Associate Avionics/Embedded Engineer

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $97,000 to $115,000 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 Associate Avionics/Firmware Engineer supports the development, integration, and testing of embedded software and avionics hardware used in UAS platforms. This role focuses on learning and applying fundamentals of embedded programming, sensor integration, electronics troubleshooting, and flight-critical firmware development. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, the Associate Engineer contributes to firmware development, board bring-up efforts, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and documentation to ensure reliable and safe operation of aircraft systems.
This is a hands-on position ideal for engineers who enjoy embedded development, debugging hardware, working with microcontrollers, and supporting system integration activities across electrical, software, and mechanical teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
Develop and modify embedded firmware for sensors, avionics boards, and microcontroller-based systems under close supervision.
Assist in hardware bring-up activities, including programming, debugging, and verifying new PCB designs.
Support integration and testing of avionics components such as power modules, GPS, radios, flight-control interfaces, and onboard computers.
Help maintain firmware documentation, configuration management, and version control (Git).
Participate in bench-level testing, HIL testing, and basic flight-support activities.
Conduct structured troubleshooting using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and test fixtures.
Assist in writing test procedures, validating system functionality, and recording results for engineering reviews.
Collaborate with electrical, GNC, and software teams to ensure seamless integration between firmware and system architecture.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science (with embedded focus), or related field.
0–2 years of experience in firmware or embedded systems development (internship or academic project experience acceptable).
Exposure to embedded systems, microcontrollers, or avionics concepts.
Basic proficiency in C/C++ for microcontroller or embedded development.
Familiarity with microcontrollers (ARM, STM32, Atmel, ESP32, or similar).