Electrical Engineering Manager, Aerospace Systems

Ideal Aerosmith•Rockville, MD

22d•$140,000 - $195,000

About The Position

The Electrical Engineer Manager will lead the design, integration, and performance of complex electrical systems for Ideal Aerosmith’s unmanned platforms, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). This role serves as the electrical system integrator, responsible for ensuring all electrical subsystems—power, avionics, communications, and payloads—function as a cohesive, reliable system across development, test, and production environments. Combining deep technical leadership with team management responsibilities, this position oversees the full lifecycle of electrical system development from concept through flight testing and production. The Electrical Engineer Manager will ensure alignment between engineering execution, program goals, and company standards while driving rapid, high-quality decision-making, innovation, and technical excellence across UAV programs. Lead the electrical architecture behind next-generation unmanned aircraft, integrating avionics, power systems, communications, autonomy, and mission payloads from concept through flight test. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for an engineer who is passionate about designing, building, testing, and flying advanced aerospace systems in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment where ideas quickly become flight hardware.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
12+ years of electrical engineering experience in complex systems, with a strong focus on aerospace or UAV systems.
5+ years of experience in a technical leadership or management role.
Experience leading development of avionics, power systems, communications, and sensor integration.
Experience working in a fast-paced R&D or prototyping environment.
Ability to travel (domestic and internationally).
Must have valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport.
Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of UAV electrical systems, including power distribution, grounding, and EMI/EMC considerations.
Strong experience with avionics systems, radios, antennas, and embedded electrical integration.
Experience interfacing with embedded systems and flight computers
Understanding of serial protocols (UART, CAN, SPI, Ethernet)
Proven ability to lead system-level design, integration, and troubleshooting efforts.
Proficiency with electrical CAD and analysis tools.
Strong understanding of system architecture and cross-disciplinary integration (mechanical, software, controls).
Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced development environment.
Ability to balance hands-on engineering contributions with team leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of UAV electrical architectures, including power distribution, avionics, communications, and sensor integration.
Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.
Own end-to-end electrical system architecture, including power, data, RF, and control interfaces
Serve as the electrical system integrator across all subsystems and vendors
Define and manage electrical interfaces (ICDs) across avionics, payloads, propulsion, and ground systems
Lead system-level trade studies (power budgets, bandwidth, thermal impacts, EMI/EMC)
Oversee electrical subsystem development from requirements definition through design, integration, testing, and deployment.
Lead EMI/EMC design, analysis, and mitigation strategies
Support pre-compliance and formal testing efforts
Resolve EMI issues during integration and flight test
Review and approve schematics, wiring diagrams, interface definitions, and electrical specifications.
Drive component selection decisions with consideration for performance, reliability, scalability, and cost.
Collaborate with leaders to maintain on-time product development, address schedule issues, and resolve engineering problems quickly.
Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, software, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless system integration.
Lead electrical integration, system bring-up, and troubleshooting during prototype builds, ground testing, and flight testing.
Establish and enforce electrical engineering standards, design practices, and documentation processes.
Oversee development and execution of verification and validation plans, including environmental and performance testing.
Support production transition, including design for manufacturability, cost optimization, and resolution of production issues.
Contribute to program reviews, risk assessments, and technical decision-making at the system level.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering processes, tools, and workflows.