Electrical Engineer

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionThe Electrical Engineer will join AV’s Titan C-UAS engineering team in San Diego, contributing to the design, integration, test, and production support of electronic hardware within the Titan system. Working alongside experienced RF and electronic systems engineers, the successful candidate will develop skills across hardware development, PCB design, test, and manufacturing support in a fast-paced defense-product environment.Key ResponsibilitiesHardware Design & DevelopmentSupport schematic capture and PCB layout reviews for RF front-end, digital, and power electronics subsystems within the Titan platformAssist in component selection and BOM generation, including analysis of component datasheets for electrical characteristics, operating range, and supply-chain availabilityParticipate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and generate or maintain technical documentation including interface control documents, schematics, and assembly drawingsTest & VerificationDevelop and execute hardware verification test procedures for RF, analog, and digital board assembliesPerform bench characterization of assemblies using standard lab instruments (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power supplies, DMMs)Support system-level RF link budget analysis and assist in correlation of measured vs. predicted performanceDocument test results, identify anomalies, and work with senior engineers to root-cause hardware failuresProduction & Manufacturing SupportCollaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to support PCB assembly builds, rework guidance, and first-article inspectionsMaintain serialized component tracking and configuration records across production lotsAssist in drafting and updating manufacturing work instructions, test fixtures, and acceptance test procedures (ATPs)Cross-Functional CollaborationInterface with firmware, systems, and mechanical engineering teams to resolve hardware-software and hardware-mechanical integration issuesSupport field integration and testing events as requiredRequired QualificationsBachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related field0–3 years of professional or internship experience in hardware or RF electrical engineeringFamiliarity with standard EE lab equipment and measurement techniquesExperience with schematic capture tools (Altium Designer, OrCAD, or equivalent)Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret datasheets and component specificationsProficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel for data reduction and BOM management, Word, PowerPoint)Preferred QualificationsExposure to PCB layout and signal integrity considerations at RF frequencies (1–6 GHz+)Familiarity with RF connector types and proper RF assembly handling (SMA, SMPM, SMP, U.FL/MHF)Experience with simulation tools such as LTspice, MATLAB, or ADSFamiliarity with version control and PLM/MRP systems (Arena, Altium 365, or similar)Understanding of EMI/EMC design principles and military environmental standards (MIL-STD-461, -810)Experience in a defense, aerospace, or other regulated hardware development environmentCoursework or project experience with RF systems, antenna theory, or communicationsWork Environment & Physical RequirementsPrimarily lab and office environment; use of ESD-safe workstations and RF test equipmentOccasional work in outdoor field-test environments requiring standing, walking on uneven terrain, and lifting up to 30 lbsMust be able to work with or near RF-emitting equipment and follow all applicable RF safety protocolsCompensation & BenefitsAV offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:Annual performance bonusComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with company matchEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe Salary Range For This Role Is$82,000 - $116,025AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR RequirementThis position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.About AVAV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.ITARU.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.