Principal Electrical Engineer (UAV, Robotics)

$165,000 - $195,000/Yr

Columbus Technologies And Services - Simi Valley, CA

Full-time - Principal

Simi Valley, CA

1,001-5,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Principal Electrical Engineer (UAV, Robotics) position is a critical role within our engineering team, focusing on the design and development of electronic systems for small unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs). This position requires a deep understanding of circuit design, particularly with FPGA technology, video image processing, battery technology, motor controllers, and power distribution. The successful candidate will be responsible for selecting components and equipment based on thorough analysis of specifications and reliability, as well as determining design approaches and parameters. The role involves leading general engineering and design efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of various UAV subsystems. In this hybrid role, the Principal Electrical Engineer will spend approximately 75% of their time on-site in Simi Valley, California, and will be expected to attend meetings with minimal notice. The position offers full-time direct employment with a competitive salary range of $165,000 to $195,000, along with bonuses and benefits. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 12 to 15 years of experience in R&D projects, preferably within the aerospace sector, and will possess expert-level skills in circuit design and various engineering disciplines. The Principal Electrical Engineer will operate computer-assisted engineering and design software to perform engineering tasks, inspect completed installations, and ensure compliance with operational and safety standards. They will troubleshoot complex systems, document designs, and perform design and analysis tasks under general supervision. The role also includes assessing root causes of critical issues and contributing to the sustainability and reliability of products. The engineer will work independently on special assignments and provide technical supervision across disciplines, potentially leading a small team or project to achieve established goals.

Responsibilities

• Operates computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.
• Performs electronic engineering activities on R&D projects.
• Inspects completed installations and observes operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational & safety standards.
• Works with avionics, embedded systems, and Radio Frequency (RF) links. Supports Flight Test operations, as needed.
• Troubleshoots complex systems. Documents designs with engineering drawings and written descriptions.
• Performs design and analysis tasks under general supervision and may be involved in developing budgets, estimating labor, material, and construction costs.
• Assesses root cause to critical issues and contributes to sustainability and reliability of products.
• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis or situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Makes decisions that have significant impact on project costs and schedule.
• Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
• Works independently and acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.
• Provides technical supervision across disciplines and leads a small team or project to accomplish established goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 12 to 15 years of experience with R&D projects; Aerospace experience is preferred.
• Expert level experience in circuit design and experience with Radio Frequency (RF), embedded control, FPGA design, power distribution, and video.
• Advanced knowledge of common industry protocols (LVDS, I2C, HDMI, UART, SPI, CAN, USB, MIPI).
• Knowledge of Battery Management Systems and Battery Charging Systems.
• Familiarity with PCB design process.
• Familiarity with battery powered UAVs.
• Experience using Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Expertise in engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics & material properties.
• Expertise with software tools in one's area of expertise.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Flight test or R/C (Remote Control) experience a plus, hands-on experience with tools a plus.
• Familiarity with Small UAV subsystems and associated software a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance available.
• Fulltime Direct Employment W2 with full benefits.
• Competitive salary range of $165,000 to $195,000 + bonus and benefits.