The posting
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
Pyka is looking for an Electrical Engineer to join our experienced and enthusiastic team of engineers. In this role, you will be responsible for system level and component level design and testing across a wide range of subsystems.
Below is a list of current hardware projects that you will contribute to. Your roles and responsibilities will vary significantly from one week to the next.
- Dual-computer flight computer with multiply redundant power distribution system for actuators and avionics
- High power density motor controller (30kW ~ 100kW)
- BMS/Contact controller for redundant battery system
- Air data board
- Electronics for spray systems
- Various PCBs to streamline testing of the above hardware
Candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments working with a small team will love this role.
Responsibilities
- Develop complex electrical subsystems involving FPGA, microprocessors, power, analog, and sensor integrations
- Complete the entire PCBA design cycle including architecture selection, component selection, schematic design, PCB layout, and working with manufacturers
- Test and validate subsystems to meet performance and reliability requirements
- Work with cross-functional teams (Mechanical Engineering, Software, and Flight Testing) on aircraft integration and system level testing
- Write design and testing documents
- We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience designing and testing microprocessor based circuitry and interfaces to various peripherals; experience with (low to medium speed) FPGA is a plus
- Experience designing power electronics systems such as DC-DC converters, BMSs, and motor controllers
- Experience designing safety critical systems, considering system redundancy as well as failure mode and effects analysis
- Familiarity with general schematic design and PCB layout tools such as Altium, OrCAD, Allegro, Eagle, KiCad, etc.
- Willingness to travel internationally for up to 10% of the time
- An inquisitive attitude with an ability to quickly and deftly research new topics and develop mastery of new subjects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate is not afraid to ask for clarification or give feedback
Compensation and Benefits
- The base compensation for this role is $108,000-$192,000 and will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.
- Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
- FSA with employer matching
- 401(k)
- Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
- Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
Export Control Requirements
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.
Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.
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We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.
