Senior Drone Hardware Systems Architect

Decisive Point; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition is seeking a Hardware Systems Lead for its drone program. You will own the full hardware stack—from airframe and electronics to sensors and power systems—designing for survivability and performance in real flight conditions.

You will prototype, test, and iterate with autonomy, software, and flight test teams to ensure reliability, weight targets, and manufacturability. This is an in-office role based in Sunnyvale, with occasional remote accommodations considered for contractors.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in aerospace, mechanical, electrical or mechatronics, or related field.
• Extensive hands-on hardware experience in drones or aircraft systems.
• Proven ability to design for harsh environments and rigorous testing.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end hardware architecture for drone platforms (mechanical & electrical).
• Prototype, build, integrate, debug, and test hardware on real aircraft.
• Plan and run environmental, durability, and flight tests; analyze failures and root cause.
• Lead hardware design reviews and set engineering standards across teams.
• Mentor engineers and support flight test campaigns and field operations.

Skills

Drone hardware

Hardware integration

SWaP optimization

Vibration/EMI tolerance

Flight testing

Sensor integration

Systems thinking

Manufacturability/servicability

Education

BS/MS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Job description

Applied Intuition is seeking a Hardware Systems Lead for its drone program. You will own the full hardware stack—from airframe and electronics to sensors and power systems—designing for survivability and performance in real flight conditions.

You will prototype, test, and iterate with autonomy, software, and flight test teams to ensure reliability, weight targets, and manufacturability. This is an in-office role based in Sunnyvale, with occasional remote accommodations considered for contractors.