Director of Engineering, Electrical & RF Systems

Director of Engineering, Electrical & RF Systems

Flightwave - Torrance, CA 90503

Overview

Salary Range $176,000.00 - $205,000.00 Salary

Description

FlightWave (a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings) is seeking a Director of Electrical & RF Systems Engineering to lead the architecture, execution, and scaling of electrical and radio systems across our UAS platforms.

This role owns the full hardware stack—from power systems, sensors, and embedded electronics to RF link performance and system-level integration. You will lead a multidisciplinary EE team while building a new RF systems capability focused on radio integration, link reliability, EMI/EMC performance, and real-world range optimization.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll set technical direction, review designs, get into the lab when needed, and build a team that delivers reliable, production-ready systems at speed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Org Build-Out

• Lead the Electrical Engineering team through the existing EE manager
• Build and scale RF systems integration and test capability (new hires)
• Set a high bar for technical rigor, ownership, and execution speed
• Develop a culture of clear ownership, strong documentation, and high-quality output

Electrical & System Architecture

• Own electrical architecture across all platforms: power, compute, sensing, actuation, and interconnects
• Lead design and integration of battery systems, BMS, power distribution, and PI performance
• Set and enforce best practices for schematic design, PCB layout, bring-up, and validation
• Ensure systems meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability targets from prototype through production

RF Systems & Link Performance

• Own end-to-end RF system performance across air and ground systems (0.9–6 GHz and beyond)
• Lead integration of tactical radios (e.g., Doodle Labs, Silvus) into complete systems
• Drive link budgets, antenna selection/placement, and real-world range optimization
• Optimize performance across varied and contested RF environments (urban, rural, high-interference)
• Lead antenna characterization, OTA testing, and field validation campaigns
• Drive coexistence strategies across onboard radios, payloads, and electronics

EMI/EMC & Compliance

• Own EMI/EMC performance from design through validation and certification
• Lead pre-compliance testing and debug (radiated/conducted emissions, susceptibility, ESD)
• Ensure compliance with FCC Part 15 and relevant military/industry standards
• Establish design-for-compliance practices across the team

Validation, Test & Field Performance

• Define and drive electrical and RF validation strategies (DVT, HALT, environmental, field testing)
• Build and scale RF and electrical test capabilities (lab + field)
• Ensure tight feedback loops between lab data and real-world system performance
• Partner with flight test to validate full-system behavior under operational conditions

Cross-Functional Execution

• Drive system-level trade-offs across electrical, RF, mechanical, and software domains
• Partner with Manufacturing on DFM/DFT and production readiness
• Support supplier selection, integration, and issue resolution
• Ensure electrical and RF considerations are embedded early in product decisions

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering for embedded or electromechanical systems
• 5+ years of technical leadership or management experience
• Strong fundamentals across power electronics, PCB design, embedded systems, and system integration
• Demonstrated experience with RF systems (radios, antennas, link performance, or wireless systems)
• Experience bringing hardware from prototype through production
• Comfortable operating at both system level and hands-on technical depth

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Tactical or mesh networking radios (e.g., Doodle Labs, Silvus)
• UAS, robotics, aerospace, or defense systems
• EMI/EMC compliance and certification workflows (FCC, MIL-STD, DO-160)
• Antenna design, tuning, and measurement (gain patterns, polarization, MIMO)
• High-power battery systems and BMS design
• Field testing in complex RF environments

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move between lab, office, and manufacturing environments for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for handling tools, components, and test equipment.
• Visual and hearing ability to safely conduct and monitor test procedures.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Comfortable working in environments that may involve vibration, noise, temperature variations, or other test-related conditions

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: $176k – $198k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.