Electrical Engineer

About Aventra Defense Systems

Aventra Defense Systems is a venture-backed defense technology company developing next-generation precision guidance and autonomous systems for the U.S. military and allied partners. Headquartered in Herndon, VA, Aventra combines advanced manufacturing with cutting-edge autonomy, navigation, and sensing technologies to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions for the modern battlefield.

Role Description

Engineers with experience in drones, robotics, autonomous systems, or embedded hardware are especially encouraged to apply.

We are looking for a hands-on Electrical Engineer to help design, build, and debug electronics for UAV systems. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy working directly with hardware — it involves significant hands-on lab work bringing up prototype boards, debugging circuits, and integrating electronics into real systems.

You’ll work closely with our senior electrical engineer and collaborate with mechanical, software, and aerospace engineers to develop UAV flight systems, payload electronics, and supporting ground hardware.

Ideal Candidate

• Likes working directly with hardware in the lab
• Enjoys debugging electronics problems
• Comfortable working with prototype systems and evolving requirements
• Prefers building and testing hardware over purely theoretical design

What You'll Work On

• Electronics for UAV flight systems and payloads
• Prototype PCB design and bring-up
• Cable and harness design
• Integration of electronics with mechanical and software systems
• Lab testing and environmental testing of electronics
• Supporting prototype builds and early production hardware
• Debugging hardware issues during integration and testing

Responsibilities

• Design and build electronic circuits, prototype PCBs, and cable harnesses
• Perform schematic capture and PCB layout (Altium preferred but not required)
• Bring up and debug new hardware using oscilloscopes and lab equipment
• Integrate custom electronics into UAV platforms and ground systems
• Support prototype builds and production debugging
• Assist with system integration and flight test preparation

Required Experience

• 2–10 years of electrical engineering experience
• Strong hands-on hardware debugging skills
• Experience with digital electronics and sensor interfaces
• Experience with power or battery systems
• Comfortable using oscilloscopes and other basic lab equipment
• Ability to work independently in a prototype development environment

Nice to Have

• PCB design experience (schematic + layout)
• Experience with Altium Designer
• Software development in C or Python
• Experience with STM32 microcontrollers
• Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems (Raspberry Pi)
• Experience with UAV, robotics, or aerospace hardware

What We Offer

• Competitive starting salary of $95-145k
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision and 401k benefits packages for full-time employees
• Flexible scheduling- we work with your life and offer multiple shift options
• Hands-on experience with emerging defense technologies and advanced manufacturing
• Opportunity to work on products that support national security
• Professional development opportunities and cross-training in multiple technical areas
• Potential opportunity to pursue security clearance for advanced projects (optional)
• Dynamic startup environment with direct impact on company success