Lead Engineer – Hardware Development

AeroVironment (AV) is looking for a Lead Hardware Engineer to join its EE/RF Engineering team in San Diego, CA, focusing on the Titan Counter-UAS program. The role involves leading hardware development, production, and sustaining engineering for ruggedized RF and electronic subsystems, requiring expertise in RF hardware and defense electronics standards.

Responsibilities:

• Lead design, review, and release of schematics and PCB layouts for RF systems.
• Manage BOM generation, component selection, and revision management.
• Conduct signal integrity, power integrity, and RF link budget analysis.
• Oversee design reviews and ensure design traceability to system requirements.
• Design and validate RF front-end circuits and support embedded hardware integration.
• Review firmware interfaces in coordination with the firmware team.
• Support contract manufacturer relationships and manage hardware repair pipelines.
• Develop and maintain test procedures and assembly work instructions.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Coordinate with management on hardware schedules and risk reporting.
• Interface with vendors to manage component lead times and qualification activities.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of hardware design experience.
• Expertise in RF/microwave circuit design.
• Proficiency with EDA tools, preferably Altium Designer.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment like spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Knowledge of PCB manufacturing standards and military environmental test standards.
• Experience supporting contract manufacturers through NPI and production phases.

Skills:

• Leadership and team coordination skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems for BOM and change management.