Avionics and Electrical Engineer

Job Title: Avionics and Electrical Engineer
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

About Us:
Grid.aero is a VC-backed aviation startup tackling complex challenges in both defense and commercial markets. We are focused on solving real-world problems that will shape the future of the industry. Led by aerospace veterans and supported by leading venture firms, Grid is at the forefront of developing autonomous systems that will revolutionize how goods move through the skies.

Be part of a fast-growing, high-impact startup from day one. At Grid, your work will shape critical industries, driving innovation at the intersection of national security and global commerce.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly capable and motivated Avionics and Electrical Engineer to own the development of avionics and electrical systems for our family of autonomous cargo aircraft. This is a high-ownership role suited for an engineer who can define the system architecture, perform the required design and analysis, support production and procurement, and lead system verification and validation efforts. You will work closely with a team of systems, hardware, and software engineers to ensure a safe, certifiable, and scalable electrical system.

As an early hire, you will help establish technical standards, processes, and best practices that will scale with the company. You'll have full visibility into our mission, direct access to leadership, and the autonomy to drive impactful engineering decisions. If you're excited about building something world-changing and shaping an early-stage aerospace company, this role is for you.

What You'll Do:

• Scope: You will own the aircraft avionics and electrical system architecture and design the systems for electrical power and signal generation, storage, distribution, and protection, including busses, switches, grounding/bonding, wire harnesses and routings, circuit protection, and electrical integration of propulsion, avionics, flight controls, payload, and other flight-critical systems.
• Collaborate: You will work closely with systems, mechanical, structures, avionics, propulsion, software, manufacturing, and test engineers to define interfaces, resolve multidisciplinary integration challenges, and deliver simple and cohesive designs.
• Design: You will develop practical, reliable, and certifiable avionics and electrical systems designs using first-principles and analytical methods, including electrical load analysis, thermal analysis, fault analysis, system safety analysis, with consideration EMI/EMC.
• Build: You will specify, source, procure, and support fabrication, installation, and integration of avionics and electrical components on test assets and aircraft.
• Test: You will define, execute, troubleshoot, and document electrical ground tests (hardware-in-loop simulation, power-on tests, fault-injection tests, etc.), and support flight test activities to validate system performance and safety.
• Document and Communicate: You will create and maintain requirements, system architecture diagrams, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, harness drawings, ICDs, technical reports, and present designs and trade studies at internal design reviews.
• Support: You will support avionics and electrical systems through production and into flight test to ensure the aircraft remains operationally available and continuously provides valuable engineering data.
• Improve: You will establish, maintain, and evolve avionics and electrical engineering standards, processes, and best practices across the full product lifecycle.

Who You Are:

• Mission-Driven: You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
• Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Builder: You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early-stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
• Collaborative: You work well with diverse, cross-functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree a plus)
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace electrical engineering, preferably with comprehensive exposure to designing, building, testing, certifying, and/or operating aircraft avionics and electrical systems
• Experience designing, building, and testing with hardware-in-loop simulators.
• Experience with the Linux command line and the ability to configure computer networks.
• Proficiency with ECAD and/or PLM tools for electrical and harness design (e.g., CATIA Electrical, Capital, Zuken, SolidWorks Electrical, 3DEXPERIENCE, or similar)
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals including signal and power systems, circuit protection, EMI/EMC, grounding/bonding, and reliability
• Familiarity with materials, process, hardware, and design standards commonly employed by reliable aerospace avionics and electrical systems
• Knowledge of domestic and/or military aircraft certification requirements related to avionics and electrical systems
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
• Ability to occasionally travel to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, or test locations

Why Join Grid.aero:

• Mission First: Tackle some of the most important national security issues of the day.
• Ownership: Receive a significant equity stake and help build the future of Grid.aero.
• Impact: As one of our first hires, you'll have a direct and visible impact on the success of the company.
• Innovation: Lead the architecture of a game-changing product that will redefine the air logistics industry.
• Growth: Work alongside experienced aerospace founders and grow with the company as a key technical leader.

Compensation: $120k - $160k / 0.1 - 0.25% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).