Avionics and Electrical Engineer

Job Title: Avionics and Electrical Engineer
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 3 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

About Us: Grid.aero is a VC-backed aviation startup tackling complex challenges in both defense and commercial markets. We are focused on solving real-world problems that will shape the future of the industry. Led by aerospace veterans and supported by leading venture firms, Grid is at the forefront of developing autonomous systems that will revolutionize how goods move through the skies.

Be part of a fast-growing, high-impact startup from day one. At Grid, your work will shape critical industries, driving innovation at the intersection of national security and global commerce.

Role Overview: We are seeking an Avionics and Electrical Engineer to be one of the first and most critical engineering hires  this role, you will lead the development of the aircraft avionics and electrical systems for our family of autonomous cargo aircraft. This is a chance to contribute from the ground up while working alongside experienced aerospace founders and some of the best minds in the space.

This is a ground-up opportunity to define how electrical power, signals, and data are generated, distributed, protected, installed, and maintained across the aircraft. You will work closely with a close team of hardware and software engineers to ensure a safe, certifiable, and scalable electrical system.

As an early hire, you will help establish technical standards, processes, and best practices that will scale with the company. You'll have full visibility into our mission, direct access to leadership, and the autonomy to drive impactful engineering decisions. If you're excited about building something world-changing and shaping an early-stage aerospace company, this role is for you.

• Scope:
  You will own the aircraft electrical system architecture, including power generation, storage, distribution, protection, grounding/bonding, wiring, and electrical integration of propulsion, avionics, flight controls, payloads, and other flight‑critical systems.
• Collaborate:
  You will work closely with systems, mechanical, structures, avionics, propulsion, software, manufacturing, and test teams to define interfaces, resolve multidisciplinary integration challenges, and deliver a cohesive aircraft design.
• Design:
  You will develop practical, reliable, and certifiable avionics and electrical systems designs using first‑principles and analytical methods, including electrical load analysis, fault analysis, redundancy, EMI/EMC considerations, and wiring/harness architecture.
• Build:
  You will specify, source, procure, and support fabrication, installation, and integration of avionics and electrical components on the aircraft.
• Test:
  You will define, execute, troubleshoot, and document electrical ground tests (hardware‑in‑loop simulation etc.), power‑on tests, fault‑injection tests, and support flight test activities to validate system performance and safety.
• Document and Communicate:
  You will create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, harness drawings, ICDs, technical reports, and present designs and trade studies at internal design reviews.
• Support:
  You will support avionics and electrical systems through production and into flight test to ensure the aircraft remains operationally available and continuously provides valuable mechanical engineering data.
• Improve:
  You will establish, maintain, and evolve avionics and electrical engineering standards, processes, and best practices across the full product lifecycle.

• Mission‑Driven:
  You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
• Innovator:
  You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting‑edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Builder:
  You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early‑stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
• Collaborative:
  You work well with diverse, cross‑functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,…