SERVICEs
Engineered Solutions
Custom hardware in 8 to 12 months, then an ongoing supply contract. Built for programs where the design is custom, the qualification path has unknowns, and you want a seat at the design table.
WHAT IT IS
A development-and-supply model, not a one time project
An Engineered Solution starts with a short engagement we call “Pathfinder.” Pathfinder will lock down the technical baseline. Joint Development runs 8 to 12 months and ends with first units delivered. The Supply phase takes over from there, on a multi-year contract with an annual cost-down schedule.
You get qualified hardware on a clear schedule. We design the right thing from day one because we've been the ones building it for years.
when it fits
Where the model best fits
Engineered solutions fit when three things are true
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Custom and qualified
The design is custom or semi-custom, with a qualification standard like SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-461, or your industry's equivalent.
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Design collaboration
You want design influence and development collaboration, not a black-box deliverable handed over at the end.
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Unknown variables
The qualification path has unknowns that make fixed-price contracts too risky or too expensive for either side to carry alone.
Industries we serve
We've validated the model most heavily in aerospace. 100% of the avionics we've flown have been successful. The structure applies anywhere custom hardware meets a serious qualification specification.
Industries
Aerospace ■ Automotive ■ Aviation ■ Energy ■ Industrial Automation ■ Robotics ■ Medical ■ Consumer Electronics ■ Telecommunication
WHAT IT ISN'T
What an engineered solution isn't
Contrasts to draw before the first call
Not a consulting engagement
You receive qualified hardware, not analysis or a strategy memo. If you only need expert advice or a design review, SOE’s Consulting services fits better.
Not a fixed-price design-build contract
Fixed-price works when the qualification path is well understood. When it isn't, the price either bakes in heavy risk premium and you overpay, or it doesn't cover what the program actually needs. Engineered Solutions uses Time and Materials during development. Development rates decrease down once you sign Supply, so neither side carries the cost of derisking alone.
Not for COTS procurement
This is for custom and semi-custom designs. If a catalog part meets your spec, buy the catalog part. We'll tell you the same. If you are interested in an as is or configured product, see our Configurable Products.
Not a one-and-done handoff
The model centers on long-term supply. You can exit at the end of Joint Development if you choose to, but the value compounds when we keep building the hardware for you.
HOW IT WORKS
From concept to flight units
Three phases, low up-front commitment, supply priced to share the development cost
commercial terms
What we commit to
and what you bring
SOE operates an ITAR-compliant facility. We have experience with EAR, ITAR, and export licenses, including export-controlled deliveries to international customers. Bring your control classification to the Pathfinder phase and we structure the engagement around it.
PHASE 1
Pathfinder
ENGAGEMENT MODEL
$50k retainer
Fits most component programs. Scales for larger engagements.
WHAT YOU BRING
✓
Business case for the technology
✓
Competitive landscape
✓
Mission requirements
✓
Technical constraints
✓
Program goals
PHASE 2
Joint Development
ENGAGEMENT MODEL
Time and Materials
Rates step down once you sign the Supply contract, to share development cost.
WHAT YOU BRING
✓
Regular collboration
✓
Design review participation
✓
Access to system-level test environments
✓
Interface specs from adjacent subsystems
PHASE 3
Supply
ENGAGEMENT MODEL
Open book pricing
Annual unit cost reduction targets
WHAT YOU BRING
✓
Delivery schedule
✓
Demand forecast
✓
Quality and acceptance criteria
track record
Built on what we've already shipped
Every Engineered Solution draws on a library of pre-existing IP and processes we've validated on prior programs. Flight computers, power electronics, motor controllers, sensor architectures, RF systems. We don't start from a blank page.
of avionics we've flown have completed their missions
clients supported, the majority in aerospace
engagements, including root cause analyses on products in the field
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the IP?
You do. You own the design and all Deliverables.
The only question is when the IP transfers. It transfers at the end of Joint Development if you pay full development rates, or at the beginning of Supply if you sign the Supply contract for discounted development rates.
What if I don't want to commit to Supply?
You're not required to. You can take the IP at the end of Joint Development by paying full development rates. The model centers on long-term supply, but because our customers often need flexibility the off-ramp is built in.
Why isn't this offered as a fixed price?
We use Time & Materials for development (T&M) because the qualification path has unknowns. Fixed-price contracts handle unknowns by adding a risk premium. That premium either inflates your price or starves the program of work it actually needs. We give you a Not-to-Exceed (NTE) estimate for development. Our goal is to build the right thing and hold to that number. When the larger program shifts and scope has to change, we say so directly and walk through the options with you. No silent absorption. No scope-creep fights.
What does the $50k Pathfinder buy?
A development and supply plan sized to your program. Technical baseline, key risks, schedule, and a costed plan for both Joint Development and Supply. It's a low-commitment way to get to a number you can take back to your team or board.
How is this different from hiring an engineering consultant?
A consultant delivers advice. An Engineered Solution delivers qualified hardware and then ongoing supply. If you only need expert analysis or a design review, our other services fit better.
What qualification standards have you delivered to?
The avionics referenced above include hardware qualified to SMC-S-016 and MIL-STD-461. Bring your specific spec to the Pathfinder phase. We'll tell you what we've delivered against and what we'd plan to do for your program.
We're not in aerospace. Does this model still apply?
Yes. The model fits any program where the design is custom or semi-custom, the qualification path has unknowns, and you want design influence. Aerospace is where we have the deepest flight history. The structure isn't aerospace-specific.
What happens if requirements change mid-development?
First we will verify that the change in requirements is in alignment with the right solution for your needs. Then we will scope the change, cost it, review with you to verify, and then fold it into the plan. The design review cadence catches direction changes early, before they cost you a redesign.
How fast can we start?
When working with new customers it is on average 1-4 weeks to go from first call through final contracts. If you have an urgent, program critical need please see our Root Cause Solution, and reach out with a description of your need.
CONTACT
Contact us
We’d love to learn about what you’re working on. Share a few details about your project using the form!
If you'd prefer to email or call us instead, reach us directly at connect@soeffects.com or (424) 290-0617.