Avionics Engineer

Poseidon Aerospace; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Poseidon Aerospace in San Francisco is seeking an Avionics Engineer to design and validate avionics systems for unmanned planes. You will integrate flight computers and assist in troubleshooting aircraft systems. Ideal candidates will have a background in complex electronic systems and proficiency with tools like Altium and AutoCAD Electrical. Strong communication skills are essential to work effectively across teams. Experience with UAVs or automotive is a plus, and diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Experience with integrating complex electronic systems on vehicles.
• Ability to debug hardware and signal issues using lab equipment.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical details.

Responsibilities

• Own the integration of flight computers, sensors, and communication suites.
• Develop wiring diagrams and system schematics.
• Configure and troubleshoot data bus architectures.
• Support electrical load analysis and power distribution.
• Get hands-on with aircraft during ground and flight testing.

Skills

Integration of complex electronic systems

Proficiency in schematic capture/harness design tools

Comfortable using lab equipment

Strong communication skills

Tools

Altium

AutoCAD Electrical

Capital

Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace:

Poseidon Aerospace builds and operates unmanned planes for commercial logistics and defense missions. Our two full-size fixed-wing platforms – Heron, a seaplane, and Egret, a STOL aircraft – can carry two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. We are headquartered in San Francisco with satellite offices in Washington, DC and Maine.

As an Avionics Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will contribute to the design, integration, and validation of the avionics systems powering our aircraft. You will help develop an efficient and reliable system that support propulsion, control, and autonomy across our fleet.

Responsibilities

• Own the integration of flight computers, sensors, actuators, and communication suites into a cohesive aircraft system.
• Develop comprehensive wiring diagrams, interconnect drawings (ICDs), and system schematics.
• Configure and troubleshoot data bus architectures (e.g., CAN, ARINC 429, RS-232/485, and Ethernet).
• Support electrical load analysis (ELA) and ensure clean power distribution and EMI/EMC mitigation across the airframe.
• Assist in the "bench-to-bird" process, including building test harnesses, breadboarding circuits, and performing HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing.
• Act as the technical glue between the software team, the mechanical structures team, and the flight test pilots.
• Get hands-on with the aircraft to diagnose "gremlins" during ground and flight testing, using everything from oscilloscopes to data logs.

Qualifications

• A background in integrating complex electronic systems on vehicles (aircraft, UAVs, or high-performance automotive).
• Proficiency in schematic capture/harness design tools (e.g., Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, Capital) and a solid grasp of basic circuit theory.
• Comfortable using lab equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers) to debug hardware and signal issues.
• Ability to understand how a change in a sensor's sample rate might impact the flight controller or the pilot's display.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical trade-offs to non-electrical teammates.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with DO-160, DO-178, or DO-254 standards.
• Experience with antennas, GPS, or telemetry link integration.
• Proficiency in Python or C/C++ for automating tests or parsing flight data.
• Experience spinning quick-turn boards for break-out boxes or signal conditioning.
• A private pilot license or Part 107 (UAV) certification is a huge plus.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. At Poseidon Aerospace, we value diverse perspectives and are always looking for talented individuals with unconventional backgrounds.