Senior Hardware Electrical Engineer

AeroVironment • San Diego, CA

2d • $107,370 - $152,250

About The Position

BlueHalo, now an AV company, is a leading autonomous vehicle company developing cutting-edge RF-based Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) platforms. We are at the forefront of defense technology innovation, creating solutions that protect critical infrastructure and personnel. We are seeking a Senior Hardware Electrical Engineer to join our dynamic Engineering Team as an integral contributor to our RF-based Counter-UAS platforms. The ideal candidate will drive development, integration, and testing of advanced technologies while supporting our transition from development to production. This role requires a strong electrical engineering background with demonstrated expertise in hardware production, late-stage development, postproduction diagnostics, and rework of sensitive electronics. You will contribute significantly to ongoing R&D initiatives and continuous performance improvement of our C-UAS effectors, including developing comprehensive test plans, conducting data measurements and collection, and participating in hands-on field and laboratory test & evaluation activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 8 – 12 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 ability to troubleshoot complex systems
• Demonstrated familiarity of common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB)
• Knowledge of 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
• ITAR Requirement: T his 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. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced Education: master’s degree in electrical engineering or related discipline
• 7+ years of experience would be preferred
• Standards & Compliance: Working knowledge of AS9100, IPC standards, and quality management systems
• Digital Tools: Familiarity with PLM tools and digital thread initiatives
• RF/Electronics Experience: Experience with RF systems, electronic warfare, or counter-UAS technologies
• Strong understanding of work order management, lead time management, theory of constraints, lean six sigma, and demand-supply matching.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, hands-on support for product manufacturing across multiple programs and product lines
• Test and troubleshoot hardware systems through the analysis of hardware schematics, component datasheets, and PCB layout; driving root cause analysis and resolution of process issues, non-conformances, and yield concerns
• Utilize oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other precision test equipment for circuit analysis and troubleshooting
• Rework failed PCB assemblies using soldering iron and hot air reflow.
• Maintain and improve existing manufacturing processes, tooling, and work instructions to support scalable and efficient production
• Coordinate design-for-manufacturability (DFM) efforts with R&D, systems, and hardware engineering teams to ensure seamless development-to-production transitions
• Develop and enhance automated test systems to improve efficiency and reliability
• Conduct hands-on evaluation and validation of system components
• Track and report key production metrics including throughput, cycle time, quality yield, and material availability
• Participate in capital equipment planning and facility layout improvements to support current and future production demands
• Support PM with data tracking and reporting to support SIOP and engineering management calls.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees