Avionics and Electrical Engineer

Job Title: Avionics and Electrical Engineer
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 3 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 an Avionics and Electrical Engineer to be one of the first and most critical engineering hires at Grid. In this role, you will lead the development of the aircraft avionics and electrical systems for our family of autonomous cargo aircraft. This is a chance to contribute from the ground up while working alongside experienced aerospace founders and some of the best minds in the space.

This is a ground-up opportunity to define how electrical power, signals, and data are generated, distributed, protected, installed, and maintained across the aircraft. You will work closely with a close team of 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 electrical system architecture, including power generation, storage, distribution, protection, grounding/bonding, wiring, and electrical integration of propulsion, avionics, flight controls, payloads, and other flight‑critical systems.
• Collaborate: You will work closely with systems, mechanical, structures, avionics, propulsion, software, manufacturing, and test teams to define interfaces, resolve multidisciplinary integration challenges, and deliver a cohesive aircraft design.
• Design: You will develop practical, reliable, and certifiable avionics and electrical systems designs using first‑principles and analytical methods, including electrical load analysis, fault analysis, redundancy, EMI/EMC considerations, and wiring/harness architecture.
• Build: You will specify, source, procure, and support fabrication, installation, and integration of avionics and electrical components on the aircraft.
• Test: You will define, execute, troubleshoot, and document electrical ground tests (hardware‑in‑loop simulation etc.), power‑on tests, fault‑injection tests, and support flight test activities to validate system performance and safety.
• Document and Communicate: You will create and maintain 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 mechanical 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)
• 3–5 years of experience in aerospace electrical engineering, preferably with comprehensive exposure to designing, building, testing, certifying, and/or operating aircraft avionics and electrical systems
• 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 in the realization of 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.
• Flexibility: We offer a remote‑balanced culture, giving you freedom to excel personally and professionally.

Compensation:

$120k - $180k / 0.1 - 0.25% Equity. This role offers a significant equity stake in Grid.aero, with compensation expected to grow over time . We are looking for individuals who are driven by the mission and excited about the opportunity to build something extraordinary.

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)).