Senior R&D Engineer

Position: Senior R&D Engineer

Location: Huntsville, AL

Company Overview

At Performance Drone Works (PDW), we’re at the forefront of creating custom small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for the modern warfighter. PDW is proudly American-owned, and all our product design, engineering, and manufacturing takes place domestically.

Position Overview

PDW seeks an experienced Senior R&D Engineer to join our team, contributing to the development and expansion of PDW’s platform capabilities to better serve our customers. This role will focus on Integration Service and Support activities. This includes the integration of new payloads, sensors, and software on PDW systems. The Senior R&D Engineer will be responsible for architectural design, system design, parts selection, software and hardware requirements generation, prototype buildup, and integration testing.

Core Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will thrive working in a fast-paced environment, be able to deal with problems on the fly, and deliver thoughtfully designed and highly adaptable systems. In addition to systems design, the candidate will be responsible for prototype buildup and integration testing for a wide range of hardware.

• Work with the Product Team to lead the design and integration of payloads into C100 and other PDW systems. This includes system definition, execution, and testing.
• Generate requirements to integrate 3rd party payloads.
• Assembly, installation, configuration, and testing of 3rd party payloads.
• Coordinate with the PDW team to scope, design, and execute customer integration requests.
• Interface directly with customers to understand their specific requirements, as well as provide project updates during the period of development.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience designing, developing, and implementing complex electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of common communication protocols such as I2C, CAN, Serial, and SPI along with their debugging procedures.
• Experience with MAVLink protocol.
• Extensive knowledge of electrical hardware and systems design.
• Soldering experience.
• Systems integration experience.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience with Linux OS, comfortable using the command line.
• Experience troubleshooting common electrical interfaces.
• Ability to drive design and implementation of complex engineering problems.
• Proficient in mechanical build-up and use of hand tools. Candidate must be hands-on.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Flexible mindset and ability to adapt as situations require.
• Candidates with experience in UAVs, robotics development, and/or hobby drones will be given special consideration.
• A basic understanding of C++ and Python is a plus.
• The ability to write basic code to test prototype functionality is a plus.
• PCB Design (Altium) and bring-up are a plus.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Equity participation.
• A relaxed work environment that encourages individuality and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

Commitment to Inclusivity

PDW is an equal-opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to make an impact in a company that’s shaping the future of defense technology? Apply now and propel your career to new heights with PDW.