Electrical Engineer III

AeroVironment•Simi Valley, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical Engineer III designs, develops, modifies and evaluates electronic parts, components or integrated circuitry for electronic equipment, or other hardware systems and/or electrical engineering applications. In this role, one selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability as well as determines design approaches & parameters. Conducts general engineering and design of electronic systems on small, unmanned aircraft vehicles with cross-functional teams. AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Requirements

B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 5 - 8 years of relevant experience
Proficient with office software, computer-based productivity tools and other software tools in one's area of expertise
Experienced using Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout
Experienced in one or more areas: Radio Frequency (RF), embedded control, FPGA
Experienced with power electronics, including motors and Battery Technology (lead acid, Nickel metal hybride & Lithium ion)
Demonstrated competency in troubleshooting complex systems
Demonstrated familiarity of common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB)
Knowledge of general Engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics & material properties
Some travel may be required in support of flight test operations (up to 30%)
Must have a clean driving record
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.
Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree is preferred
Flight test or R/C (Remote Control) experience a plus, hands-on experience with tools a plus
Demonstrates familiarity with Small UAV subsystems and associated software
Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways
Demonstrates sound judgement in selection of methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
Shares ideas and experiences with others, solicits feedback and asks relevant questions
Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
Team Player - Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Responsibilities

Performs simulation and detailed design for digital and analog circuits
Drives system integration, assembly procedures, and test procedures
Documents designs with engineering drawings and written descriptions
Trouble-shoots complex systems from a hardware and software perspective
Designs, builds, and tests prototypes expediently and efficiently
Works with avionics, embedded systems, and RF links.
Writes software to support the integration of sensors and embedded processors
Designs and implements circuit boards. This includes architecture, component selection, schematic capture, board layout, board bring-up, and documentation
Performs electronic engineering support activities on R&D projects.
Performs design & analysis tasks and writes fabrication & test procedures
Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
Follows standard practices and procedures when analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained
Other duties as assigned