Electrical Engineer - 1

Electrical Engineer

The Electrical Engineer will join AV's Titan C-UAS engineering team in San Diego, contributing to the design, integration, test, and production support of electronic hardware within the Titan system. Working alongside experienced RF and electronic systems engineers, the successful candidate will develop skills across hardware development, PCB design, test, and manufacturing support in a fast-paced defense-product environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Design & Development
• Support schematic capture and PCB layout reviews for RF front-end, digital, and power electronics subsystems within the Titan platform
• Assist in component selection and BOM generation, including analysis of component datasheets for electrical characteristics, operating range, and supply-chain availability
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and generate or maintain technical documentation including interface control documents, schematics, and assembly drawings
• Test & Verification
• Develop and execute hardware verification test procedures for RF, analog, and digital board assemblies
• Perform bench characterization of assemblies using standard lab instruments (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power supplies, DMMs)
• Support system-level RF link budget analysis and assist in correlation of measured vs. predicted performance
• Document test results, identify anomalies, and work with senior engineers to root-cause hardware failures
• Production & Manufacturing Support
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to support PCB assembly builds, rework guidance, and first-article inspections
• Maintain serialized component tracking and configuration records across production lots
• Assist in drafting and updating manufacturing work instructions, test fixtures, and acceptance test procedures (ATPs)
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Interface with firmware, systems, and mechanical engineering teams to resolve hardware-software and hardware-mechanical integration issues
• Support field integration and testing events as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related field
• 0-3 years of professional or internship experience in hardware or RF electrical engineering
• Familiarity with standard EE lab equipment and measurement techniques
• Experience with schematic capture tools (Altium Designer, OrCAD, or equivalent)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret datasheets and component specifications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel for data reduction and BOM management, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to PCB layout and signal integrity considerations at RF frequencies (1-6 GHz+)
• Familiarity with RF connector @types and proper RF assembly handling (SMA, SMPM, SMP, U.FL/MHF)
• Experience with simulation tools such as LTspice, MATLAB, or ADS
• Familiarity with version control and PLM/MRP systems (Arena, Altium 365, or similar)
• Understanding of EMI/EMC design principles and military environmental standards (MIL-STD-461, -810)
• Experience in a defense, aerospace, or other regulated hardware development environment
• Coursework or project experience with RF systems, antenna theory, or communications

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Primarily lab and office environment; use of ESD-safe workstations and RF test equipment

Occasional work in outdoor field-test environments requiring standing, walking on uneven terrain, and lifting up to 30 lbs

Must be able to work with or near RF-emitting equipment and follow all applicable RF safety protocols

Compensation & Benefits

AV offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

The salary range for this role is:

$82,000 - $116,025

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This 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.