Staff Electrical Engineer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.


You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.


What You'll Do

• Provide technical leadership across multiple electrical subsystems and product programs.
• Architect complex electrical systems and serve as a recognized technical authority.
• Define and uphold electrical engineering standards, methodologies, and development processes.
• Lead critical design reviews and technical decision-making processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in reliability, manufacturability, testability, scalability, and production efficiency.
• Partner closely with engineering leadership, product management, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Mentor engineers across all experience levels.
• Support supplier engagement and production issue resolution.
• Lead root cause investigations for complex system-level failures.
• Serve as a technical escalation point for challenging electrical issues.

Requirements

• Expert-level proficiency with Altium Designer.
• Deep expertise in analog, digital, power electronics, and embedded hardware systems.
• Extensive experience designing high-speed digital systems.
• Strong understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC mitigation, and reliability engineering.
• Proven experience leading electrical architecture decisions.
• Experience supporting high-rate manufacturing environments.
• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of professional electronics development experience including technical leadership.

Preferred

• Direct experience designing UAVs, robotics platforms, aerospace systems, or autonomous systems.
• Experience developing advanced power systems.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO9001, IPC, or MIL standards.
• Experience qualifying suppliers and scaling production.
• Track record of mentoring engineers and building teams.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office or manufacturing equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. This position may require working outside of core business hours as needed to support business and operational requirements.

ITAR Requirement


In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).


Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position will have an annual salary, equity, and benefits. The salary range provided is a guideline rather than a fixed limit. Individual pay is determined by factors including geography, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

The pay range for this role is:

172,000 - 197,000 USD per year (DF02)