Senior Electrical Engineer
Havoc AI
Location
San Diego
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
Hybrid
Department
Multi-Domain
Compensation
- $150K – $175K • Offers Equity • Offers Bonus
Our openings span more than one career level. The provided salary depends on many factors, such as work experience and transferable skills, business needs and impact, and market demands.
About Us:
Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Hardware Engineering team, focused on the design, integration, and testing of electrical systems for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and other unmanned platforms.
You will play a critical role in delivering mission-ready airborne systems, owning key electrical subsystems from concept through flight testing and deployment in demanding operational environments.
Electrical System Design & Architecture
Design and integrate electrical subsystems including power distribution, power conversion, energy storage, RF/comms, flight computers, sensors, and signal distribution
Develop system-level electrical architectures (power trees, grounding strategies, data buses, redundancy and failover systems)
Evaluate electrical loads, weight/power tradeoffs, and environmental constraints for airborne platforms
Conduct testing to validate RF performance, signal integrity, EMI/EMC, and communication link reliability
Wiring Harness & Integration
Produce schematics, harness drawings, connector selections, and interface definitions
Oversee harness fabrication with attention to weight optimization, vibration resistance, and flight reliability
Ensure proper routing, shielding, and strain relief for airborne environments
Build, Test & Troubleshooting
Lead subsystem bring-up, integration, and validation testing
Diagnose issues across power systems, EMI/EMC, comms links, avionics, and embedded electronics
Support flight testing and field operations, including hands-on debugging and rapid iteration
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with mechanical engineers on packaging, thermal management, and structural integration
Collaborate with software and systems teams to ensure robust interfaces across avionics and mission systems
Contribute to system-level design decisions balancing performance, weight, and reliability
Manufacturing & Documentation
Maintain schematics, ICDs, test reports, and configuration control documentation
Support design reviews and engineering change processes
Develop test procedures, build instructions, and QA processes for flight-ready hardware
Ensure designs are manufacturable, repeatable, and suitable for field deployment
Qualifications
7+ years of experience in electrical engineering (system design, integration, testing)
Strong background in power electronics and electrical subsystem integration
Experience with RF/comms systems (antennas, radios, GPS, telemetry links)
Ability to create and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and harness documentation
Hands-on experience with prototyping, test equipment, and troubleshooting
Strong understanding of EMI/EMC, grounding, and airborne system constraints
Experience integrating electrical systems into complex platforms (UAS, UAVs, or similar)
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret Security Clearance
Preferred
Direct experience with UAS/UAV platforms or aerospace systems
Familiarity with ECAD / harness tools (Altium, Zuken, SolidWorks Electrical, etc.)
Experience with SWaP (size, weight, and power) optimization
Knowledge of avionics integration, flight-critical systems, and redundancy design
Strong analytical and root cause analysis skills
Benefits:
100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
Equity Package
Work / Home Office Stipend
Global Entry
16 Week Paid Parental Leave
Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend
Our Values:
Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.
Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.
Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.
Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.
Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.
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Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.
HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Compensation Range: $150K - $175K