Aventra Defense Systems

About AventraAventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

 

We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.

Position Overview

Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Electrical Engineer to support the broader electrical engineering team across Piranha subsystems — power distribution, sensor integration, wiring harnesses, and bench-level testing. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who wants broad exposure across the electrical stack rather than deep specialization in one subsystem, working alongside the team's senior/staff EEs on day-to-day design, build, and test tasks.

Key ResponsibilitiesElectrical Design & Support

- Support electrical design tasks across multiple Piranha subsystems under the guidance of senior/staff engineers

- Build and test breadboard/prototype circuits; assist with PCB layout reviews

- Assist with wiring harness design, connector selection, and cable routing

- Support bench-level electrical testing and basic environmental testing

Integration & Test

- Support integration of electrical subsystems with mechanical and software teams

- Assist with flight test instrumentation setup and post-test data collection

- Help maintain test equipment, fixtures, and lab organization

Documentation & Process

- Maintain accurate schematics, BOMs, and design documentation

- Support design review processes and component sourcing research

- Assist with failure analysis on field returns under senior engineer direction

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field

- 4-6 years of industry experience in electrical design, test, or integration

- Working knowledge of analog/digital circuit fundamentals and PCB design tools (Altium, KiCad, or equivalent)

- Comfortable in a hands-on lab/bench environment

- US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries

- Exposure to embedded systems or sensor integration

- Startup or small-company experience

Compensation Package 

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience

- Generous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered

- 4% 401k match

- PTO and Sick Leave

Travel & Work Environment Travel Requirements

- Travel up to 25% to customer sites and field test locations

- Ability to work in austere field conditions and military operational environments

- Flexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changes

Work Environment 

- In-person role based in Herndon, VA 

- Collaborative environment supporting critical national security missions

- Direct support to warfighter capabilities and mission success

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.