Hardware Design Engineer

The primary role of the Hardware Design Engineer is hands-on engineering, focused on embedded electronics, subsystem integration, and associated testing. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams, government customers, and suppliers to deliver cutting-edge solutions in a mission-critical environment.

Position Responsibilities:

• Design, analyze, and test electrical hardware for embedded platforms.

• Develop and manage electrical schematics, PCB layouts, wiring diagrams, and cable assemblies.

• Support component selection and procurement, ensuring conformance with military and environmental standards.

• Conduct design verification, validation, and hardware troubleshooting during lab tests.

• Collaborate with systems engineers to define and implement electrical interfaces, requirements, and ICDs.

• Assist in environmental qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, shock).

• Support integration and test activities in lab and field environments.

• Document engineering work through detailed drawings, reports, test plans, and configuration control systems.

• Assist with program schedule creation and hardware development planning

• Develop engineering labor and material estimates

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience

• Candidate must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret security clearance.

• Understanding and application of industry electrical engineering technical standards; demonstrated electrical component design experience

• Experience with circuit design and application

• Experience using analytical and simulation software tools, such as LTspice, LabView, MATLAB or Python, to analyze and reduce data to identify key characteristics and trends

• Demonstrated experience in electrical power distribution and design systems system design

• Ability to interpret and develop electrical schematics

• Experience with requirements-driven hardware design and circuitry design

• Experience with classified test systems or systems subject to cyber security policies

• Experience with analog and digital circuit design

• Experience with HDI printed circuit board design and layout using ECAD tools (Strong preference for familiarity with Altium Designer)

• Ability to present engineering materials for requirements, design, and various milestones

• Experience evaluating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts for compliance

• Experience researching, developing, designing and testing circuits, components and equipment systems

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential.

• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft business tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.

• Experience supporting a DoD from concept through deployment.

• Experience developing and releasing formal engineering documentation including technical drawings, specifications, and test procedures

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in an office (Constant)

• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Salary Range** **: $125000 - $270,000

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees' total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed. What We Do Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition., 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. Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)