Hardware Design Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 125,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Professional development reimbursemen

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Hardware Design Engineer focused on embedded electronics, subsystem integration and testing for mission-critical environments.

You will work with cross-functional teams, government customers, and suppliers to deliver cutting-edge solutions. The role involves designing and testing electrical hardware, managing schematics and PCB layouts, selecting components, and performing design verification in lab and field settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 12+ years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret security clearance.
• Knowledge of industry electrical engineering standards; demonstrated electrical component design experience.
• Experience with circuit design and application; ability to interpret and develop electrical schematics.
• Proficiency with analytical and simulation tools (LTspice, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python) to analyze data and identify trends.
• Experience in electrical power distribution and system design.
• Experience with HDI PCB design and layout using ECAD tools (Altium Designer).
• Ability to present engineering materials for requirements, design, and milestones.
• Experience evaluating COTS parts for compliance and working with classified/test systems or cybersecurity policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and test electrical hardware for embedded platforms.
• Develop and manage electrical schematics, PCB layouts, wiring diagrams, and cable assemblies.
• Support component selection and procurement, ensuring conformance with military and environmental standards.
• Conduct design verification, validation, and hardware troubleshooting during lab tests.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define and implement electrical interfaces, requirements, and ICDs.
• Assist in environmental qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, shock).
• Support integration and test activities in lab and field environments.
• Document engineering work through detailed drawings, reports, test plans, and configuration control systems.
• Assist with program schedule creation and hardware development planning.
• Develop engineering labor and material estimates.

Skills

Electrical design

Circuit design & schematics

Data analysis & simulations

HDI PCB design

Technical writing & documentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Presentation of engineering materials

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

LTspice

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Altium Designer (ECAD)

Job description

Overview

The Hardware Design Engineer role is hands-on engineering focused on embedded electronics, subsystem integration, and testing in a mission-critical environment. You will work with cross-functional engineering teams, government customers, and suppliers to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and test electrical hardware for embedded platforms.
• Develop and manage electrical schematics, PCB layouts, wiring diagrams, and cable assemblies.
• Support component selection and procurement, ensuring conformance with military and environmental standards.
• Conduct design verification, validation, and hardware troubleshooting during lab tests.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define and implement electrical interfaces, requirements, and ICDs.
• Assist in environmental qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, shock).
• Support integration and test activities in lab and field environments.
• Document engineering work through detailed drawings, reports, test plans, and configuration control systems.
• Assist with program schedule creation and hardware development planning.
• Develop engineering labor and material estimates.

Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret security clearance.
• Knowledge of industry electrical engineering standards; demonstrated electrical component design experience.
• Experience with circuit design and application; ability to interpret and develop electrical schematics.
• Proficiency with analytical and simulation tools (e.g., LTspice, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python) to analyze data and identify trends.
• Experience in electrical power distribution and system design.
• Experience with HDI PCB design and layout using ECAD tools (strong preference for Altium Designer).
• Ability to present engineering materials for requirements, design, and milestones.
• Experience evaluating COTS parts for compliance and working with classified/test systems or cybersecurity policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Other Qualifications Desired

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience supporting a DoD program from concept through deployment.
• Experience developing and releasing formal engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, and test procedures.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment; must be able to sit or stand for long periods and use a computer and keyboard.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $125,000 – $270,000. Our compensation package includes health insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave, professional development reimbursements, and other work/life programs. The final compensation depends on factors such as location, experience, and qualifications.

Compliance

ITAR/EAR: This position requires registration with ITAR/EAR and may require documentation to verify U.S. person status. A U.S. person includes a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined by law.

Company and Equal Opportunity

AeroVironment is an equal opportunity employer (EEO/AA). We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status.