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 Staff Hardware Engineer to join our team, contributing to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in assisting in architectural design, parts selection, validation test design, and overseeing hardware and software development cycles for a variety of sUAS systems. 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 cycles for a variety of sUAS systems. 

What You’ll Do 

• Perform Hardware design tasks such as schematic capture, schematic review, PCB layout, PCB layout review, architecture design and parts selection.
• Work together with the Hardware Engineering team to develop trajectories for our hardware projects.
• Take ownership of multi-board systems and coordinate engineering design between multiple engineers working PCB assemblies.
• Closely coordinate with other engineering disciplines to ensure that mechanical and software requirements are met.
• Collaborate with manufacturers to quote, fabricate, and assemble PCB assemblies.
• Develop testing criteria, plans, and test fixtures for design verification and production certification.
• Generate engineering-grade reports, perform part cost analysis, and define part performance measurement criteria.
• Assist in the identification and implementation of process improvements.
• Collaborate with a strong engineering team and company stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship to more junior engineers to grow their effectiveness in their trade.
  
  

Requirements

• Strong skills in Altium Designer, including schematic drafting, PCB layout, draftsman fabrication and assembly notes, and manufacturing outputs.
• Expert level knowledge of electronic hardware and system design.
• Very strong experience with MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI, Gigabit Ethernet, and other high-speed signals with the skillset to implement these signals including controlled impedance design, length matching, and transmission line design.
• Knowledge of common communication buses; such as I2C, CAN, Serial, and SPI – along with their debugging procedures.
• Very strong experience in analog circuit design with a focus on power electronics.
• Extensive experience with designing PCB stack ups and design constraints to optimize for power distribution, noise reduction, and manufacturability.
• Hands on lab experience with electrical engineering lab measurement tools and adept soldering skills.
• Candidates with experience in UAV aircrafts, robotics development, and/or hobby drones will be given special consideration.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools, including Project.
• 7 years professional hardware engineering experience and a bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering.
  
  

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

145,000 - 160,000 USD per year(DF02)