Lead Electrical Engineer - Next-Gen Aerial Systems
California, US Full-Time $220,000 - $250,000 + equity
Are you a hands-on leader passionate about designing hardware that makes a real-world impact? We're working with a cutting-edge technology company that's building high-performance aerial systems designed to operate in the most demanding environments. With a focus on speed, scale, and innovation, their work sits at the intersection of hardware engineering, aerospace, and national security.
As they continue to expand, they're looking for an experienced Lead Electrical Engineer to join early and help shape the direction of their product and engineering teams.
What You'll Be Doing
In this role, you'll be a key part of a growing team, leading the design, development, and manufacturing of complex PCBs for unmanned systems. You'll take ownership of projects from concept through production and will work cross-functionally to align design requirements with operational needs.
This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment where autonomy, initiative, and creative problem-solving are not just encouraged, they're essential.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and scale an electrical engineering team in support of next-gen aerial systems
- Oversee end-to-end development: requirements, schematic capture, PCB layout, debugging, and testing
- Work hands-on alongside your team, setting the technical standard while managing delivery timelines
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, software, and operations teams to bring high-quality hardware to life
What We're Looking For
You'll thrive in this role if you have:
- 10+ years of industry experience in fast-moving environments (startups, advanced manufacturing, or similar)
- Proven experience managing and mentoring a team of electrical engineers (6+ people)
- Expertise across the full electrical stack, from design to production
- Deep proficiency with Altium Designer and embedded programming (especially STM platforms)
- Strong lab experience (oscilloscopes, VNAs, etc.)
- Practical experience with automated testing, PCB rework/mods, and hands-on debugging
- A U.S. citizenship status with the ability to obtain Top Secret clearance
Bonus Skills (Nice to Haves)
- UAV electronics experience (e.g. PX4, Ardupilot)
- Analog and digital video system design (CVBS, PAL, MIPI-CSI, etc.)
- Camera and imaging system integration
- RF communications, DSP, FPGAs, or LoRa
- BLDC motor driver knowledge
- Controls engineering (e.g. PID tuning)
- Antenna and RF layout expertise
Compensation & Perks
- Salary: $220,000 - $250,000 (based on experience & skills)
- Equity: Highly competitive grants available
- A chance to be part of something genuinely impactful and mission-driven
- Fast-moving, collaborative team culture where your work has immediate effect
Equal Opportunities
Our client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
If you're excited to work on world-changing hardware and lead a growing team of talented engineers, we'd love to hear from you.