Principal Electrical Engineer - Space Technologies

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary AV provides a full suite of exquisite, space-qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments space presents across GEO, MEO, LEO and Cislunar orbits. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers turn to AV when a mission can't fail. Our team is expanding to do the big things that have never been done before - the things the nation and the world are counting on us to deliver. Join the transformation and help us make this impact now. We are seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer. The selected candidate will join a dynamic and growing team working to design systems with capabilities to perform leading edge tasks in laser communications, space electronics and sensors. Position Responsibilities Be an expert in all phases of design for custom digital and analog electronics. Technical lead on complex electronics design projects. Mentor junior engineers. Provide expertise to both product development and R&D efforts. Collaborate with peers and managers to develop, review, and refine designs and analyses to meet program technical needs within defined time and budget constraints. Solve unique and sometimes ambiguous problems with broad business and mission impact. Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Master's degree in electrical engineering with 20+ years of experience or a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with a minimum of 25+ years of experience can be considered instead of a master's degree. Experience in design, analysis, integration, and test of custom electronics Proficiency in electrical design software and simulation tools (such as Altium, SPICE, MATLAB, Simulink, HyperLynx, etc…) Ability to direct and conduct circuit analysis and simulation to optimize performance and reliability. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Understanding of space qualification standards and requirements. Experience designing custom electronics for space products. Experience designing to a defined requirement. Experience with analysis necessary for high reliability space electronics hardware (Electrical stress analysis, worst case circuit analysis, and reliability analysis). Experience producing PCB layouts Experience and understanding of PCB manufacturing and assembly processes. Understanding of relevant IPC standards needed for electrical design and fabrication. Experience developing and conducting testing of complex electronic sub-assemblies along with design of special test equipment (STE). Experience deriving sub-assembly requirements from higher-level, flowed down, system requirements and defining test methodologies. Experience developing design & verification documentation (Interface Control Document/Drawings (ICD), Design Description Document (DDD), Test Plan, Test Procedures, Test Reports, etc.). Written and verbal communication skills necessary to present designs to internal and external stakeholders. Able to complete assigned work within a defined timeline and budget. Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance. Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and production 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: $133,500 - $189,525 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. 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: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and 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. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. 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 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. Careers at AeroVironment