Architect and deliver the complete avionics hardware stack for revolutionary aircraft at Airbound.
Posted by employer 4 days ago
First seen on Joblaze 3 days ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
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Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
The Avionics Hardware Engineer at Airbound is responsible for designing and delivering the complete avionics hardware stack for innovative aircraft, overseeing everything from system architecture to high-volume manufacturing. Key skills include expertise in PCB design, power electronics, and RF communication systems, with a strong emphasis on compliance and integration with embedded systems. This role is suited for experienced engineers with a background in aerospace or robotics, particularly those who thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional environments. The team is focused on redefining logistics through advanced aerospace engineering, requiring a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
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From the original posting
The hardware on the drone is only half of what keeps it up in the air. The rest is the software both on the craft and on our ground station. Our unique dual motor thrust vectored tailsitter with blended wing body design has to fly in almost all weather-including heavy winds and light rains autonomously. We're targeting 1000s of flights per day across all locations, requiring us to rethink everything from firmware, controls, state estimation to even ground control and fleet management software. We've achieved an industry-leading payload-to-weight ratio of ~2kg drone for 1kg payload and we're pushing this even further. Every gram matters when you're revolutionizing logistics. This is where cutting-edge aerospace engineering meets software scalability meets real-world impact. If you get excited about solving problems that span multiple disciplines that don't have textbook solutions, this is your playground.
In this critical, hands-on engineering role, you will architect and deliver the complete avionics hardware stack that powers our revolutionary aircraft. You will own the entire hardware lifecycle from system architecture and EMI/EMC-compliant PCB design to vendor management and high-volume manufacturing with EMS partners, ensuring every board meets the rigorous demands of autonomous flight operations.
Avionics System Architecture: Define and evolve the complete avionics architecture for our dual-motor thrust-vectored tailsitter
Power Electronics Design: Design robust power management and distribution systems including DC-DC converters, battery management, motor controllers, and protection circuits
RF & Communication Systems: Develop RF subsystems for telemetry, command & control, and positioning. Ensure reliable long-range communication in complex RF environments while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards
EMI/EMC Compliant PCB Design: Create production-ready PCBs with rigorous EMI/EMC design practices including proper grounding, shielding, trace routing, and component placement
Manufacturing & Vendor Management: Lead hardware productization from prototype to high-volume manufacturing
Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate closely with firmware, flight controls, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless hardware-software integration. Drive technical decisions across teams, mentor junior engineers, and establish hardware development processes and best practices
5+ years in hardware/avionics engineering with a proven track record in complex embedded systems, preferably in aerospace, robotics, automotive, or high-reliability applications. Demonstrated experience scaling custom hardware from prototype to volume production (1000+ units)
PCB Design & Development: Expert-level proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout using tools like Altium Designer, KiCAD, or Cadence Allegro. Strong understanding of high-speed digital design, mixed-signal layouts, multi-layer stackup design, and design for manufacturing (DFM) principles
Power Electronics Expertise:
Hands-on experience designing switch-mode power supplies, linear regulators, battery management systems, and motor control circuits
Understanding of magnetics design, thermal management, and efficiency optimization
Proficiency with power simulation tools (LTspice, PLECS, or similar)
Embedded Systems & Integration:
Experience interfacing with microcontrollers and embedded Linux systems via I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, USB, and Ethernet
Knowledge of sensor integration (IMUs, GPS, barometers, cameras) and actuation systems
Familiarity with embedded firmware development for hardware bring-up and validation
EMI/EMC & Compliance:
Practical knowledge of EMI/EMC design principles and testing methodologies
Experience with relevant standards: MIL-STD-461, IEC 61000 series, FCC Part 15, DO-160
Understanding of shielding, filtering, grounding, and RF containment techniques
RF Systems (Basic to Intermediate):
Experience with RF communication systems (LoRa, LTE, 2.4/5.8 GHz ISM bands, GPS/GNSS)
Understanding of antenna theory, impedance matching, and S-parameters
Proficiency with RF measurement equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, signal generator)
Manufacturing & Production:
Proven experience managing EMS vendors and contract manufacturers
Strong knowledge of PCB fabrication processes, assembly techniques (SMT, through-hole, conformal coating), and quality control
Experience with design for test (DFT), bring-up procedures, and production test automation
Understanding of supply chain management, component sourcing, and cost optimization
Engineering Fundamentals:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with hands-on debugging expertise
Proficiency with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, power analyzers, thermal cameras
Mastery of Git workflows for hardware version control and collaborative development
Excellent documentation skills and ability to communicate complex technical concepts across teams
Experience with FPGA/CPLD design for high-speed interfaces or custom signal processing
Knowledge of DO-254 processes for airborne electronic hardware certification
Familiarity with environmental testing standards (vibration, shock, thermal cycling, altitude, humidity) and qualification processes for aerospace applications
Experience with motor controller design and field-oriented control (FOC) implementations
Hands-on experience with EMI/EMC testing in certified labs and driving design changes based on test results
Background in wireless charging, inductive power transfer, or high-power density converters
Experience with safety-critical systems design and failure mode analysis (FMEA, DFMEA)
Work location: Hoskote, Bangalore (Headquarters)
Comprehensive health insurance to keep you and your loved ones covered
In-office role, working alternate Saturdays.
Standard company text repeated across Airbound's postings is omitted here.