Senior Electrical Engineer

About the role

The operates at the intersection of demanding aerospace systems and rapid development cycles, owning the electrical architecture that powers next generation hardware platforms. This role requires a hands on engineer who translates abstract mission goals into concrete electrical requirements and integration strategies while maintaining rigorous standards for reliability and testability. You will act as the technical lead for complex electrical subsystems, guiding concepts from initial feasibility studies all the way through to hardware that survives environmental testing and flight. The position emphasizes fast iteration without sacrificing discipline, using compact prototypes to validate assumptions and inform design decisions early. You will partner closely with mechanical and software teams to ensure that electrical solutions fit seamlessly into the overall product architecture. Success in this role is measured by robust hardware that meets demanding performance criteria and can be manufactured consistently at scale. You will champion best practices in design for manufacturing and test, ensuring that every schematic and layout decision supports long term quality and maintainability.

Key facts

What you'll do

• System Design: Lead the architecture and design of complex electrical systems for hardware platforms, defining system-level requirements, interface specifications, and integration strategies across electrical and mechanical boundaries.
• Rapid Hardware Prototyping: Design and build functional prototypes for hardware subsystems, iterating quickly based on test feedback and mission requirements to converge on optimal solutions.
• PCB Design: Create schematic and layouts for power distribution, sensor interfaces, payload controllers and communication modules using Altium, with attention to signal integrity and manufacturability.
• Board Bringup and Testing: Assemble, debug, and validate new PCBs; develop test procedures and fixtures to verify functionality and reliability under flight conditions, including thermal, vibration, and electromagnetic environments.
• Documentation: Write technical documentation, prepare fabrication and assembly data for manufacturers, and maintain up to date design records that support audits and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with mechanical engineers, software engineers, research teams, and manufacturing partners to align electrical designs with product goals and production capabilities.
• System Design: Lead the architecture and design of complex electrical systems for hardware platforms, defining system-level requirements, interface specifications, and integration strategies that balance performance, weight, and power.
• Rapid Hardware Prototyping: Design and build functional prototypes for hardware subsystems, iterating quickly based on test feedback and mission requirements to reduce technical risk and accelerate delivery.
• PCB Design: Develop schematics and layouts for power distribution, sensor interfaces, payload controllers, and communication modules using Altium, ensuring robust grounding and power integrity.
• Board Bringup and Testing: Assemble, debug, and validate new PCBs; create test procedures and fixtures that confirm functionality and reliability under simulated flight conditions.
• Documentation: Produce detailed technical documentation, including schematics, assembly drawings, and test reports, and prepare accurate fabrication and assembly data for external manufacturers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Partner with mechanical engineers, software engineers, research, and manufacturing to resolve cross domain constraints and optimize system level performance.
• Requirements Management: Translate high level mission objectives into electrical requirements, traceability matrices, and verification plans that ensure coverage from concept through production.
• Risk Management: Identify potential electrical failure modes early, implement mitigation strategies, and validate improvements through focused testing and analysis.

Requirements

• Proven track record leading hardware designs from concept through manufacturing, including DFM/DFT considerations and direct collaboration with contract manufacturers to ensure smooth production ramp.
• Deep experience with embedded platforms and microcontrollers such as Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, STM32, ESP32, and RP2040, including hands on deployment in demanding environments.
• Experience with high-speed digital design, power integrity, signal integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations to ensure reliable operation in noisy aerospace and field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical reviews, fostering a culture of rigorous design reviews and constructive feedback.
• Embedded programming experience in C++, C, Rust, or Python, including board bring-up, debugging, and low level driver development for sensors, communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN, and real time control loops.
• Strong understanding of engineering best practices, including version control for design artifacts, systematic test development, and clear traceability from requirements to implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical concepts into clear documentation and presentations for both technical and non technical stakeholders.
• Proven commitment to safety and quality processes, with experience applying standards and procedures common in aerospace, defense, or related regulated environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced setting, balancing detailed design work with schedule pressures and evolving mission needs.
• Willingness to engage hands on throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept exploration through detailed design, prototype debugging, and final validation.

Nice to have

• Experience designing PCBs and electrical systems capable of sustaining 10kW loads, with attention to thermal management and power distribution.
• Experience bringing UAV electrical systems from concept through flight test and production, including lessons learned from real world operations.

Practical notes

This role is full time based in El Segundo, California. The position requires travel related to prototype assembly, factory visits, and test campaigns as needed. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.