Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer | Defence Technology Start-Up | Austin, TX

Company Overview

A cutting-edge defence technology start-up founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. The business is developing a small, autonomous turret system employing advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralise small drones and loitering munitions.

With an engineering-first culture, the company values technical excellence and innovation, and is backed by founders with two successful exits combined at $180M in 2022. The technologies developed here will have genuine real-world impact.

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer with strong expertise in schematic design, electrical simulation, PCB design, and firmware development in C++. You will play a critical role in developing robust, high-performance electrical systems that integrate seamlessly with electromechanical components, ensuring products meet rigorous military-grade requirements. The ideal candidate will contribute to both power and embedded design for highly dynamic robotic systems, as well as developing and optimising embedded software for real-time control.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop detailed electrical schematics and PCB layouts for autonomous systems, covering both embedded and power circuits
• Design and implement embedded software in C++ and Python with a focus on real-time responsiveness for autonomous defence applications
• Perform simulations for signal integrity, thermal management, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Collaborate with mechanical and software teams to integrate electrical and mechanical components for performance in harsh environments
• Lead PCB development adhering to best practices in layout, signal integrity, power distribution, and EMC per military standards
• Develop and maintain detailed design documentation including schematics, layouts, simulation results, and test protocols
• Conduct testing, simulation, and debugging in lab and field environments
• Continuously improve code performance and reduce power consumption on hardware-constrained platforms

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Knowledge of microcontroller-based control systems including power conversion and motor drive
• Expertise with PCB layout tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Eagle
• Proficiency with simulation software (e.g. SPICE, ANSYS Electronics)
• Proven experience integrating electrical components with mechanical systems (sensors, motors, actuators)
• Hands-on experience with testing and validation against military standards
• Strong background in embedded software development for real-time, safety-critical systems
• Extensive C++ experience for embedded systems; additional Python proficiency
• Experience designing and deploying software for robotics applications with real-time control requirements
• Ability to integrate software with sensors, actuators, and control hardware in autonomous systems

Nice to Have

• Thermal management expertise for high-power systems
• Embedded Linux and RTOS experience, including custom kernel builds
• Knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, UDP) and communication protocols (CAN, UART, I2C)
• Skills optimising code for low-latency, high-performance applications

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary
• Equity package
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Onsite role based in Austin, TX

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