Staff Electrical Engineer

Pyka; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Staff Electrical Engineer to lead hardware design for complex systems in autonomous electric aviation. This role involves designing and testing cutting-edge microprocessor-based circuitry, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior engineers. The company is dedicated to transforming transportation through autonomous electric aircraft, contributing to safer and more efficient logistics. Join a passionate team and make a significant impact on the future of aviation while enjoying a supportive work environment with excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

$152,000-$193,000 per year base salary + equity

Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks

Opportunity to work on large autonomous aircraft

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in designing/testing microprocessor-based systems.
• Strong knowledge in power electronics and safety-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware design for complex systems involving digital and analog integrations.
• Collaborate with teams on aircraft integration and testing.

Skills

Designing microprocessor-based circuitry

FPGA design

Power electronics systems design

Embedded system design

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Altium

OrCAD

Eagle

KiCad

Job description

Pyka is looking for a Staff Electrical Engineer to join our experienced and enthusiastic team of engineers. In this role, you will be responsible for system level and component level design and testing across a wide range of subsystems.

Below is a list of current hardware projects that you will contribute to.

• Dual-computer flight computer with multiply redundant power distribution system for actuators and avionics
• High power density motor controller hardware and firmware development (30kW ~ 100kW)
• Design and architect of ground infrastructure
• Field troubleshooting and debugging of electrical subsystem issues

Candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments working with a small team will love this role.

About Pyka

Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.

To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.

We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.

Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA.

Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce C02 emissions in their respective industries.

What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hardware design for FPGA or MCU-based complex systems involving digital, power, analog and sensor integrations
• Complete the entire PCBA design cycle including architecture selection, component selection, schematic design, PCB layout, and working with manufacturers
• Perform Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) for electrical subsystems, identifying and mitigating potential risks to improve product reliability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Mechanical Engineering, Software, and Flight Testing) on aircraft integration and system level testing
• Collaborate with software team to design and test Command and Control (C2) link and ground infrastructure systems
• Conduct detailed debugging and troubleshooting of complex electromechanical systems to ensure operational safety, reliability, and performance
• Document engineering designs, validation tests, and analysis results for continuous improvement and compliance purposes
• Mentor junior engineers in the team, providing guidance on technical tasks and professional development

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing microprocessor based circuitry and interfaces to various peripherals; experience with (low to medium speed). FPGA is a plus
• Experience designing power electronics systems such as DC-DC converters
• Familiar with high power motor controller hardware design (120V, 30 kW). Able to select key components and sensors for the motor controller based on system requirements
• Familiarity with embedded system designs and writing C or C++ code for microprocessor based embedded systems
• Experience designing safety critical systems, considering system redundancy as well as failure mode and effects analysis
• Familiarity with general schematic design and PCB layout tools such as Altium, OrCAD, Allegro, Eagle, KiCad, etc.
• An inquisitive attitude with an ability to quickly and deftly research new topics and develop mastery of new subjects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate is not afraid to ask for clarification or give feedback

Company Perks

• $152,000-$193,000 per year base salary + equity. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.
• Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance, FSA with employer matching, and 401(k)
• Paid holidays and generous PTO
• Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
• Opportunity to work on large autonomous aircraft and see them fly

Export Control Requirements

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.

Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.