Electrical Engineer II

AeroVironment, Inc.; Strathearn (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an Electrical Engineer II to design, evaluate, and optimize electronic hardware for unmanned aircraft systems. You will select components based on specifications and reliability, coordinating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include circuit design, hardware-software integration, PCB layout with Altium, and prototyping. Travel up to 30% may be required; ITAR-controlled work environment and on-site operations in California.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Experience in RF, embedded control, FPGA.
• 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% and maintain a clean driving record.

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 complex systems from a hardware and software perspective.
• Designs, builds, and tests prototypes expediently and efficiently.
• Works with avionics, embedded systems, and RF links.
• Writes software to support the integration of sensors and embedded processors.
• Designs and implements circuit boards, including architecture, component selection, schematic capture, board layout, bring-up, and documentation.
• Performs electronic engineering support activities on R&D projects.
• Performs design & analysis tasks and writes fabrication & test procedures.
• Works on problems of moderate scope with multi-factor analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

RF

Embedded control

FPGA

Power electronics

Troubleshooting

LVDS

I2C

HDMI

UART

SPI

CAN

USB

Analytical skills

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

Altium Designer

PCB layout

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineer II 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 small 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 complex systems from a hardware and software perspective
• Designs, builds, and tests prototypes expediently and efficiently.
• 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
• Performs design & analysis tasks and writes fabrication & test procedures
• Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 2 - 5 years of relevant 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)
• Strong knowledge of Engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics & material properties
• Familiarity with Small UAV subsystems and associated software
• Proficient 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

• Advanced degree is preferred
• 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
• Skilled at building productive internal/external working relationships and offers guidance to Associate Engineers.
• Shares ideas and experiences with others, solicits feedback and asks relevant questions
• Develops professional expertise and applies company policies & procedures to resolve a variety of issues
• 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 Range

The salary range for this role is: $82,000 - $125,000

ITAR Requirement

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

• 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.

Company Culture – 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.

More About AV

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. Citizenship required

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

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