Electrical Engineer, PCB Design

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline is a plus.
• Experience with rigid-flex PCB design for space-constrained UAS platforms.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-810, DO-160 environmental requirements for PCB hardware.
• Previous involvement in flight-critical or safety-critical hardware development.
• Familiarity with RF layout practices and grounding/shielding techniques.
• Experience with FMEA, reliability analysis, or system safety documentation.
• Experience developing test fixtures, automated test rigs, or custom validation tools.

Benefits

• Redwire Defense Tech benefits Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid 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.