Senior Electrical Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of complex electrical systems for hardware platforms, defining system-level requirements, interface specifications, and integration strategies.
• Design and build functional prototypes for hardware subsystems, iterating quickly based on test feedback and mission requirements.
• Create schematic and layouts for power distribution, sensor interfaces, payload controllers and communication modules using Altium.
• Assemble, debug, and validate new PCBs; develop test procedures and fixtures to verify functionality and reliability under flight conditions.
• Write technical documentation, prepare fabrication and assembly data for manufacturers.

Requirements

• Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or significant demonstrated technical ability and professional experience (6+ years of industry work in a related electronics field)

Collaborate with cross-functional teams

Mechanical engineers, software engineers, research and manufacturing

What We're Looking For

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.