Senior - Principal Electrical Engineer - Autonomous Systems

At WingXpand®

Locations:

Chicago (Schaumburg), IL

‍Type:

Full-time

About WingXpand

WingXpand is Expanding What’s Possible™ with Autonomous Systems, building long-endurance, backpackable smart plane drones and robotics systems that support defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. Our platforms operate across air, ground, and maritime domains, integrating autonomy, AI-powered sensing, edge computing, and networked systems to deliver real-world intelligence and threat detection. We design, build, and deploy complete systems — hardware, software, and data — and we move fast. As WingXpand scales, we are seeking high performers to grow with our team.

Position Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Electrical Engineer with a proven track record in hands-on embedded product development. This is a unique opportunity to make an immediate impact by leading multiple concurrent development efforts. Beyond execution, we envision this individual growing into a Director of Hardware, building and mentoring our future hardware teams as WingXpand scales. This is a highly hands-on role where you'll be involved in all aspects of the development lifecycle. One day you might be elbow deep in the a drone performing hardware upgrades and repairs, and the next you'll be architecting innovative computer vision subsystems. If you're a versatile engineer who thrives on challenges and is ready to lead, we want to hear from you. (Bonus Points): Experience with autonomous systems, flying drones, computer vision, and machine learning subsystems will be highly regarded.

Key Responsibilities:

  • End-to-End Hardware Design: Lead and execute all phases of new hardware development, including component selection, cost of goods (COGs) budgeting, PCB layout, assembly, new board bring-up, and authoring core drivers and firmware.
  • Battery Management Expertise: Design, implement, and support robust battery management systems for a range of power requirements (from milliamp to 100+ Amp systems).
  • Embedded Communications Mastery: Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in modern embedded communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, and CAN.
  • Full Development Lifecycle Leadership: Take ownership of greenfield designs from initial requirements gathering and customer interaction through to final verification and validation.
  • Microcontroller Proficiency: Possess expert-level experience working with microcontrollers, with familiarity with the STM32 family being a significant advantage.
  • Embedded Networking (Desirable): Experience with modern embedded mesh network technologies and chips.
  • Language Agility: Be comfortable working with a variety of programming languages, including C, C++, and Python, on a regular basis.
  • Hands-on Execution: Be prepared to actively participate in the building and testing of embedded hardware and software on a daily basis.

Qualifications:

  • Required Experience: 10+ years of proven and substantial experience as a Principal-level Electrical Engineer with a strong and demonstrable history of successful hands-on embedded product development.
  • Essential Leadership Capabilities: Demonstrated ability to independently lead technical projects from inception to completion and effectively guide junior engineers.
  • Critical Problem-Solving Skills: Possess exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities to tackle complex engineering challenges.
  • Fundamental Communication Skills: Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within the team and with stakeholders.
  • Core Work Ethic: A proactive, results-oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability is essential.
  • Educational Foundation: Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering

Additional qualifications:

  • Part 107 certification or experience flying drones is plus—we love engineers who also fly!
  • Proficiency in hardware design tools (Altium, OrCAD, KiCad) and simulation tools (SPICE, MATLAB, etc.).
  • Proven track record in designing electrical systems from prototypes, low-rate to high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Hands-on experience with assembly techniques, soldering, and prototype development.
  • Strong communication skills, capable of leading projects and collaborating with teams across disciplines.

What Else You Need to Know

To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations, applicant must be a 'U.S. Person' (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).

If you are a self-motivated, results-driven individual with a passion for innovation and technology, we want to hear from you!

Apply with your resume and optional cover letter (CV), including the types of engineering or technical roles you have hired.

Apply Now