Staff Electrical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About Aventra Aventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.

Position Overview & Key Responsibilities

Position Overview

Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Electrical Engineer to support the broader electrical engineering team across Piranha subsystems — power distribution, sensor integration, wiring harnesses, and bench-level testing. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who wants broad exposure across the electrical stack rather than deep specialization in one subsystem, working alongside the team's senior/staff EEs on day-to-day design, build, and test tasks.

Key ResponsibilitiesElectrical Design & Support

- Support electrical design tasks across multiple Piranha subsystems under the guidance of senior/staff engineers

- Build and test breadboard/prototype circuits; assist with PCB layout reviews

- Assist with wiring harness design, connector selection, and cable routing

- Support bench-level electrical testing and basic environmental testing

Integration & Test

- Support integration of electrical subsystems with mechanical and software teams

- Assist with flight test instrumentation setup and post-test data collection

- Help maintain test equipment, fixtures, and lab organization

Documentation & Process

- Maintain accurate schematics, BOMs, and design documentation

- Support design review processes and component sourcing research

- Assist with failure analysis on field returns under senior engineer direction

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field

- 4-6 years of industry experience in electrical design, test, or integration

- Working knowledge of analog/digital circuit fundamentals and PCB design tools (Altium, KiCad, or equivalent)

- Comfortable in a hands-on lab/bench environment

- US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries

- Exposure to embedded systems or sensor integration

- Startup or small-company experience

Compensation Package 

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience

- Generous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered

- 4% 401k match

- PTO and Sick Leave

Travel & Work Environment Travel Requirements

- Travel up to 25% to customer sites and field test locations

- Ability to work in austere field conditions and military operational environments

- Flexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changes

Work Environment 

- In-person role based in Herndon, VA 

- Collaborative environment supporting critical national security missions

- Direct support to warfighter capabilities and mission success

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.