Job details

Electrical Engineer, Sr. Staff

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.

Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human-powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near-space with our solar-powered aircraft, and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future-defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

Summary

The Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer is an expert in circuit design with knowledge of FPGA technology, video image processing, battery technology, motor controllers, and power distribution. In this role, one selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability and determines design approaches and parameters. The Senior Staff Electrical Engineer conducts and leads general engineering and design of electronic systems on small, unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) with cross-functional teams. Knowledge of UAV subsystems is a plus.

Position Responsibilities

Operates computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks. Performs electronic engineering activities on R&D projects
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.
Performs design and analysis tasks under general supervision and may be involved in developing budgets, estimating labor, material, and construction costs.
Assesses root cause to critical issues and contributes to sustainability and reliability of products.
Works on significant and unique issues where analysis or situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Makes decisions that have significant impact on project costs and schedule
Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to achieve goals in creative and effective ways
Works independently and acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments
Provides technical supervision across disciplines and leads a small team or project to accomplish established goals. May supervise the activities of others
Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering; Advanced degree is preferred
Minimum of 12 to 15 years of experience with R&D projects; Aerospace experience is preferred
Expert level Experience in circuit design and experience with the following : Radio Frequency (RF), embedded control, FPGA design. Power distribution, video.
Advanced knowledge of common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB, MIPI)
Knowledge of Battery Management Systems and Battery Charging Systems
Familiarity with PCB design process
Familiarity with battery powered UAVs
Experience using Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout
Expertise in engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics & material properties
Expertise with software tools on one’s area of expertise

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

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
Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
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 (written and verbal)
Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

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

The salary range for this role is:

$146,800 - $220,200

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

AeroVironment Glassdoor Company Review

3.5