Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Huntsville, AL

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $157,000 to $195,000 annually in San Luis Obispo, CA and in Huntsville, AL $142,000 to $177,000. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
 

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a Staff Electrical Engineer, PCB Design to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA, to support the development of next-generation uncrewed aircraft systems.

The Staff Electrical Engineer, PCB Design plays a critical leadership role in the architecture, design, and integration of embedded electrical systems for uncrewed aircraft platforms. This position is responsible for developing and validating flight‑critical hardware, including high‑reliability power systems, avionics signals and processing, communication networks, and embedded compute subsystems that operate in demanding aerospace environments.

As a subject matter expert, this engineer drives end‑to‑end PCB development—from system architecture and schematic capture through layout, stack‑up definition, signal and power integrity, and design for manufacturability and test. The role ensures robust, scalable hardware solutions that meet performance, reliability, and environmental requirements while integrating seamlessly with mechanical, software, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems.

This role is ideal for an experienced aerospace, or UAS electronics engineer who thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and is passionate about solving complex technical challenges across sensors, RF systems, power management, embedded processing, and flight‑critical communication buses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following responsibilities represent core functions of the role but are not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned.

• Lead the design and development of complex, multi-layer PCBs supporting avionics, power systems, sensor interfaces, and embedded compute platforms.
• Own end-to-end PCB development, including requirements definition, architecture, component selection, schematic capture, layout, and design documentation.
• Drive high-speed and high-reliability design practices, including signal integrity, impedance control, EMI/EMC mitigation, and thermal management.
• Define PCB stack-ups and ensure designs meet aerospace environmental and reliability requirements (vibration, thermal, electrical).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Electrical, Mechanical, Software, GNC, Autonomy, Production, and Test teams to translate system requirements into robust hardware solutions.
• Integrate and validate subsystems including sensors, radios, GPS, datalinks, autopilots, payload interfaces, and embedded processing platforms (e.g., Jetson, STM32, PIC).
• Lead and participate in formal design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR), risk assessments, and hardware validation activities.
• Support prototype bring-up, debugging, and failure analysis at the board and system levels.
• Partner with manufacturing to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT), including vendor coordination and board bring-up support.
• Support environmental and functional testing, including benchtop validation, HIL/SIL testing, and flight test readiness.
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues across avionics, power systems, and embedded electronics in both development and field environments.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the hardware engineering team.

REQURIED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position: 

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, with typically 8+ years of PCB design experience.
• Extensive experience with multi-layer PCB design and layout using Altium Designer (or equivalent tools). Strong expertise in high-speed digital, mixed-signal, and power electronics design, including:
• Controlled impedance routing and differential pairs
• Signal and power integrity principles
• EMI/EMC mitigation techniques
• Deep understanding of PCB stack-up design, material selection, and thermal/mechanical considerations for ruggedized hardware.
• Familiarity with IPC standards and best practices for manufacturability, reliability, and quality.
• Experience with design rule checks (DRC), layout verification, and signal integrity analysis tools.
• Proven ownership of hardware development across the full lifecycle (architecture through validation, integration, and release).
• Experience supporting prototype bring-up, lab validation, and troubleshooting using standard test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
• Working knowledge of avionics systems, UAS electrical architectures, and embedded hardware integration (e.g., autopilots, sensors, datalinks).
• Experience with environmental and validation testing (thermal, vibration, electrical) and supporting flight test or fielded systems is highly valued.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex electrical and system-level issues.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, UAS, or other high-reliability industries.
• Master's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline.
• Experience designing rigid-flex or high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs for space-constrained or weight-sensitive UAS platforms.
• Working knowledge of aerospace environmental standards such as MIL-STD-810 and DO-160, and their impact on hardware design.
• Experience developing flight-critical or safety-critical hardware within regulated or mission-critical environments.
• Familiarity with RF PCB layout practices, including grounding, shielding, and signal isolation techniques.
• Experience with reliability engineering methodologies, including FMEA, fault-tree analysis, or system safety documentation.
• Hands-on experience developing test fixtures, automated test systems, or custom validation tools for hardware validation.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.