Principal Electrical Engineer - Hardware & Software Leadership; Drone Technology

Principal Electrical Engineer – Hardware & Software Leadership (Drone Technology)

Join Wing Xpand as a Principal Electrical Engineer in Hardware & Software Leadership for Drone Technology.

• Chicago (Schaumburg), IL
• Boston (Andover), MA
• St. Louis, MO

Full-time

Wing Xpand ® is expanding what’s possible with autonomous systems. Our 8-ft smart plane expands from a backpack to help farmers grow more yield, public safety crews respond to disasters faster, and keep soldiers safe. We’re a rapidly growing startup creating the future of smart, connected robotics.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Electrical Engineer with a proven track record in hands‑on embedded product development. This unique opportunity will involve leading multiple concurrent development efforts and growing into a Director of Hardware over time. You will be deeply involved in the entire development lifecycle, from design to implementation to testing, and you will build and mentor future hardware teams as Wing Xpand scales.

• End‑to‑End Hardware Design:
  Lead and execute all phases of new hardware development, including component selection, cost of goods (COGs) budgeting, PCB layout, assembly, new board bring‑up, and authoring core drivers and firmware.
• Battery Management Expertise:
  Design, implement, and support robust battery management systems for a range of power requirements (from milliamp to 100+ Amp systems).
• Embedded Communications Mastery:
  Demonstrate expert‑level proficiency in modern embedded communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, and CAN.
• Full Development Lifecycle Leadership:
  Take ownership of green‑field designs from initial requirements gathering and customer interaction through to final verification and validation.
• Microcontroller Proficiency:
  Expert experience working with microcontrollers, especially the STM
  32 family.
• Embedded Networking (Desirable):
  Experience with modern embedded mesh network technologies and chips.
• Language Agility:
  Comfortable working with C, C++, and Python.
• Hands‑on Execution:
  Participate actively in building and testing embedded hardware and software on a daily basis.

• Proven and substantial experience as a Principal‑level Electrical Engineer with a strong history of successful hands‑on embedded product development.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead technical projects from inception to completion and guide junior engineers.
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving abilities to tackle complex engineering challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within the team and with stakeholders.
• Proactive, results‑oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

• Part 107 certification or experience flying drones is a plus.
• Proficiency in hardware design tools (Altium, OrCAD, KiCad) and simulation tools (SPICE, MATLAB, etc.).
• Track record in designing electrical systems from prototypes, low‑rate to high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience with assembly techniques, soldering, and prototype development.

To comply with U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations, applicants must be a “U.S. Person” (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).

Competitive package based on level of experience, including the possibility of Wing Xpand stock options and advancement opportunities.

Apply today with your resume and/or CV explaining why you are the perfect candidate for this role.

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