Hardware Engineering Lab Manager

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Hardware Engineering Lab Manager that sits at the intersection of hands-on engineering, lab operations, and team leadership. It’s not a purely managerial role, we need someone who can actively build, debug, and elevate the entire lab’s capability.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee lab operations and engineering technicians while prioritizing departmental resources and planning future capacity needs.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure repeatable, high-quality builds and create a high-performance, organized, and scalable lab environment that enables efficient execution across multiple programs.
• Execute board bring-up and debugging, including power rail validation, signal integrity troubleshooting, and fine-pitch soldering and rework.
• Use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, thermal cameras, and power supplies to support testing and analysis.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and test infrastructure while enforcing lab safety, calibration, and quality standards.
• Maintain documentation for builds, modifications, and test results of acceptance test hardware.
• Support DFM/DFA feedback loops by identifying recurring build or reliability issues.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineers to support development and testing needs.
• Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to transition prototypes into production.
• Introduce process improvements and automation as needed.
  
  

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience overseeing, mentoring, and directing technicians.
• Ability to solder 0402 (or smaller) SMT components and implement board-level modifications.
• Great understanding of lab equipment such as O-scopes, power analyzers, digital multi-meters. Management of the associated lifecycle for those parts including calibration and maintenance dates, and managing team needs with system capabilities.
• Proven experience assembling electromechanical systems. Bring-up of a complete solution combining hardware, software and mechanical parts.
• Experience with RaspberryPi, Arduino, STM32 or ESP32 a great plus.
• Equipment maintenance and calibration awareness
  
  

Preferred

Industry experience in:

• Drones / UAVs
• Robotics
• High-reliability embedded systems
  
  

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 30 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office or manufacturing equipment as well as electronic test equipment and tools.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment and will require you to be in-person located in our Huntsville, AL office. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to equipment, tools, machinery, hazardous chemicals, or materials relevant to the role, and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier 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 is an Exempt salaried position with work hours 7am to 4pm CST and hours may flex as operational needs demand.

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 location.
• 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.