Associate Avionics/Embedded Engineer

Redwire Defense Tech•San Luis Obispo, CA

2d•$97,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Avionics/Firmware Engineer supports the development, integration, and testing of embedded software and avionics hardware used in UAS platforms. The role focuses on applying embedded programming, sensor integration, electronics troubleshooting, and flight-critical firmware fundamentals. Under the guidance of senior engineers, the Associate Engineer contributes to firmware development, board bring-up, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and documentation to support reliable and safe aircraft-system operation. This hands-on position is suited to engineers interested in embedded development, hardware debugging, microcontrollers, and system integration across electrical, software, and mechanical teams. The work location is San Luis Obispo, California. The position may involve access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR requirements; applicants will be asked to provide documentation to verify U.S. person status under those regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science with an embedded focus, or a related field.
0–2 years of experience in firmware or embedded systems development; internship or academic project experience is acceptable.
Exposure to embedded systems, microcontrollers, or avionics concepts.
Basic proficiency in C/C++ for microcontroller or embedded development.
Familiarity with microcontrollers such as ARM, STM32, Atmel, ESP32, or similar.
Understanding of communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I²C, and CAN.
Ability to read schematic diagrams and follow circuit flow.
Exposure to oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and general electronics test equipment.
Experience with version-control tools such as Git, GitLab, or GitHub.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
High attention to detail and willingness to learn through mentorship.
Effective communication skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
Ability to support multiple tasks and adapt to shifting priorities.
Collaborative mindset and strong ownership of assigned work.
Applicants may need to provide documentation verifying U.S. person status under ITAR and/or EAR requirements.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or certification in embedded systems, digital design, or avionics.
Experience with UAS, robotics, small electronics, or embedded hobby projects.
Exposure to PCB bring-up, firmware debugging, or hardware-in-the-loop environments.
Familiarity with RTOS concepts such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
Basic scripting skills in Python or Bash for testing and automation.
Knowledge of power systems, sensor fusion, or motor-control firmware.
Interest in aircraft systems, autonomy, or low-level embedded engineering.
Curiosity, initiative, and comfort working in a hands-on lab environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and modify embedded firmware for sensors, avionics boards, and microcontroller-based systems under close supervision.
Assist with hardware bring-up, including programming, debugging, and verifying new PCB designs.
Support integration and testing of avionics components such as power modules, GPS, radios, flight-control interfaces, and onboard computers.
Maintain firmware documentation, configuration management, and version control using Git.
Participate in bench-level testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and basic flight-support activities.
Troubleshoot using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and test fixtures.
Assist with writing test procedures, validating system functionality, and recording results for engineering reviews.
Collaborate with electrical, GNC, and software teams to integrate firmware with system architecture.