For Startups & Scaling Companies in Hazardous Environments
De-risk your journey
Accelerate your launch.
We design and develop electronic products for explosive atmospheres, from schematic to production, managing IECEx, ATEX, HazLoc, and global certifications so you can focus on your core business.
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What We Do
We simplify your path to market in the highly regulated industry by transforming complexity into a clear, manageable process. Our deep expertise in the IEC 60079 series of standards enables us to tailor a bespoke strategy for your requirements.
Certification Strategy and Roadmap
We define the most efficient and cost-effective certification strategy based on your specific target markets and product requirements.
Protection Architecture Design
We integrate fundamental safety principles and the correct protection methods directly into your product's architecture from day one.
Electronic Product Development
We design your product from the ground up: schematic capture, PCB layout, and firmware development, with compliance built in from the start.
Technical Documentation
We prepare and assemble the complete technical file required by certification bodies for an efficient and successful review.
Quality and Manufacturing Systems
We set up robust bespoke quality management systems, compliant with IEC 80079-34 and ISO 9001, so that you scale with confidence.
Expert Technical Advisory
We provide ongoing technical advisory and strategic guidance to help your team solve complex compliance challenges as they arise.
Certification Strategy and Roadmap
We define the most efficient and cost-effective certification strategy based on your specific target markets and product requirements.
Protection Architecture Design
We integrate fundamental safety principles and the correct protection methods directly into your product's architecture from day one.
Electronic Product Development
We design your product from the ground up: schematic capture, PCB layout, and firmware development, with compliance built in from the start.
Technical Documentation
We prepare and assemble the complete technical file required by certification bodies for an efficient and successful review.
Quality and Manufacturing Systems
We set up robust bespoke quality management systems, compliant with IEC 80079-34 and ISO 9001, so that you scale with confidence.
Expert Technical Advisory
We provide ongoing technical advisory and strategic guidance to help your team solve complex compliance challenges as they arise.
Engineering That Drives Business Value
Deep technical expertise combined with strategic business thinking
Manufacturing Optimization
We don't just design for performance; we design for manufacturability. Our strategies reduce your production costs, improve scalability, and ensure long-term viability.
Example: Pre-approving a future cast-aluminum enclosure on an initial certificate through thermodynamic modeling, eliminating thousands in future testing and recertification.
Component Obsolescence Protection
We protect your product's future through strategic design and supply chain planning.
Example: Designing component-agnostic test procedures that can make your product immune to obsolescence and eliminate future recertification costs entirely.
Resilient Supply Chains
A robust quality system means having pre-approved alternative components ready when supply chain disruptions hit.
Example: When geopolitical events force critical parts into obsolescence, our clients already have certified alternatives in place.
Track Record
Proven expertise from leading global energy technology companies
Wireless Sensor System
End-to-end electronic design and certification of a compact wireless vibration and temperature sensor with distributed sensing capabilities for pressure monitoring in the harshest explosive environments.
Unlocked Zone 0/20 certification in 4 months from certification start.
Industrial Gateway Platform
Certification of a ruggedized industrial wireless gateway connecting field sensors to cloud monitoring systems for explosive gas and dust environments.
Unlocked Zone 2/22 certification across 5 global certification schemes.
Quality Systems
Established and maintained IECEx QAR and ATEX QAN manufacturing quality systems.
Zero major findings across multiple audit cycles.
About Prickly Pear Engineering
Inspired by resilience, adaptability, and unexpected beauty
Why Prickly Pear?
The prickly pear cactus embodies the qualities we bring to every engineering challenge. During my regular runs through the vineyard trails close to my home, I was constantly drawn to the prickly pears growing along the edges - these resilient plants that seemed to thrive effortlessly in conditions where most plants would struggle.
While the vineyard itself is well-maintained and fertile, these cacti had found their niche in the more marginal spaces - the rocky edges, dry slopes, and areas others might overlook. It was seeing these prickly pears flourish in spaces where they weren't expected that inspired both the name and philosophy behind Prickly Pear Engineering.
Like these remarkable plants that adapt to whatever conditions they find themselves in, we specialize in finding solutions where others see obstacles.
Resilience
Like the prickly pear that survives in extreme conditions, we tackle the most challenging engineering problems with persistence and innovative solutions.
Adaptability
Our process adapts to your specific needs. From flexible engagement models that match your project's scale and budget, to selecting the optimal protection architecture that fits your product's unique technical constraints, our solutions are never one-size-fits-all.
Unexpected Value
Just as the prickly pear produces beautiful flowers and nutritious fruit, we deliver solutions that provide value beyond the initial requirements.
Meet the Founder
Engineering Solutions, One Challenge at a Time
I founded Prickly Pear Engineering for a specific reason: to give startups and scaling companies direct access to the specialized expertise needed to succeed in the high-stakes world of explosive atmospheres. Large corporations have teams for this; my goal is to be that trusted, expert resource for you, providing practical, results-driven approaches that get your project moving forward safely and on budget.
My approach is simple: I combine deep technical knowledge of the standards with a pragmatic focus on what actually matters. Whether we're troubleshooting a complex compliance issue or planning a full certification strategy, I believe in clear communication and efficient, no-nonsense engineering.
When I'm not solving engineering challenges, you'll find me exploring vineyard trails, grilling with family, or just spending time in nature.
How We Work Together
Start With a Free Discovery Call
30-minute consultation to discuss your project and determine the best path forward. No commitment, no pressure.
Engagement Options
Strategic Consultation
From €350
Focused session for specific technical questions or architecture review
- •2-hour deep-dive session
- •Written summary of recommendations
- •Follow-up email support
Feasibility Study
From €3,500
Comprehensive analysis with deliverable report
- •Full certification pathway analysis
- •Risk assessment report
- •Detailed timeline and budget estimate
Ongoing Consulting
From €150/hr
Flexible engagement for extended projects
- •Dedicated expert support
- •Weekly progress reviews
- •Priority response times
Not sure which option fits? Start with a free discovery call.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Tell us about your project goals. We'll review your details and schedule a discovery call to outline the most effective path to compliance.
info@pricklypearengineering.com
Phone
Available upon request
Location
Global remote services
Response Time
Within 24 hours
What happens next?
- 1We'll review your project details within 24 hours
- 2Schedule a free discovery call to discuss your needs
- 3Receive a tailored proposal with clear next steps
Note: Our process always begins with the free 30-minute discovery call to ensure a perfect fit before any project work starts.