Senior Electrical Engineer; Unmanned Air Vehicle Electronics

Senior Electrical Engineer (Unmanned Air Vehicle Electronics) About Robotics Centre

Robotics Centre is an Ottawa based advanced technology company launching domestic manufacturing of defence focused unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in Kanata, Ontario. We design and build secure, mission critical drone platforms intended for government, defence, and public safety applications.

Robotics Centre is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with deep experience in drone and embedded electronics development to lead the design and delivery of next‑generation UAV systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of system architecture, detailed circuit design, and hands‑on validation, and who enjoys mentoring others and collaborating across disciplines.

You will play a key role in defining electrical architectures, designing flight‑critical electronics, and supporting products from concept through production.

• Lead the electrical design and architecture of drone and UAV electronic systems, including:
  • Power distribution and management
  • Motor control and ESC integration
  • RF, telemetry, and communication subsystems
  • Analog and digital video
• Design, simulate, and review complex schematics and multilayer PCBs for high‑reliability, lightweight embedded systems.
• Perform component selection with consideration for performance, availability, lifecycle, and environmental constraints.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, firmware, and systems engineers to ensure cohesive end‑to‑end system integration.
• Support prototype bring‑up, debugging, verification, and environmental testing (EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration).
• Define and review electrical requirements, test plans, and validation strategies.
• Provide technical leadership through design reviews, risk assessments, and mentoring of junior engineers.
• Support transition from prototype to low‑and mid‑volume production, including manufacturing documentation and supplier interactions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (Master’s degree considered an asset).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with significant exposure to embedded or aerospace‑grade electronics.
• Hands‑on experience designing electronics for drones, robotics, aerospace, or similarly constrained embedded systems.
• Analog and digital circuit design.
• Power electronics and battery‑powered systems.
• Proficiency with industry standard ECAD tools (e.g., Altium Designer or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of embedded system integration and hardware‑firmware interfaces.
• Proficient at debugging complex hardware issues using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc).

• Experience with autonomous systems and safety‑critical electronics.
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques and regulatory certification processes.
• Exposure to RF design, antennas, or wireless communication protocols.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, DFM/DFA, and supplier engagement.

• Salary in the range of $90,000 - $150,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• Opportunities to work on cutting‑edge drone and robotics technologies in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Meaningful technical ownership and influence over product direction.
• Flexible work culture focused on outcomes and engineering excellence.

Robotics Centre is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.