulation, and collaborative design reviews, we identify potential issues early—when they're faster and less expensive to resolve.
Key Activities
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Early-cycle stage engineering analysis
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Thermal, structural, and mechanical simulation
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System requirements and compliance review
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Trade studies and design optimization
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Risk identification and mitigation planning
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Project management and timeline planning
Outcome: A validated design direction with reduced uncertainty and a clear path toward qualification.
The best designs are proven, not assumed. By building and evaluating prototypes early, we verify performance under real-world conditions and refine designs before formal qualification begins. Throughout the process, the same engineering team remains involved, ensuring continuity from concept through testing.
Key Activities
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3D CAD design and simulation
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Rapid prototyping
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Design verification
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Performance characterization
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First Article Inspection (FAI)
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Post-test analysis and model refinement
Outcome: A verified solution supported by measurable performance data and documented engineering evidence.
PHASE 2: DESIGN
Prototype, Verify and Validate
Phase 3: Deploy
Production Readiness and Qualification
A successful product isn't just engineered—it must be ready to manufacture. As your design moves toward production, we help prepare the documentation, validation plans, and manufacturing support needed for successful qualification and repeatable production.
Key Activities
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Qualification planning
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Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)
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Environmental and compliance testing
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Manufacturing documentation
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Manufacturing liaison
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Production and manufacturing support
Outcome: A production-ready system supported by validated processes and predictable field performance.
Engineering Confidence at Every Stage
Built to Reduce Risk. Designed to Deliver.
Developing rugged electronics is rarely a straight line. Requirements evolve, testing uncovers new insights, and every design decision has downstream implications.
Our engineering process keeps every stage connected, helping teams reduce technical risk, shorten development cycles, and move confidently from concept to deployment.
Identify design challenges before they become production problems.
Support engineering choices with analysis, testing, and measurable results.
Design with compliance, manufacturability, and long-term reliability in mind.
From concept to manufacturing, the same engineering team supports every phase of development.