Electrical Engineer - Industrial and Cinematic Drone Systems

Company Overview

Freefly Systems, based in Woodinville, WA, has specialized for over ten years in creating the most efficient professional drone ecosystem on the market. Growing swiftly from a startup in a garage to a leader powering major film and TV productions, the company has expanded its focus from cinema to industrial applications, setting high standards in durable industrial drones. The Engineering team is now seeking a dedicated Electrical Engineer to help innovate the future of drone technology.

Role Summary

You will be actively involved in designing and developing next-generation industrial and cinematic drone products within a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. This hands-on position demands proficiency with complex electromechanical systems, strong problem-solving abilities, and a deep enthusiasm for hardware innovation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete electrical system design process for subsystems or entire product lines, from initial concept through to production stages.
• Define requirements and create test plans to ensure proper integration of peripherals and input/output interfaces within products.
• Develop wiring schematics and architect products involving multiple circuit boards and wiring harnesses.
• Design, build, and test electrical subsystems at both board and product levels.
• Conduct simulations, testing, and analyses to guarantee product reliability and performance aligned with company standards.
• Manage concurrent projects across various products at different stages while adhering to timelines and milestones.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to support product development.
• Mentor junior engineers and share technical knowledge regularly.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience designing, building, and delivering electrical architectures for intricate systems involving multiple circuit boards and wiring harnesses.
• Expertise in schematic capture and PCB layout design using relevant software tools.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and execute comprehensive test plans at multiple system levels.
• Experience designing power distribution networks ranging from high currents (over 100 Amps) to very low currents (microamp range).
• Strong understanding of serial digital communication protocols such as UART, I2C, and SPI.
• Hands-on proficiency with lab test equipment including oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Comfortable managing product development from concept through shipping within a 3 to 6-month window.
• Self-sufficient in diagnosing prototype issues, implementing design updates, and documenting solutions and validations.
• Passionate about continuous learning and problem solving from fundamental principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Capable of effectively coordinating multidisciplinary teams to meet schedules and complete tasks.
• Good intuitive judgment and the ability to act decisively in rapid development environments.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Proficiency with Altium PCB design software.
• Knowledge of radio frequency applications including integration, troubleshooting, and testing of wireless devices like radios and GPS modules.
• Experience with communication systems such as serial and Ethernet modems, Wi-Fi, etc.
• Expertise in high-speed data transfer protocols including USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and MIPI.
• Background in developing high-reliability or safety-critical electrical systems featuring fault-tolerant design.
• Software development or debugging experience with ARM Cortex M3/M4/M7 microcontrollers.
• Understanding of real-time digital control loop tuning techniques.
• Experience with designing or diagnosing DC-DC converters and three-phase motor controllers.
• Familiarity with image sensors and processing technologies is a plus.
• Comfortable using Git or similar version control tools.
• Knowledge of design strategies to reduce electromagnetic emissions and improve resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from $120,000 to $165,000, commensurate with experience.
• Access to profit-sharing plans and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) benefits.

Additional Information

Freefly Systems highly values a learning-oriented mindset over fixed experience criteria; candidates passionate about joining are encouraged to apply even if they do not match every preferred qualification.

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to submit their resume, portfolio, answers to specific questions, and a cover letter explaining their suitability for the role.