Principal Electrical Engineer

Job Description

The

Worker Type

Regular

Summary

Job Description

The Principal Electrical Engineer is an expert in circuit design with knowledge of FPGA technology, video image processing, battery technology, motor controllers, and power distribution. In this role, one selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability and determines design approaches and parameters. The Senior Staff Electrical Engineer conducts and leads general engineering and design of electronic systems on small, unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) with cross‑functional teams. Knowledge of UAV subsystems is a plus.

Position Responsibilities

• Operates computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks. Performs electronic engineering activities on R&D projects
• Inspects completed installations and observes operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational & safety standards
• Works with avionics, embedded systems, and Radio Frequency (RF) links. Supports Flight Test operations, as needed
• Troubleshoots complex systems. Documents designs with engineering drawings and written descriptions.
• Performs design and analysis tasks under general supervision and may be involved in developing budgets, estimating labor, material, and construction costs.
• Assesses root cause to critical issues and contributes to sustainability and reliability of products.
• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis or situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Makes decisions that have significant impact on project costs and schedule
• Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to achieve goals in creative and effective ways
• Works independently and acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments
• Provides technical supervision across disciplines and leads a small team or project to accomplish established goals. May supervise the activities of others
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 12 to 15 years of experience with R&D projects; Aerospace experience is preferred
• Expert level Experience in circuit design and experience with the following : Radio Frequency (RF), embedded control, FPGA design. Power distribution, video.
• Advanced knowledge of common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB, MIPI)
• Knowledge of Battery Management Systems and Battery Charging Systems
• Familiarity with PCB design process
• Familiarity with battery powered UAVs
• Experience using Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout
• Expertise in engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics & material properties
• Expertise with software tools on one’s area of expertise

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred
• Flight test or R/C (Remote Control) experience a plus, hands‑on experience with tools a plus
• Familiarity with Small UAV subsystems and associated software a plus
• Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
• Complies with company policies and procedures
• Able to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Has effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The Salary Range For This Role Is

$147,000 - $224,250

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.

Benefits

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• a paid holiday shutdown

For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you’re ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.