Worker Type

Job Description

The Sr. Electrical Engineer designs, develops and maintains electrical control systems and/or components to required specifications, focusing on economy, safety, reliability, quality and sustainability. In this role, one selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability and determines design approaches and parameters. The Electrical Engineer conducts general engineering and design of electronic systems on small unmanned aircraft vehicles. In this role, one performs detailed design, documentation, testing of electronic and mechanical components, equipment and subsystems.

Position Responsibilities

• Operates computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks. Performs electronic engineering support activities on R&D projects

• Coordinates manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation and testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes and design requirements

• Inspects completed installations and observes operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational & safety standards

• Works with avionics, embedded systems and Radio Frequency (RF) links. Supports Flight Test operations, as needed

• Troubleshoots complex systems. Documents designs with engineering drawings and written descriptions. Operates computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks

• Performs design and analysis tasks under general supervision and may be involved in developing budgets, estimating labor, material and construction costs. Demonstrates familiarity with HDL programming, C/C++, PCB design process and UAV subsystems along with associated software

• Assesses root cause to critical issues and contributes to sustainability and reliability of products. Consistent in demonstrating ability to research and re-engineer to propose alternate solutions to issues. Demonstrates full understanding & knowledge of engineering principles within the specific technical discipline

• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors.  Makes decisions that have direct impact on project costs & schedule.  Makes complex design decisions to meet stated requirements

• Provides technical supervision across disciplines and leads a small team or project to accomplish established goals. May supervise the activities of others (Team Lead)

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Minimum of 5 - 8 years of relevant experience

• Proficient with office software, computer-based productivity tools and other software tools in one's 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

• Demonstrated familiarity of common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB)

• Knowledge of Engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics & material properties

• Some travel may be required in support of flight test operations (up to 30%)

• Must have a clean driving record

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred

• Flight test or R/C (Remote Control) experience a plus, hands-on experience with tools a plus

• Demonstrates familiarity with Small UAV subsystems and associated software a plus

• Uses professional concepts & company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. 

• Works well independently & 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

• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills

• Focused on teamwork, collaboration and 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)

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

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.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology-we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers 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, AV has 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.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR