Sr. Electrical Engineer

Description

Due to the nature of our work in defense, Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which usually requires US Citizenship.

Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human‑machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritableuncrewed systems alongside our government partners.

At Darkhive, we are a high‑growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and Dev Sec Ops  professionals. Above all, we are a mission‑first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high‑quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts.

If you are a free‑thinking problem solver looking to build cutting‑edge robotics in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today!

We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with deep experience in embedded systems and product development to join our fast paced, high accountability team. This role goes beyond circuit board design – you will drive the architecture, integration, and validation of complex electronics in high performance compute modules, communications systems, and robotics products. This role is critical to the design, development, and productization of compute modules, RF systems, camera systems, and BLDC motor controllers.

You must be a driven engineer who thrives in fast‑paced environments, is self‑managed, documents rigorously, and drives designs through manufacturing. This is not just a circuit designer role; you will help lead the entire electrical product lifecycle, including reviews, simulations, integration, and support through production.

This role is flexible and can be hybrid, onsite in San Antonio, or remote, depending on the candidate's profile. Our team operates at startup speed and you will be expected to contribute meaningfully to hardware that ships to customers on aggressive timelines.

• Lead the electrical design of complex multi-layer HDI PCBs, compute modules, and custom edge AI platforms
• Perform detailed power delivery network (PDN) analysis, transient analysis, and high-speed signal integrity simulation
• Drive and manage design reviews (initial, intermediate, and final), documenting all design decisions and review outcomes in Confluence
• Own the full product development lifecycle from schematic capture to production release
• Select, validate, and integrate ICs, power systems, sensors, radios, and other components
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers to ensure seamless integration into enclosures, thermals, shielding, and interconnects
• Develop validation plans, bring‑up guides, and work with firmware/software teams during prototype and EVT/DVT phases
• Work within KiCad as the primary ECAD tool;
  Altium experience is helpful but not required
• Maintain clean revision control, documentation, and BOMs across development and production
• Author thorough documentation in Confluence: schematics, reviews, test plans, bring up notes, etc
• Interface directly with suppliers and fabrication/assembly partners on production readiness
• Drive validation and bring up of new hardware platforms, working closely with firmware and test teams
• Proactively manage project scope, priorities, and deliverables with minimal oversight
• Serve as the primary electrical point of contact for external manufacturers and suppliers, supporting hardware bring‑up, first article builds, and sustaining engineering tasks
• Develop per‑unit electrical test plans and oversee the design and validation of custom test fixtures for production environments, ensuring repeatable and scalable test coverage
• Support customers through hands‑on electrical integration of our modules into their systems, including design reviews, bring‑up…