Electrical Engineer - UAS

T3i, Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

T3i, Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to own the electrical architecture of our unmanned drone systems, from concept to production. The role emphasizes hands-on bench work, integration, and rapid iteration to deliver reliable, field-ready electronics.

Responsibilities include designing flight controllers, power distribution, RF links, and sensor interfaces, plus collaboration with firmware engineers to ensure robust hardware/software interfaces and successful flight testing.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years hands-on electrical engineering experience.
• Proven experience building and debugging real hardware systems.
• Strong PCB design experience (multi-layer, mixed-signal, power electronics).
• Embedded systems and communication protocols experience (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, PWM).
• Experience with drone systems or robotics.

Responsibilities

• Own electrical system design across flight controllers, ESCs, and power distribution.
• Design and bring up multi-layer PCBs for high-performance drone systems.
• Architect and integrate embedded electronics: MCUs, IMUs, GPS, RF links, and sensors.
• Debug hardware issues at the system level (power, EMI/EMC, signal integrity, RF).
• Work with firmware engineers to define hardware/software interfaces.
• Integrate and tune flight controller stacks (Betaflight, PX4, ArduPilot).
• Design and validate BLDC motor control systems and ESC architectures.
• Build, test, and iterate hardware rapidly using real-world feedback.
• Support environmental and flight testing (vibration, thermal, field use).
• Drive designs from prototype through production (DFM, test procedures).
• Evaluate new components and technologies and make practical implementation decisions.

Skills

PCB design

Embedded systems

Hardware debugging

Lab equipment

UART SPI I2C CAN PWM

Drone systems

Tools

Oscilloscope

Logic analyzers

Power supplies

Job description

Job Summary

T3i builds mission-critical unmanned systems designed to improve US forces operational and lethal capabilities on the battlefield. Our Blackfoot platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, and rapid deployment. We operate in tight feedback loops between design, build, and field use, where hardware decisions directly impact mission outcomes.

We are a small, fast-moving team that values ownership, technical depth, and execution. We're looking for an Electrical Engineer (EE) to own the electrical architecture of our drone systems, from concept through production.

The EE will design, build, debug, and iterate on complete electrical systems including flight controllers, ESCs, power systems, and RF integration. The EE will work hands-on at the bench, in integration, and in-flight testing, closing the loop between design and real-world performance.

Position Summary

The EE will be responsible for the design, integration, testing, and continuous improvement of unmanned aircraft system electronics supporting the Blackfoot platform. This role emphasizes hands-on development, rapid iteration, and system-level ownership across the full hardware lifecycle. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, is comfortable working across hardware and firmware boundaries, and contributes to building reliable, field-ready systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Own electrical system design across flight controllers, ESCs, and power distribution
• Design and bring up multi-layer PCBs for high-performance drone systems
• Architect and integrate embedded electronics: MCUs, IMUs, GPS, RF links, and sensors
• Debug hardware issues at the system level (power, EMI/EMC, signal integrity, RF)
• Work directly with firmware engineers to define and validate hardware/software interfaces
• Integrate and tune flight controller stacks (Betaflight, PX4, ArduPilot, etc.)
• Design and validate BLDC motor control systems and ESC architectures
• Build, test, and iterate hardware rapidly using real-world feedback
• Support environmental and flight testing (vibration, thermal, field use)
• Drive designs from prototype through production (DFM, test procedures, build improvements)
• Evaluate new components and technologies and make practical implementation decisions

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-7 years of hands-on electrical engineering experience
• Proven experience building and debugging real hardware systems
• Strong PCB design experience (multi-layer, mixed-signal, power electronics)
• Deep understanding of embedded systems and communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, PWM)
• Experience with drone systems, robotics, or similar embedded platforms
• Comfortable working with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, etc.)
• Experience troubleshooting across hardware, firmware, and system integration boundaries
• Ability to operate independently and take ownership of ambiguous problems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with flight controllers and FPV drone ecosystems
• ESC design or motor control experience (BLDC/FOC)
• RF system integration (ELRS, Crossfire, telemetry links, video systems)
• Experience taking hardware from prototype to production
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC mitigation and power integrity design
• Scripting or programming (C/C++/Python) for debugging or automation
• Experience working in fast-paced R&D or defense environments

Clearance Requirements

Secret

Required Background Check

HireRight background check & drug screening

Type of Employment

Part-Time (with potential to transition to full time)

T3i Drug Free Workplace Statement

As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug-free workplace standards. To ensure compliance with this requirement, T3i conducts pre-employment drug screening for all new hire personnel (full time, part time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i personnel. Personnel who cannot pass drug screening are not eligible for employment with T3i.