Description
****Statement to Applicants: This position is unable to accommodate sponsorship****
Central UAS Technologies, a vertical of Central Life Sciences, is dedicated to the creation of uncrewed aerial systems which have a direct positive impact on public health, quality of life and innovative technologies for the agricultural industry. Your meaningful work will help reduce the spread of vector-borne disease, as well as limit the amount of chemicals or emissions released into the environment (through rural and urban municipalities, agricultural applications, horticultural applications, and more!). You’ll accomplish this work from our assembly shop in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Our parent company is Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA); we offer an amazing educational assistance program in addition to great medical, dental, vision, which you will be eligible the first of the month following 30 days, plus free life and free disability insurance. Our 401k has a 3% match, and you are eligible day one. We also offer pet insurance and other voluntary benefits. Please see our website at www.central.com for additional company information.
The Electrical Engineer (R&D) supports the design, integration, and validation of power systems, avionics, and payload electronics for current and next-generation UAS platforms. This role operates under R&D engineering leadership, translating system requirements into robust electrical architectures that are manufacturable, testable, and serviceable
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Power and Avionics Architecture-
Contribute to the definition of power distribution, protection, and grounding strategies, ensuring that UAS systems meet performance, safety, and EMC requirements
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Work with Sr. Staff Electrical and Integration Engineers to select components and define interfaces that support both prototype and production needs
Schematic and PCB-Level Support-
Help develop and review schematics, layout constraints, and design rules for boards used in UAS platforms in collaboration with senior staff and PCB vendors
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Support design-for-manufacturability considerations and verify that documentation packages support reliable fabrication and assembly
Integration and Test Support-
Support hardware bring-up, bench testing, and system-level integration activities
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Participate in test plan execution, data review, and iterative tuning of electrical subsystems to ensure that designs are robust under expected operating conditions
Manufacturing and Quality Interface-
Work with Manufacturing and Quality teams to clarify design intent, resolve production issues, and refine test strategies for electrical assemblies
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Help evaluate field or production failures from an electrical standpoint and feed lessons learned back into new designs.
Documentation and Configuration Alignment
- Maintain accurate and current design documentation, including schematics, BoMs, and interface control documents
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Coordinate with documentation and quality staff to ensure that released electrical designs and changes are controlled, traceable, and communicated clearly to downstream users
QUALIFICATIONS-
Familiarity with UAS electrical systems, avionics, wiring, and power distribution
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Experience with schematic review, PCB support, and electrical integration
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Understanding of hardware bring-up, bench testing, and system validation
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Ability to read and work from schematics, interface definitions, and controlled documentation
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Strong collaboration skills with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Flight Operations teams
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Familiarity with ArduPilot firmware and GCS software such as Mission Planner or QGroundControl preferred
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CAD or other solid-modeling experience preferred
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Aircraft integration, maintenance, or RC aircraft experience preferred
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION-
BS/BA in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, UAS, or a related technical field
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2+ years of professional, related experience
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Experience supporting electrical integration, prototype builds, or system validation
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Ability to read and understand schematics and technical drawings
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Experience with hardware bring-up, test setups, or field troubleshooting
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Familiarity with electrical assembly practices (soldering, wiring, harnessing) in a prototype or production environment
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Valid driver’s license required
WORKING CONDITIONS
Based in a UAS assembly and engineering environment in Daytona Beach, Florida
Frequent use of computers, test equipment, and electrical tools (e.g., soldering equipment)
Work may involve standing, sitting, walking, climbing, reaching, and occasional work on uneven or grassy terrain
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs on a frequent basis
Occasional travel required for test support, field validation, or troubleshooting
POSITION INFORMATION-
This position pays $23 - $25 per hour depending on experience
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
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Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Free Life and Disability Insurance
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Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
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401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
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Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
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Employee Assistance Program
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Access to thousands of free online courses
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Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
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Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
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Referral Program with cash bonus
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Access to on-demand pay
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Paid parental leave
****Statement to Applicants: This position is unable to accommodate sponsorship****
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.