Avionics & Electrical Lead

AIRO Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) with company match

Paid Holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Short-Term Disability

Job summary

AIRO Group is seeking a high-impact Avionics & Electrical Engineering Lead to guide the next generation of UAV flight hardware. You will own end-to-end electrical architecture, prototype rapidly, and drive flight-critical systems into field deployment.

The role blends defense-grade standards with commercial autonomy, mentoring a fast-growing team in a fast-paced environment to deliver rugged, mission-ready aerial systems.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering with 8+ years designing and troubleshooting complex embedded systems.
• Expertise in Altium for multi-layer PCBA layouts, high-speed digital, and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Architecture experience with ultra-low-noise avionics and high-integrity payload bus integration.
• Hands-on design of high-power systems, Battery Management Systems (BMS), and ESCs.
• Proven track record mitigating EMI/EMC and engineering wire harness safety for harsh environments.
• Deep proficiency with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, probes) and test automation.
• Demonstrated success driving rapid R&D prototypes through flight testing and scaled production.

Responsibilities

• Design & Lay Out High-Performance PCBs: end-to-end schematic capture and multi-layer PCB design for high-speed circuits.
• Architect & Integrate UAS Avionics: integrate flight-critical systems with embedded controllers, power, sensors.
• Rapidly Prototype & Iterate Flight Hardware: bench build, bring-up, and accelerate transitions to production.
• Troubleshoot at Hardware-Software Boundary: use lab tools and firmware debugging to resolve faults.
• Flight Qualification: conduct thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC tests for airworthiness.
• Field Tests & Deployments: support live tests and deliver hardware updates to active UAS platforms.

Skills

Altium for PCBA layouts

Ultra-low-noise avionics

High-power systems design

EMI/EMC mitigation

Lab instrumentation

Firmware debugging & test automation

RTL/embedded software basics (C/C++)

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Probes

Job description

Join us and be part of something extraordinary.

At AIRO, we bring together aircraft, autonomy, avionics, and mission services into one integrated platform designed for the environments where failure is not an option. Our technology supports contested logistics, tactical and long-range ISTAR, and operations that demand precision under pressure, so the people who depend on it can get where they need to be when it matters most. Here, you will work alongside innovators, engineers, operators, and industry leaders who share a passion for solving hard problems and building what comes next in aerospace and defense.

Position Overview:

Are you ready to architect mission-critical flight hardware that shapes global aerospace defense and autonomous aviation? Airo is seeking a high-impact Avionics & Electrical Engineering Lead to spearhead the next generation of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this role, you will lead end-to-end electrical architecture, rapid prototyping, and flight-critical systems integration from blank-canvas concept to active field deployment. Working at the intersection of defense modernization and commercial autonomy, you will mentor a fast-growing engineering team in a high-velocity, agile environment. If you thrive on turning ambitious concepts into rugged, mission-ready flight technology, this is your opportunity to define the future of aerial systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Lay Out High-Performance PCBs: Directly execute end-to-end schematic capture and multi-layer PCB design for high-speed digital, analog, power distribution, and RF circuits optimized for SWaP and rugged aerospace conditions.
• Architect & Integrate UAS Avionics: Build and integrate flight-critical electrical systems into new airframes, directly interfacing embedded controllers, power systems, propulsion electronics, and sensors alongside mechanical and software teams.
• Rapidly Prototype & Iterate Flight Hardware: Build, assemble, and bring up prototype hardware on the bench to accelerate transition cycles from R&D concepts to full-scale production lines.
• Troubleshoot at the Hardware-Software Boundary: Isolate and resolve complex system-level faults using hands-on lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs) and software/firmware debugging tools.
• Execute Environmental & Flight Qualification: Run hands-on testing campaigns—including thermal, vibration, and EMI/EMC validation—to guarantee aerospace compliance, IP-rated environmental sealing, and flight safety.
• Conduct Field Tests & Support Live Deployments: Deploy to the field alongside flight operators to execute live system tests, analyze real-time telemetry, and rapidly deliver hardware updates to active UAS platforms.

Qualifications:

• BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering with 8+ years designing and troubleshooting complex embedded systems.
• Expertise in Altium for multi-layer PCBA layouts, high-speed digital, and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Architecture experience with ultra-low-noise avionics and high-integrity payload bus integration.
• Hands-on design of high-power systems, Battery Management Systems (BMS), and ESCs.
• Proven track record mitigating EMI/EMC and engineering wire harness safety for harsh environments.
• Deep proficiency with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, probes) and test automation.
• Demonstrated success driving rapid R&D prototypes through flight testing and scaled production.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of end-to-end technical ownership and team leadership for complex unit- and subsystem-level payloads or aerospace products.
• Experience conducting system-level engineering, SWaP-C trade studies, and requirements allocation for advanced UAS architectures.
• Demonstrated experience designing for high-reliability, safety-critical environments involving human-in-the-loop (HITL) operations and fail-safe architectures.
• Proficiency in embedded software and firmware development using C/C++ in real-time or embedded Linux environments.
• Deep working knowledge of low-level embedded protocols, peripheral interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN), timers, interrupts, and ADC integration.
• Master’s degree (MS) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline

SECURITY & COMPLIANCE

• Comply with all company information, security policies and procedures
• Ensure proper handling and protection of proprietary information
• Share information only on a need-to-know basis
• Adhere to company non-disclosure requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods
• Ability to use hands and fingers for manual dexterity and repetitive tasks
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift as required by the position
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull objects within the requirements of the position
• Ability to perform the visual, auditory, and communication requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position
• Ability to work safely in the physical and environmental conditions applicable to the position

Company Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Basic Life Insurance – fully paid by the company for employees and their dependents
• Long-Term Disability Insurance – fully paid by the company
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance options

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee may also be asked to perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor as required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. The AIRO Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.