Electrical Engineer - Unmanned Systems

Peraton; Aberdeen (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking an embedded hardware engineer to design custom embedded hardware using microcontrollers, SoMs, and FPGAs. You will reverse-engineer circuit boards, set up embedded Linux environments, and evaluate new technologies for integration.

The role requires an active security clearance and strong programming background in Python, C/C++, or Rust. You will work on on-site projects at Aberdeen Proving Ground, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance is required for this role.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field.
• Experience building or testing embedded systems and hardware.
• Strong troubleshooting with scopes, analyzers, meters; diagnostic skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded hardware using microcontrollers, SoMs, or FPGAs.
• Reverse-engineer boards and embedded systems to identify improvements.
• Set up basic embedded Linux environments for development.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies into embedded platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Develop capabilities for small UAS/drone platforms and ground software.
• Capture and analyze RF signals with SDR tools.
• Document designs and communicate results clearly in writing and presentations.

Skills

Active Secret clearance

Circuit troubleshooting

UART

SPI

I2C

CAN

PID control

Python

C/C++

Rust

Teamwork

Technical communication

Independent work

Multitasking

Education

Electrical/Computer Engineering degree

Tools

JTAG/SWD

KiCAD

Altium

Ghidra/Binary Ninja

Docker

UAS/drone protocols/tools

Job description

Required:

• Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI
• 5 years of experience with BS/BA; 3 years with MS/MA; 0 years with PhD
• Degree in Electrical, Computer, or related Engineering
• Strong circuit troubleshooting skills using scopes, analyzers, and meters
• Solid understanding of UART, SPI, I²C, CAN and control systems basics (e.g., PID)
• Programming experience in Python, C/C++, and or Rust for custom firmware and tooling
• Proven teamwork, technical communication, and ability to work independently
• Ability to prioritize and support multiple projects

Desired:

• TS/SCI clearance
• Hands‑on embedded system design with ARM SoMs and microcontrollers
• PCB design experience (KiCAD preferred), including library management
• Experience with reverse‑engineering hardware, firmware, or protocols
• Docker use for build and deployment workflows
• Knowledge of cryptography, secure boot, and Linux/U‑Boot signing
• Cybersecurity and networking background; familiarity with Ghidra/Binary Ninja
• RF/SDR experience (USRP, HackRF; modulation and signal processing)
• Additional EDA tools (Altium) and protocols (Ethernet, USB, RS‑485, wireless)
• Experience with custom protocol analyzers and bus sniffers
• UAS/drone experience: PX4/ArduPilot/Betaflight, MAVLink, flight dynamics
• PID tuning, control loops, and autonomous flight/terminal guidance
• Familiarity with RC/telemetry/video links (SBUS, PPM, CRSF, etc.)
• Experience with JTAG/SWD, motor control, ESCs, PWM, and sensors (IMU, GPS, etc.)
• Understanding of battery management, power distribution, and load analysis for mobile systems

Peraton Labs delivers innovative solutions and revolutionary new capabilities to solve the most difficult and complex challenges for government agencies, utilities, and commercial customers. With a distinguished heritage tracing back to Bell Labs, Bellcore, DHPC, and Telcordia, our experts pave the way.* This position is 100% on site on-site in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.

Responsibilities:

• Design custom embedded hardware using microcontrollers and SoMs or FPGAs
• Reverse-engineer circuit boards and embedded systems
• Set up and work with basic embedded Linux environments
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies into embedded platforms
• Collaborate with cross‑discipline engineering teams
• Develop and integrate capabilities into small UAS/drone platforms and ground software
• Capture and analyze RF signals using SDR tools
• Document designs and communicate results clearly in writing and presentations

#plabs26