Lead Electrical Engineer

About Darkhive, INC 

Darkhive is making robotics accessible. Established in 2021, we are focused on the application of robotics in the public safety and defense communities. Our approach in accessibility is built on three pillars: low-cost, ease-of-use, and open interface design.   

With our autonomy software stack, military and public safety users intuitively interact with our robotics platforms which enable them to understand their environment and make decisions when it matters most.  Our palm-sized, autonomous drone demonstrates the capabilities of our integrated software and hardware solutions. 

Darkhive is a growing group of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, DevSecOps, defense technology executives, and superb support staff-above all, we are mission first team.  We believe that the U.S. and our allies around the world deserve high-quality, affordable tools that keep them safe when each second counts.  

If you are a curious, free-thinking, creative, problem solver who is looking for a highly collaborative and innovative environment, apply with Darkhive today! 

The Lead Electrical Engineer Role: 

Darkhive is building disposable sUAS platforms. This requires a unique blend of design and engineering to produce a product our customers love to use.  

You will: 

• create and refine the technology inside the sUAS designs. 

• provide expertise across a range of products to meet requirements and production needs. 

• be hands on conducting research, prototyping, testing, and validation to ensure quality products that maintain a competitive price. 

• support and lead rapid product development cycles (3-6 months) with 6-week sprints. 

• test and debug electromechanical equipment. 

• provide innovative and cost effective solutioning. 

• corroborate across multi-functional teams. 

 
If you have wanted to make sure the "right" system is developed for next level sUAS autonomy, come help us build a vision of making robots safe, easy, and affordable performing real tasks for their human counterparts. 

The Lead Electrical Engineer is an exempt, on-site role in San Antonio, Texas.  This position is non-supervisory. 

Qualifications you bring: 

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or equivalent experience 

• 7+ years of experience in electrical commercial hardware engineering and/or sustaining engineering 

• 1+ year experience leading products 

• 7+ years of experience with manufacturing of medium-to-high quantities  

• 5+ years of experience with test equipment - multimeter, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc. 

• 7+ years of experience debugging electromechanical systems 

• Expert knowledge of schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer or other EDA tools 

• Experience generating Technical Data Packages for manufacturing 

• Experience with layouts for single board computers using system-on-modules 

• 7+ years of experience with power supply circuitry, motor control, and digital circuit design 

• 4+ years of experience with PCIE routing, MIPI, USB3, and Flexible PCBs 

• Knowledge of common interfaces such as Ethernet, I2C, SPI, UART, and USB 

• 7+ years of experience supporting design changes or reviews to products 

• 4+ years of experience creainge documentation such as ECOs and other process documentation 

• 4+ years of experience testing of prototype hardware, EVT, DVT, etc. 

• Experience with design for DFM, DFA, DFMEA, etc. 

• U.S. Citizenship 

Bonus Qualifications: 

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or equivalent (highly preferred) 

• Working with suppliers and vendors for both prototyping and production 

• Prior experience with gimbal systems, UAVs/Aerospace, or robotics (highly preferred)

• Consumer electronics such as IoT camera security systems of cell phones with CCMs 

• Hands on design experience with OnSemi / Sony image sensor IC embedded design. 

• Hands on design / analysis / part selection of M7-M12 style optics. 

• Experience with embedded design and simulation of GNSS, Wireless Radios including Chip-Down Design. 

• Knowledge of C/C++ firmware for microcontrollers 

• Experience with drone systems and flight control, particularly on small uncrewed aerial systems  

• U.S. Military Veteran 

• An active security clearance (this is not a requirement for the position). 

Physical and/or Mental Requirements 

• Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time. 

• Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations. 

• Ability to maintain awareness during business hours. 

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language. 

• Learns and memorizes routine tasks. 

• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position. 

• Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position.  

Selection Process: 

• Hiring team reviews applications 

• 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager 

• Take home project  

• In-person or video interview with hiring team 

Benefits Darkhive offers: 

• Comprehensive medical plans; 2 plans are 100% employer paid insurance premiums 

• 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums 

• Automatic 401k employer contribution with immediate vesting 

• Unlimited vacation 

• 11 Paid holidays 

• Stock options 

• Welcoming and friendly work environment 

• Respect of work-life balance 

Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.