Electrical Engineering Manager, Unmanned Systems (UAV/USV)

About the role

Ideal Aerosmith is seeking an Electrical Engineer Manager to lead the design, integration, and performance of complex electrical systems for our unmanned platforms, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of UAV electrical architectures, including power distribution, avionics, communications, and sensor integration.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Own end-to-end electrical system architecture, including power, data, RF, and control interfaces.
• Define and manage electrical interfaces (ICDs) across avionics, payloads, propulsion, and ground systems.
• Lead system-level trade studies (power budgets, bandwidth, thermal impacts, EMI/EMC).
• Oversee electrical subsystem development from requirements definition through design, integration, testing, and deployment.
• Lead EMI/EMC design, analysis, and mitigation strategies.
• Support pre-compliance and formal testing efforts.
• Resolve EMI issues during integration and flight test.
• Review and approve schematics, wiring diagrams, interface definitions, and electrical specifications.
• Drive component selection decisions with consideration for performance, reliability, scalability, and cost.
• Collaborate with leaders to maintain on-time product development, address schedule issues, and resolve engineering problems quickly.
• Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, software, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Lead electrical integration, system bring-up, and troubleshooting during prototype builds, ground testing, and flight testing.
• Establish and enforce electrical engineering standards, design practices, and documentation processes.
• Oversee development and execution of verification and validation plans, including environmental and performance testing.
• Support production transition, including design for manufacturability, cost optimization, and resolution of production issues.
• Contribute to program reviews, risk assessments, and technical decision-making at the system level.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering processes, tools, and workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 12+ years of electrical engineering experience in complex systems, with a strong focus on aerospace or UAV systems.
• 5+ years of experience in a technical leadership or management role.
• Experience leading development of avionics, power systems, communications, and sensor integration.
• Experience working in a fast-paced R&D or prototyping environment.
• Ability to travel (domestic and internationally).
• Must have valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of UAV electrical systems, including power distribution, grounding, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Strong experience with avionics systems, radios, antennas, and embedded electrical integration.
• Experience interfacing with embedded systems and flight computers.
• Understanding of serial protocols (UART, CAN, SPI, Ethernet).
• Prominent ability to lead system-level design, integration, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD and analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of system architecture and cross-disciplinary integration (mechanical, software, controls).
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced development environment.
• Ability to balance hands-on engineering contributions with team leadership responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
• Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
• Ability to type accurately and efficiently.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits; 401K with company match; company-paid holidays; every other Friday off; and paid time off for vacation and personal time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.