Electrical Engineer - Unmanned System

Parra Consulting Group (PCG) is hiring an Electrical Engineer - Unmanned Systems to drive the design, integration, and advancement of embedded hardware and UAS technologies supporting critical defense missions. This position works hands-on with microcontrollers, SoMs, RF systems, and UxS platforms, collaborating with cross-discipline engineering teams to evaluate emerging technologies and contribute to mission-focused prototypes and operational systems for small UAS platforms and related ground software.

This is a full-time position requiring an active Secret clearance to start and up to 25% CONUS travel.

This successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Design custom embedded hardware using microcontrollers, SoMs, or FPGAs. Reverse-engineer circuit boards and embedded systems. Set up and work with basic embedded Linux environments. Evaluate and integrate new technologies into embedded platforms. Collaborate with cross-discipline engineering teams. Develop and integrate capabilities into small UAS/drone platforms and ground software. Capture and analyze RF signals using SDR tools. Document designs and communicate results clearly in writing and presentations.

Required Qualifications

Active Secret clearance. BS in Electrical, Computer, or a related engineering discipline (ABET-accredited). Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.

Required Experience

Strong circuit troubleshooting skills using scopes, analyzers, and meters. Solid understanding of UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, and control systems basics (e.g., PID). Programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust for custom firmware and tooling. Proven teamwork, technical communication, and ability to work independently. Ability to prioritize and support multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

TS/SCI clearance. Hands-on embedded system design with ARM SoMs and microcontrollers. PCB design experience (KiCAD preferred), including library management; additional EDA tools such as Altium. Experience reverse-engineering hardware, firmware, or protocols. Docker use for build and deployment workflows. Knowledge of cryptography, secure boot, and Linux/U-Boot signing. Cybersecurity and networking background; familiarity with Ghidra/Binary Ninja. RF/SDR experience (USRP, HackRF; modulation and signal processing). Experience with additional protocols (Ethernet, USB, RS-485, wireless), custom protocol analyzers, and bus sniffers. UAS/drone experience: PX4/ArduPilot/Betaflight, MAVLink, and flight dynamics. PID tuning, control loops, and autonomous flight/terminal guidance. Familiarity with RC/telemetry/video links (SBUS, PPM, CRSF, etc.). Experience with JTAG/SWD, motor control, ESCs, PWM, and sensors (IMU, GPS, etc.). Understanding of battery management, power distribution, and load analysis for mobile systems.