Electrical Engineer - Unmanned Systems

Peraton•Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

1d•$104,000 - $166,000•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton Labs is hiring an Electrical Engineer to develop capabilities for small UAS and drone platforms and their ground software. The role involves designing custom embedded hardware, reverse-engineering circuit boards and embedded systems, setting up basic embedded Linux environments, evaluating and integrating technologies, and capturing and analyzing RF signals with SDR tools. The engineer will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and document designs and results in writing and presentations. The position is 100% onsite at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Requirements

Active Secret security clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
At least 5 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, 3 years with a master's degree, or 0 years with a Ph.D.
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field.
Strong circuit troubleshooting skills using oscilloscopes, analyzers, and meters.
Solid understanding of UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, and control systems basics such as PID.
Programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust for custom firmware and tooling.
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, preferably with KiCAD, including library management.
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, with familiarity with Ghidra or Binary Ninja.
RF/SDR experience, including USRP, 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; or flight dynamics.
Experience with PID tuning, control loops, and autonomous flight or terminal guidance.
Familiarity with RC, telemetry, or 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, systems-on-modules (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-disciplinary 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.

Benefits

Medical benefits.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Health savings account.
Short- and long-term disability benefits.
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Parental leave.
401(k).
Paid time off for vacation.
Company-paid holidays.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.