About this role
What You'll Do
- System Design: Lead the architecture and design of complex electrical systems for hardware platforms, defining system-level requirements, interface specifications, and integration strategies.
- Rapid Hardware Prototyping: Design and build functional prototypes for hardware subsystems, iterating quickly based on test feedback and mission requirements.
- PCB Design: Create schematic and layouts for power distribution, sensor interfaces, payload controllers and communication modules using Altium.
- Board Bringup and Testing: Assemble, debug, and validate new PCBs; develop test procedures and fixtures to verify functionality and reliability under flight conditions.
- Documentation: Write technical documentation, prepare fabrication and assembly data for manufacturers.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Mechanical engineers, software engineers, research and manufacturing
What We're Looking For
- Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or significant demonstrated technical ability and professional experience (6+ years of industry work in a related electronics field)
- 4+ years of professional PCB design experience with Altium (or equivalent), including products developed with digital, mixed-signal, and analog front-end designs.
- Proven track record leading hardware designs from concept through manufacturing, including DFM/DFT and working directly with contract manufacturers.
- Deep experience with embedded platforms and microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, STM32, ESP32, RP2040).
- Experience with high-speed digital design, power integrity, signal integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical reviews
- Embedded programming experience (C++, C, Rust, or Python), including board bring-up, debugging, and low-level driver development for sensors, communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN), and real-time control loops.
What Will Set You Apart
- Experience designing PCBs and electrical systems capable of sustaining 10kW loads.
- Experience bringing UAV electrical systems from concept through flight test and production
- Experience designing power electronics, including BLDC motor controllers, ESCs, and battery management systems (BMS)
- Familiarity with flight controllers such as Pixhawk, ArduPilot, or custom autopilot hardware
- Hands-on experience with lithium polymer (LiPo), lithium-ion, and solid-state battery integration and safety
- Knowledge of RF systems, including datalinks, telemetry radios, SATCOM, and antenna integration
Supporting the people behind the mission
Making Earth more habitable is ambitious work. We want the people doing it to feel supported—in the work we share and the lives they’re building.
A stake in what we build. Meaningful stock options and the opportunity to help shape Rainmaker as an early member of the team.
Support for your health. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
An investment in your future. A 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term savings.
Time to recharge. Unlimited PTO for rest, exploration, and the people and pursuits that matter to you.
Time for a growing family. Paid parental leave for both parents to welcome a child and spend time together.
Lunch together. Daily lunch provided at our El Segundo headquarters—a chance to share a meal and connect with teammates.
Help making the move. Relocation assistance for eligible roles to support your transition to Rainmaker.