Sr. Staff Hardware Engineer

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 Senior Staff Hardware Engineer to contribute to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and play a pivotal role in assisting in architectural design, parts selection, validation test design, and overseeing hardware and software development, and supporting new technologies that aid towards the advancement of sUAS functional systems. This position reports to the Director of Hardware Engineering.  

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and development of analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits for both new and existing products.
• Act as the primary technical expert on electrical engineering matters across multiple projects and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and manufacturing engineers to define and develop robust system architectures.
• Conduct detailed circuit simulations, PCB layout reviews, and signal/power integrity analyses to ensure design quality.
• Oversee and support design validation activities, including prototyping and testing for EMC/EMI, thermal, and functional performance.
• Ensure all designs meet relevant industry standards and regulatory compliance (UL, CE, FCC, ISO, etc.).
• Review and approve critical engineering documentation such as schematics, BOMs, test plans, and design specifications.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team’s technical growth and capability development.
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to address Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) considerations.
• Proactively identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies early in the design cycle.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 10 years of hands-on experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on system-level design and full product development.
• Deep knowledge of analog/digital circuit design, microcontrollers, power electronics, and high-speed digital systems.
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Cadence.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, etc.), as well as sensor integration.
• Familiarity with safety, compliance, and regulatory standards applicable to electronic hardware.
• Exceptional troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to lead technical discussions and present complex information clearly to stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UAV aircraft, robotics development, and/or hobby drones.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing, compliance, and certification processes.
• Proficiency and efficiency in high-speed signals, such as GigE, MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI, HDMI, or others.
  
  

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 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate electronic test and fabrication equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) 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. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime 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.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

160,000 - 180,000 USD per year(DF02)