Lead Engineer – Hardware Development

Anysilicon; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment in San Diego, CA is seeking a Lead Hardware Engineer to guide RF subsystem development for rugged prototypes and production. You will lead design, review, and release of RF hardware, coordinate with firmware and production teams, and ensure compliance with military environmental standards.

The role emphasizes mentorship of junior engineers, oversight of BOMs, vendor coordination, and test procedure development for the Titan Counter-UAS program.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of hardware design experience.
• Expertise in RF/microwave circuit design.
• Proficiency with Altium Designer.
• Hands-on with spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Knowledge of PCB manufacturing standards and military environmental tests.
• Experience supporting contract manufacturers through NPI and production.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, review, and release of RF schematics and PCB layouts.
• Manage BOM generation, component selection, and revision control.
• Perform SI/PI and RF link budget analyses.
• Oversee design reviews and traceability to requirements.
• Coordinate with firmware team and hardware integration.
• Support contract manufacturers and production ramp.
• Develop test procedures and assembly instructions.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Coordinate hardware schedules and risk reporting.
• Interface with vendors on lead times and qualifications.

Skills

RF design

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

ERP/PLM

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Spectrum Analyzer

Oscilloscope

Job description

AeroVironment (AV) is looking for a Lead Hardware Engineer to join its EE/RF Engineering team in San Diego, CA, focusing on the Titan Counter-UAS program. The role involves leading hardware development, production, and sustaining engineering for ruggedized RF and electronic subsystems, requiring expertise in RF hardware and defense electronics standards.

Responsibilities:

• Lead design, review, and release of schematics and PCB layouts for RF systems.
• Manage BOM generation, component selection, and revision management.
• Conduct signal integrity, power integrity, and RF link budget analysis.
• Oversee design reviews and ensure design traceability to system requirements.
• Design and validate RF front-end circuits and support embedded hardware integration.
• Review firmware interfaces in coordination with the firmware team.
• Support contract manufacturer relationships and manage hardware repair pipelines.
• Develop and maintain test procedures and assembly work instructions.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Coordinate with management on hardware schedules and risk reporting.
• Interface with vendors to manage component lead times and qualification activities.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of hardware design experience.
• Expertise in RF/microwave circuit design.
• Proficiency with EDA tools, preferably Altium Designer.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment like spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Knowledge of PCB manufacturing standards and military environmental test standards.
• Experience supporting contract manufacturers through NPI and production phases.

Skills:

• Leadership and team coordination skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems for BOM and change management.

Tell us what you're building and we'll recommend qualified vendors for your project.

• ASIC Design Services
• Verification
• Packaging & Wafer
• Semiconductor IP

Find the Right Semiconductor Partner

Tell us what you're building and we'll recommend qualified vendors for your project.

• ASIC Design Services
• Verification
• Packaging & Wafer
• Semiconductor IP

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