Phd Electrical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.
At Axon, we're on a mission to Protect Life. We're explorers, pursuing society's most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.
Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you'll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.
Your Impact:
Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting-edge of innovation.
Sr. Electrical Engineers at Dedrone have full design ownership over next-generation cUAS technology from conceptualization through production, and their work is highly visible to senior executives. Our passionate leadership and cross-functional collaboration with product managers, mechanical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing teams is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come.
This role emphasizes electrical system architecture, schematic/circuit design, PCB design, RF and power systems design, and system-level test and verification. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, mixed-signal design, embedded firmware, and designing for rugged/regulated environments.
Location: Onsite at our offices in Sterling, VA
What You'll Do

• Architect and design complex mixed signal electrical systems with a focus on modularity, performance, and ruggedized operation, supporting development of cUAS systems.
• Lead end-to-end development of scalable hardware platforms integrating high-speed digital designs (including FPGA-based architectures), analog sensor interfaces, and high-integrity power delivery systems.
• Lead schematic design, owning detailed component selection and schematic development from concept through implementation.
• Oversee PCB layout to ensure proper implementation of design intent, with focus on signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC performance, for high-speed and power dense systems.
• Own electrical analysis in an R&D-focused role, using simulation as needed to validate signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC performance, and thermal behavior to ensure robust first-pass hardware performance.
• Collaborate regularly with domestic and international stakeholders across engineering, product, and program teams.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's, Master's, pr PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Proven experience in electrical design and system integration for complex hardware products-ideally in cUAS, Satcom, defense, robotics, or wireless systems.
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium)
• Expertise in digital, power, and RF Engineering, including software defined radios and mixed signal hardware development.
• Solid understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC mitigation techniques, and relevant test/qualification methods.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity.

Work Location
This role is based out of our Sterling Office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.
Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Don't meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you're excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Important Notes
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.
Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.
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Axon's mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon's impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.
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