Senior Electrical Engineer, Ground Systems

Zipline is seeking a senior-level electrical engineer to lead the design and development of high-reliability embedded systems for drone charging and docking infrastructure. The role involves owning the electrical design of dock sensing and control architecture from concept to production, shaping next-generation product architecture, and collaborating cross-functionally with reliability, mechanical, embedded, and systems engineers. This hands-on role focuses on power distribution, power conversion, battery charging, and system-level integration to support Zipline's global autonomous logistics system.

Responsibilities

• Own the electrical design of Zipline’s dock sensing and control architecture for volume production through a full design cycle including requirements, prototype, schematic capture, layout, and validation.
• Shape the architecture of Zipline’s next generation product, making impactful design decisions daily, while working with a high level of independence.
• Lead trade studies, understand competing design priorities, and provide direction and clarity for burning down risk.
• Proactively seek out opportunities for improvement in system and component level design.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with reliability, mechanical, embedded, and systems engineers in all stages of development, including:
• Concept: System requirement, specification, tradeoff
• Design: Schematic capture, PCB layout, system integration
• Validation: Function and reliability test
• Production: DFM, design drawings, manufacturing, EOL test, certification
• Deployment: Troubleshoot field issues, develop rapid mitigations, roll learnings into future design revision
• Travel occasionally to support supplier and manufacturer visit, product deployment, and field validation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing embedded electronics hardware (microcontrollers, sensors, communication networks, etc.)
• Past success developing electronics for critical systems in fields such as energy, transportation, or medical devices.
• Design experience with mixed-signal PCB, high-speed digital PCB, microprocessor, ethernet, power electronics, and motor drive.
• Design experience with MCU and digital communications (Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART)
• Proficiency in schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation tools (Altium, SPICE, etc.)
• Familiarity with UL, IEC, and other electrical safety standards
• Strong lab skills and familiarity with test equipment like oscilloscope, digital multimeter, power analyzer, LCR meter, function generator, spectrum analyzer, etc.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Benefits

• The starting cash range for this role is $185,000 - $245,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.