PCB Layout & Electronics Integration Engineer

About TerraFirma Robotics

TerraFirma Robotics is developing autonomous drone-based systems and data products for Earth monitoring and environmental intelligence. Our work spans robotics, edge AI, sensing, autonomy, and digital twin infrastructure. We care about technical rigor, thoughtful execution, and building systems that are useful in the real world, not just impressive in a demo.

About the Role

This role is for an engineer who wants to contribute meaningfully in a small, highly collaborative environment. You’ll work on core technical problems, help shape implementation decisions, and partner across disciplines to move systems from concept to reliable execution. We value clear thinking, sound engineering judgment, and a willingness to work across boundaries when needed.

Compensation: Full-time salary equity option

Start Date: May 1, 2026

The Role

You own the electrical backbone of the prototype system, from custom board layout through bench integration. We need someone who can take reference designs and proven subsystems, adapt them into compact, manufacturable board layouts, and then help bring the full electronics stack together quickly with minimal hand assembly.

What You'll Do

• Design and refine compact PCB layouts for prototype avionics, carrier, interface, and power-distribution needs
• Adapt and integrate reference designs into manufacturable custom boards optimized for fast assembly and clean interconnects
• Build and validate bench-top electronics systems spanning compute, sensors, power, and communications modules
• Develop wiring and connector strategies that reduce solder-heavy assembly and speed prototype turnaround
• Validate sensor buses (I2C/SPI/UART) and troubleshoot signal integrity issues
• Debug EMI, grounding, and mixed-signal issues across compute, cameras, motors, and radios
• Build safe power-up, bring-up, and fault-isolation workflows for evolving prototypes
• Review, rework, and debug complex PCB assemblies when needed

Requirements

• Strong PCB design and layout experience in KiCad or similar EDA tools
• Experience adapting reference designs into custom board layouts for embedded systems
• Strong SMD soldering and rework skills, including fine-pitch components; IPC-A-610 Class 2 preferred
• NVIDIA Jetson module integration or comparable embedded compute bring-up
• I2C/SPI/UART bus debugging with logic analyzer and oscilloscope
• Power systems integration: regulators, battery distribution, and power integrity
• Schematic reading, PCB debug, connector selection, and harness design for constrained systems
• Ability to bring up and debug complete bench-top avionics systems end to end
• Strong bench discipline around staged power-up, fault isolation, and prototype safety
• Comfort using AI-assisted engineering tools to accelerate layout and integration work

Preferred

• Experience with Jetson Orin family (NX or AGX)
• RF module integration (cellular/satellite/LoRa antennas)
• Sub-500g drone electronics experience
• Familiarity with open-source flight-controller or embedded control board ecosystems
• Familiarity with MicroXRCE-DDS (PX4 ↔ ROS2 bridge)

Why TerraFirma

• Meaningful technical ownership from the start
• Close collaboration with a small, high-trust team
• Opportunity to work on multidisciplinary problems across robotics, AI, sensing, and systems
• A chance to help shape products and technical foundations early
• Competitive compensation, with benefits structured by role and hiring location

Compensation and benefits vary by role, level, and location, and will be discussed during the process.

Equal Opportunity

• TerraFirma Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate candidates based on qualifications, capability, and potential to contribute. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected status under applicable law.