Senior Electrical Engineering Specialist

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $76,960.00 to $95,400.00 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

The Engineering Specialist, Electrical, Senior (III) is an advanced technical specialist responsible for owning complex electrical builds, subsystem integration, and electrical test execution for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role operates with minimal supervision and serves as a subject-matter expert for electrical assembly, integration, and troubleshooting within engineering development environments.

The Senior Electrical Specialist III leads non-routine electrical work, resolves complex electrical issues, mentors junior specialists, and partners closely with electrical and systems engineers to improve reliability, testability, and integration quality. This role represents a fully qualified senior technical contributor with measurable impact on program execution and product performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Own and execute complex electrical assemblies, harnesses, and subsystem integrations for UAS platforms.
• Lead electrical integration activities for prototype and test articles, including routing, grounding, shielding, and strain relief.
• Execute and oversee advanced electrical test activities, including subsystem bring-up, fault isolation, and signal verification.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical issues such as intermittent faults, signal integrity problems, power distribution issues, or integration conflicts.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to influence schematic design, connector selection, harness architecture, and integration strategy.
• Create, update, and maintain electrical build documentation, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Review electrical drawings and documentation for clarity, accuracy, and manufacturability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Associate (I) and Electrical Specialist II team members.
• Establish and reinforce electrical workmanship, safety, and ESD standards within the lab environment.
• Support design reviews, test readiness activities, and failure investigations.
• Document build results, test findings, deviations, and corrective actions.
• Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Advanced technical coursework or equivalent hands-on experience in electrical systems, avionics, or electronics.
• 5–8 years of progressive experience in electrical assembly, avionics, embedded electronics, or aerospace development environments.
• Demonstrated experience owning electrical integration and test activities for complex systems.
• Expert understanding of electrical systems, wiring practices, grounding, and shielding.
• Strong proficiency reading and applying electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and test documentation.
• Experience using advanced test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, programmable power supplies).
• Familiarity with signal integrity, EMI/EMC considerations, and power distribution systems.
• Advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capability.
• High level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills across engineering, test, and production teams.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others and raise overall team capability.

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