Electrical Engineer, Sr.

We’re looking for a mission-driven Senior Electrical Engineer to design, develop, and sustain electrical control systems and components for unmanned aircraft vehicles. You’ll focus on economy, safety, reliability, quality, and sustainability while selecting components, determining design approaches, and performing detailed design, documentation, and testing of electronic and mechanical subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Operate computer-assisted engineering and design software to perform engineering tasks.
• Perform electronic engineering support activities on R&D projects.
• Coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, and testing to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and design requirements.
• Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational & safety standards.
• Work with avionics, embedded systems, and Radio Frequency (RF) links.
• Support Flight Test operations as needed.
• Troubleshoot complex systems and document designs with engineering drawings and written descriptions.
• Perform design and analysis tasks under general supervision; may be involved in developing budgets, estimating labor, material, and construction costs.
• Demonstrate familiarity with HDL programming, C/C++, PCB design process, and UAV subsystems along with associated software.
• Assess root cause of critical issues and contribute to the sustainability and reliability of products.
• Research and re-engineer to propose alternate solutions to issues.
• Work on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors.
• Make decisions that directly impact project costs and schedule, including complex design decisions to meet stated requirements.
• Provide technical supervision across disciplines and lead a small team or project to accomplish established goals; may supervise the activities of others (Team Lead).
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Minimum of 8–12 years of relevant experience.
• Proficient with office software, computer-based productivity tools, and other software tools in your area of expertise.
• Experienced using Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Experienced in one or more areas: Radio Frequency (RF), embedded control, FPGA.
• Experienced with power electronics, including motors and Battery Technology (lead acid, Nickel metal hybrid & Lithium ion).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Familiarity with common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB).
• Knowledge of engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics, and material properties.
• Some travel may be required in support of flight test operations (up to 30%).
• Must have a clean driving record.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Flight test or R/C (Remote Control) experience a plus; hands-on experience with tools a plus.
• Familiarity with Small UAV subsystems and associated software a plus.
• Uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Works well independently and complies with company policies and procedures.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Focused on teamwork and collaboration; puts the success of the team above one’s own interests.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office (Constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $111,500 – $170,000. AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be eligible for an export license. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

About the Company

AeroVironment isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., we deliver breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.