About this role

ABOUT THE ROLE A fast-moving, venture-backed robotics startup in Austin, TX is looking for a hands-on Electrical Engineer to design and build the electrical backbone of next-generation ground robots. These platforms are engineered for the most demanding real-world conditions — hazardous environments, extreme temperatures, complex terrain — serving professionals in emergency response, industrial operations, and defense.

You'll be a core member of a small, high-caliber team (with roots at NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Southwest Research Institute), working across analog/digital circuits, power distribution, sensor integration, and harnessing to deliver field-ready systems. This is a deeply hands-on, full-ownership role with direct impact on product direction. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Design analog and digital circuits including power regulation, signal conditioning, and sensor interfaces.

- Own the full PCB development lifecycle: schematic capture, layout, and bring-up. - Define and maintain wiring diagrams, harnessing, grounding, and EMI/EMC strategies for robotic systems. - Design and fabricate cable harnesses and enclosures optimized for field reliability. - Support sensor selection and integration across thermal, gas, visual, RF, and related modalities. - Run and interpret tests for thermal load, EMI, and ruggedness of robotic electrical systems.

- Run SPICE simulations for analog validation, noise analysis, and circuit stability. - Troubleshoot and debug system-level electrical issues across hardware, software, and mechanical interfaces. - Collaborate closely with mechanical and software engineers to ensure reliable system integration. - Contribute to design reviews and author documentation for key design decisions. - Help establish internal standards and test infrastructure for future product iterations.

- Engage directly with end users as needed to shape engineering direction for specific features. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Required: - 5+ years of hands-on electrical design experience for robotics or embedded systems (analog and digital circuits, power distribution, sensors). - Experience designing robot bus and wiring harness systems, including harness development and fabrication. - Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium, KiCad, or Eagle.

- Sensor integration experience across multiple modalities (thermal, gas, visual, RF, etc.) on robotics platforms. - Demonstrated ability to perform SPICE simulations for analog validation, noise analysis, and circuit stability. - Hands-on experience with thermal, EMI, and vibration testing and debugging in robotics hardware. - Ability to define EMI/EMC strategies and maintain rigorous grounding and harnessing standards.

- Strong cross-functional communication skills — comfortable working across hardware, software, and mechanical teams. Nice to Have: - Background in aerospace, defense, or industrial robotics hardware. - Experience with UGV or unmanned systems development. - Familiarity with hazardous-environment (EX-rated) or high-temperature electrical design requirements. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 USD annually, depending on experience.

- Visa sponsorship is available. - Opportunity for meaningful equity in an early-stage, venture-backed company. LOCATION This is a fully on-site role based in Austin, TX. Candidates must be able to work in-person to support hands-on hardware development and lab work.

Source listing: ashby_clera