Senior RF Hardware Engineer - Lead, Defense Systems

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 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.