*Due to the nature of our work in defense, Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which usually requires US Citizenship.*
About Darkhive, LLC
Established in 2021, Darkhive builds hardware and software solutions designed to seamlessly integrate into the military defense system. We offer tactical uncrewed systems, human-machine interfaces, and software continuous delivery platforms.
Darkhive is a company of U.S. Special Operations veterans, engineers, robotics perception experts, DevSecOps, defense technology executives, and superb support staff—above all, we are a mission-first team. We believe that the U.S. and our allies around the world deserve high-quality, affordable tools that keep them safe when each second counts.
If you are a free-thinking problem solver who is looking for a highly collaborative and innovative environment, apply with Darkhive today!
Senior Electrical Engineer - Embedded Systems & Product Development
We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with deep experience in embedded systems and product development to join our fast paced, high accountability team. This role goes beyond circuit board design – you will drive the architecture, integration, and validation of complex electronics in high performance compute modules, communications systems, and robotics products. This role is critical to the design, development, and productization of compute modules, RF systems, camera systems, and BLDC motor controllers.
You must be a Type-A personality who thrives in fast-paced environments, is self-managed, documents rigorously, and drives designs through manufacturing. This is not just a circuit designer role; you will help lead the entire electrical product lifecycle, including reviews, simulations, integration, and support through production.
This role is flexible and can be hybrid, onsite in San Antonio, or remote, depending on the candidate's profile. Our team operates at startup speed and you will be expected to contribute meaningfully to hardware that ships to customers on aggressive timelines.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the electrical design of complex multi-layer HDI PCBs, compute modules, and custom edge AI platforms.
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Perform detailed power delivery network (PDN) analysis, transient analysis, and high-speed signal integrity simulation.
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Drive and manage design reviews (initial, intermediate, and final), documenting all design decisions and review outcomes in Confluence.
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Own the full product development lifecycle from schematic capture to production release.
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Select, validate, and integrate ICs, power systems, sensors, radios, and other components.
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Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers to ensure seamless integration into enclosures, thermals, shielding, and interconnects.
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Develop validation plans, bring-up guides, and work with firmware/software teams during prototype and EVT/DVT phases.
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Work within KiCad as the primary ECAD tool; Altium experience is helpful but not required.
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Maintain clean revision control, documentation, and BOMs across development and production.
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Author thorough documentation in Confluence: schematics, reviews, test plans, bring up notes, etc.
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Interface directly with suppliers and fabrication/assembly partners on production readiness.
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Drive validation and bring up of new hardware platforms, working closely with firmware and test teams.
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Proactively manage project scope, priorities, and deliverables with minimal oversight.
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Serve as the primary electrical point of contact for external manufacturers and suppliers, supporting hardware bring-up, first article builds, and sustaining engineering tasks.
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Develop per-unit electrical test plans and oversee the design and validation of custom test fixtures for production environments, ensuring repeatable and scalable test coverage.
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Support customers through hands-on electrical integration of our modules into their systems, including design reviews, bring-up assistance, and technical validation to ensure successful adoption of development kits into production designs.
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Travel: Willingness to travel periodically throughout the year to support key product milestones and collaboration efforts. Examples include visiting manufacturing partners for first article builds, production testing, and process improvements; traveling to design partners for technical alignment or strategy meetings; and attending select trade shows or industry events to support product demonstrations or team visibility.
Required Qualifications
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B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
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6+ years experience in electrical product development, including shipping real products.
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Expert in KiCad (mandatory), with working knowledge of Altium or similar tools.
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Demonstrated experience with HDI board design, controlled impedance, microvias, blind/buried vias.
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Experience with PoP (package on package), DDR memory routing, and high-speed interfaces (PCIe, USB 3, etc.).
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Strong skills in PDN, SI, and EMI analysis.
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Experience integrating PCBs into mechanical systems (e.g. stackups, grounding/shielding, mounting, thermal).
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Fluent in Confluence, Git, and structured engineering documentation practices.
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Proven track record of managing full product lifecycles from concept to production.
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Strong DFM/DFT understanding and supplier/CM collaboration.
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Proficiency in power systems design, regulators, battery management, and protection circuits.
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Proficiency with soldering irons, hot air rework, multimeters, power supplies, and other common lab equipment.
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Comfortable with fine-pitch rework, jumper wiring, and component replacement on dense PCB layouts.
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Ability to interpret schematics and translate debug results into actionable hardware changes.
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Familiarity with firmware bring up tools, test instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), and embedded Linux platforms.
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Hands-on experience collaborating with contract manufacturers or EMS partners through the entire product lifecycle, from prototyping to production ramp.
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Strong understanding of production test strategy, including fixture design, validation, and documentation for factory deployment.
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Proven experience working directly with customers or OEMs to support hardware or module integration, including reviewing schematics, layout, and test plans as part of the pre-sales and design-in process.
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Familiarity with product regulatory and compliance factors (FCC/CE/UL desirable).
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High ownership mentality – must be self managed, organized, and quality obsessed.
Preferred / Bonus Qualifications
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Experience working in a startup or fast-paced product company environment.
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Prior experience in RF system design, antenna tuning, or wireless regulatory compliance testing (FCC/ISED/CE).
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Familiarity with wireless communication modules including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 5G.
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Experience designing with high-power or high-current motor controllers (BLDC, ESCs).
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Hands-on experience with EMC/ESD mitigation techniques and compliance testing.
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Proficiency in Python or Bash for test automation or bring-up scripting.
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Experience in troubleshooting embedded Linux systems and navigating Linux terminals.
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Direct experience in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or robotics industry.
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U.S. Military Veteran experienced with tactical equipment from a user or developer perspective.
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An active security clearance.
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Prior experience in a fast-paced, Series A or Series B startup environment, specifically building hardware departments from the ground up.
Physical and/or Mental Requirements
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Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time.
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Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations.
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Ability to maintain awareness during business hours.
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Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
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Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language.
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Learns and memorizes routine tasks.
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Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position.
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Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position.
Selection Process:
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Hiring team reviews applications
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20-minute pre-screen with Darkhive recruiter
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30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager
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Take home project
- In-person or video interview with hiring team
Benefits Darkhive offers:
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Comprehensive medical plans
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100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums
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Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting
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Paid vacation and personal time off
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11 Paid holidays
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5 days of sick leave
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Stock options
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Welcoming and friendly work environment
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Respect of work-life balance
Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
