Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer 3 - Group 3 VTOL UAS Support

Location:

Hood River, OR (On-Site)
Department:
Unmanned Systems Engineering

Employment Type:

Full-Time
Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 (commensurate with experience)

We are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer 3 to join our innovative Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team. In this role, you will provide critical support for Group 3 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAS platforms, focusing on electrical system design, integration, and optimization. Group 3 VTOL UAS are medium-altitude, long-endurance systems used in applications ranging from surveillance to cargo delivery.

As an Electrical Engineer 3, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant electrical architectures that meet mission requirements.

This position is ideal for an engineer with a strong background in aerospace electronics, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about advancing drone technology.

• Design and develop electrical systems for Group 3 VTOL UAS, including power distribution, avionics integration, sensor interfaces, and propulsion controls.
• Conduct system-level analysis, troubleshooting, and testing of electrical components to ensure performance under various operational conditions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to integrate electrical subsystems into overall UAS platforms.
• Support prototype development, flight testing, and certification processes in compliance with FAA and military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-461, DO-160).
• Optimize power management systems for extended endurance, including battery management, charging protocols, and energy efficiency improvements.
• Perform root cause analysis on electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and test reports.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in UAS electronics, such as advanced composites, AI-driven controls, and wireless communication protocols.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 3 years focused on UAS, drones, or aerospace systems.
• Proven expertise in VTOL systems, including electric propulsion (motors, ESCs, batteries) and avionics (flight controllers, GPS, IMUs).
• Strong proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., Altium, OrCAD) for circuit design and simulation.
• Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and communication protocols (e.g., CAN, UART, I2C).
• Familiarity with Group 3 UAS classifications and operational requirements.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required due to ITAR regulations.

• Experience with hybrid-electric or all-electric VTOL platforms.
• Knowledge of RF/EMC design and testing for UAS environments.
• Prior involvement in DoD or commercial UAS programs.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or relevant certifications (e.g., "FAA Part 107").

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and certifications.
• A collaborative, innovative work environment with access to cutting-edge tools and facilities.