Jobs · Engineering · California

Electrical Engineer, PCB Design

Redwire · San Luis Obispo, CA · Yesterday
Engineering$94k–$107k/yrFull-time

About the role

The PCB Design Engineer plays a critical role in the design, development, and integration of embedded electrical systems for uncrewed aircraft platforms. This role is responsible for architecting and validating flight-critical circuits, power systems, avionics interfaces, and embedded electronics that operate reliably in demanding environments. The PCB Design Engineer serves as a domain expert within the hardware team - PCB layout and design for avionics and embedded systems, schematic capture, PCB stack-up, signal integrity, and manufacturability for rugged aerospace environments and ensuring seamless integration with mechanical, software, and GNC functions.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop multi-layer PCBs for avionics, power regulation, and sensor interfaces.
  • Perform schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium (or equivalent), ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.
  • Optimize signal integrity, impedance control, and thermal management in PCB designs.
  • Collaborate with electrical engineers to translate system requirements into PCB-level implementations.
  • Support DFM/DFT reviews and coordinate with manufacturing for board builds.
  • Conduct design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR) focused on PCB aspects.
  • Assist in prototype bring-up and troubleshooting at the board level.
  • Own subsystem requirements, architecture, component selection, schematic creation, and design documentation.
  • Develop and review PCB designs, ensuring manufacturability, signal integrity, and environmental robustness.
  • Integrate sensors, radios, autopilots, datalinks, GPS modules, payload interfaces, and embedded compute platforms (e.g., Jetson, STM32, PIC, etc.).
  • Support environmental, vibration, thermal, and electrical testing, including benchtop validation, HIL/SIL testing, and flight test preparation.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across GNC, Software, Mechanical, Autonomy, Production, and Test teams to ensure seamless integration.
  • Participate in design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR), risk assessments, and reliability evaluations.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex field issues related to avionics, power, sensors, and embedded electronics.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field required.
  • 3–5 years of PCB design experience (Altium preferred) for aerospace, defense or UAS applications.
  • Strong knowledge of high-speed digital design, power distribution, and mixed-signal PCB layouts.
  • Familiarity with IPC standards, controlled impedance routing, and stack-up design.
  • Experience with design rule checks (DRC) and signal integrity analysis tools.
  • Demonstrated ownership of subsystem-level development (architecture → test → integration → release).
  • Experience supporting flight test, field troubleshooting, or operational unmanned systems.
  • High-speed routing, differential pairs, controlled impedance.
  • Thermal and mechanical considerations for ruggedized boards.
  • Understanding of power integrity and decoupling strategies.
  • Ability to interpret system schematics and translate into PCB layouts.
  • Understanding of UAS electrical architectures, autopilot interfaces, and avionics integration.
  • Experience with oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and environmental test setups.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electrical issues.
  • Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration.
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities.

Benefits

  • Redwire Defense Tech Benefits Matching 401(k)
  • Paid PTOPaid holidays
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • HSA and FSA Options
  • Critical Care Plan
  • Accident Care Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

Clearance Requirements

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

  • The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area.
  • Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions.
  • The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending.
  • Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone.
  • Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile.
  • Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment.
  • Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

Similar jobs