Electrical Engineer - Unmanned Systems

Peraton•Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton Labs is seeking an Electrical Engineer to design and integrate embedded hardware and capabilities for small UAS/drone platforms and ground software. The role includes designing custom embedded hardware using microcontrollers, systems-on-modules (SoMs), or FPGAs; reverse-engineering circuit boards and embedded systems; setting up basic embedded Linux environments; evaluating and integrating technologies into embedded platforms; and capturing and analyzing RF signals with software-defined radio (SDR) tools. The engineer will collaborate with cross-discipline teams and document designs and results in writing and presentations. The position is 100% on site at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Applicants must hold an active Secret security clearance and be able to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Requirements

Active Secret security clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
Degree in Electrical, Computer, or related Engineering.
Five years of experience with a bachelor's degree, three years with a master's degree, or zero years with a Ph.D.
Strong circuit troubleshooting skills using oscilloscopes, analyzers, and meters.
Solid understanding of UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, and control-system basics such as PID.
Programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust for custom firmware and tooling.
Proven teamwork and technical communication skills, with the ability to work independently.
Ability to prioritize and support multiple projects.

Nice To Haves

TS/SCI clearance.
Hands-on embedded system design with ARM SoMs and microcontrollers.
PCB design experience; KiCAD and library management are preferred.
Experience reverse-engineering hardware, firmware, or protocols.
Docker experience for build and deployment workflows.
Knowledge of cryptography, secure boot, and Linux/U-Boot signing.
Cybersecurity and networking background; familiarity with Ghidra or Binary Ninja.
RF/SDR experience, including USRP or HackRF, modulation, and signal processing.
Experience with additional EDA tools such as Altium and protocols such as Ethernet, USB, RS-485, and wireless.
Experience with custom protocol analyzers and bus sniffers.
UAS/drone experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or Betaflight; MAVLink; flight dynamics and PID tuning; control loops; and autonomous flight or terminal guidance.
Familiarity with RC, telemetry, and video links such as SBUS, PPM, and CRSF.
Experience with JTAG/SWD, motor control, ESCs, PWM, and sensors such as IMUs and GPS.
Understanding of battery management, power distribution, and load analysis for mobile systems.

Responsibilities

Design custom embedded hardware using microcontrollers, SoMs, or FPGAs.
Reverse-engineer circuit boards and embedded systems.
Set up and work with basic embedded Linux environments.
Evaluate and integrate new technologies into embedded platforms.
Collaborate with cross-discipline engineering teams.
Develop and integrate capabilities into small UAS/drone platforms and ground software.
Capture and analyze RF signals using SDR tools.
Document designs and communicate results clearly in writing and presentations.
Prioritize work and support multiple projects.