Electrical Engineer I

AeroVironment, Inc.; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

401K matching

9/80 schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an Electrical Engineer I to design, develop, and evaluate electronic components and systems for unmanned aircraft. You will select components, analyze specifications for reliability, and contribute to hardware and software integration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include circuit design, prototype testing, and collaboration with avionics and RF groups. 0–2 years of experience and a B.S.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 0–2 years of professional experience.
• Experience with Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Experience in RF, embedded control, or FPGA areas.
• Experience with power electronics, including motors and lithium batteries.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Familiarity with LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% for flight tests.

Responsibilities

• Performs simulation and detailed design for digital and analog circuits.
• Drives system integration, assembly procedures, and test procedures.
• Documents designs with drawings and descriptions.
• Troubleshoots systems from hardware and software perspectives.
• Designs, builds, and tests prototypes.
• Works with avionics, embedded systems, and RF links.
• Writes software to support sensor and embedded processor integration.
• Designs circuit boards including layout, bring-up, and documentation.

Skills

RF

Embedded control

FPGA

Power electronics

Troubleshooting

System integration

LVDS/I2C/UART/SPI

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

PCB layout

Schematic capture

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description Summary

The Electrical Engineer I designs, develops, modifies and evaluates electronic parts, components or integrated circuitry for electronic equipment, or other hardware systems and/or electrical engineering applications. In this role, one selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability as well as determines design approaches & parameters. Conducts general engineering and design of electronic systems on unmanned aircraft vehicles with cross-functional teams. May also review vendor capability to support product development.

Position Responsibilities

• Performs simulation and detailed design for digital and analog circuits
• Drives system integration, assembly procedures, and test procedures
• Documents designs with engineering drawings and written descriptions
• Trouble-shoots systems from a hardware and software perspective
• Quickly designs, builds, and tests prototypes
• Works with avionics, embedded systems, and RF links
• Writes software to support the integration of sensors and embedded processors
• Designs and implements circuit boards. This includes architecture, component selection, schematic capture, board layout, board bring-up, and documentation
• Performs electronic engineering support activities on R&D projects
• Works on problems of a limited scope
• Builds stable working relationships internally
• Articulates issues and need for guidance, as applicable
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 0 – 2 years of professional experience
• 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 lithium batteries
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems
• Demonstrated familiarity with common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB)
• Knowledge of general Engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics & material properties
• Familiarity with Small UAV subsystems and associated software
• Familiarity with office software, computer-based productivity tools and other software tools in one's area of expertise
• Some travel may be required in support of flight test operations (up to 30%)
• Must have a clean driving record

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Flight test or R/C (Remote Control) experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability of hands-on experience with tools is preferred
• Consistently complies with company's policies and procedures
• Follows standard practices and procedures when analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.
• Completes assigned tasks within schedule and budget
• Demonstrated ability to learn professional concepts and appropriately applies concepts & procedures to resolve routine issues within the technical discipline
• Consistently works within specific requirements and complete tasks under general supervision.
• Shares ideas and experiences with others, solicits feedback and asks relevant questions
• 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.
• Team Player - 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)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary

$66,500 - $101,500

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

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• a paid holiday shutdown

Equality & Diversity

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 U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.

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.

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