Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer
Job Description
Company Overview
Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. As we expand into Denver, we are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We
operate
by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a
Senior Staff
Hardware
Engineer to contribute to
the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines
The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills,
and play a pivotal role in assisting in architectural design, parts selection, validation test design, and overseeing hardware and software development,
and supporting new technologies that aid towards the advancement of sUAS functional systems. This position
reports
to the Director of
Hardware Engineering.
What
You’ll
Do
Lead the design and development of analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits for both new and existing products.
Act as the primary technical expert on electrical engineering matters across multiple projects and cross-functional teams.
Collaborate with mechanical, software, and manufacturing engineers to define and develop robust system architectures.
Conduct detailed circuit simulations, PCB layout reviews, and signal/power integrity analyses to ensure design quality.
Oversee and support design validation activities, including prototyping and testing for EMC/EMI, thermal, and functional performance.
Ensure all designs meet relevant industry standards and regulatory compliance (UL, CE, FCC, ISO, etc.).
Review and approve critical engineering documentation such as schematics, BOMs, test plans, and design specifications.
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team’s technical growth and capability development.
Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to address Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) considerations.
Proactively
identify
technical risks and implement mitigation strategies early in the design cycle.
Requirements
Bachelor’s or
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
or a related field.
10+ years of hands-on experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on system-level design and full product development.
Deep knowledge of analog/digital circuit design, microcontrollers, power electronics, and high-speed digital systems.
Proficiency
with schematic capture and PCB layout tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Cadence.
Strong understanding of embedded systems and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, etc.), as well as sensor integration.
Familiarity with safety, compliance, and regulatory standards applicable to electronic hardware.
Exceptional troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause analysis skills.
Effective communication skills with the ability to lead technical discussions and present complex information clearly to stakeholders.
Must have the ability to obtain and
maintain
a U.S. Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with
UAV
aircraft, robotics development, and/or hobby drones.
Hands-on experience with environmental testing, compliance, and certification processes.
Proficiency
and efficiency in high-speed signals, such as GigE, MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI,
HDMI, or others.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to
operate
electronic test and fabrication equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).
Work Environment
This position typically
operates
in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
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.
Paid Parental Leave.
A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
On-site gym
.
Employer provided life insurance.
Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
EEO Statement
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.