Parra Consulting Group (PCG) is hiring an Electrical Engineer – Unmanned Systems to drive the design, integration, and advancement of embedded hardware and UAS technologies supporting critical defense missions. This position works hands-on with microcontrollers, SoMs, RF systems, and UxS platforms, collaborating with cross-discipline engineering teams to evaluate emerging technologies and contribute to mission-focused prototypes and operational systems for small UAS platforms and related ground software.
This is a full-time position requiring an active Secret clearance to start and up to 25% CONUS travel.
This successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Design custom embedded hardware using microcontrollers, SoMs, or FPGAs.
- Reverse-engineer circuit boards and embedded systems.
- Set up and work with basic embedded Linux environments.
- Evaluate and integrate new technologies into embedded platforms.
- Collaborate with cross-discipline engineering teams.
- Develop and integrate capabilities into small UAS/drone platforms and ground software.
- Capture and analyze RF signals using SDR tools.
- Document designs and communicate results clearly in writing and presentations.
Required Qualifications
- Active Secret clearance.
- BS in Electrical, Computer, or a related engineering discipline (ABET-accredited).
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
Required Experience
- Strong circuit troubleshooting skills using scopes, analyzers, and meters.
- Solid understanding of UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, and control systems basics (e.g., PID).
- Programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust for custom firmware and tooling.
- Proven teamwork, technical communication, and ability to work independently.
- Ability to prioritize and support multiple projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- TS/SCI clearance.
- Hands-on embedded system design with ARM SoMs and microcontrollers.
- PCB design experience (KiCAD preferred), including library management; additional EDA tools such as Altium.
- Experience reverse-engineering hardware, firmware, or protocols.
- Docker use for build and deployment workflows.
- Knowledge of cryptography, secure boot, and Linux/U-Boot signing.
- Cybersecurity and networking background; familiarity with Ghidra/Binary Ninja.
- RF/SDR experience (USRP, HackRF; modulation and signal processing).
- Experience with additional protocols (Ethernet, USB, RS-485, wireless), custom protocol analyzers, and bus sniffers.
- UAS/drone experience: PX4/ArduPilot/Betaflight, MAVLink, and flight dynamics.
- PID tuning, control loops, and autonomous flight/terminal guidance.
- Familiarity with RC/telemetry/video links (SBUS, PPM, CRSF, etc.).
- Experience with JTAG/SWD, motor control, ESCs, PWM, and sensors (IMU, GPS, etc.).
- Understanding of battery management, power distribution, and load analysis for mobile systems.