Title: Electronic Board Designer Engineer

Location: Lenexa, KS (onsite with wfh flexibility)

GuideTech, a subsidiary of Palladyne AI, builds high-performance avionics and autonomy software for aerospace, space, and defense systems. We support a wide array of vehicles, from small multi-rotors, heavy lift UAVs, unmanned fighter jets, launch vehicles, spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, missiles and counter-UAS interceptors.

Our BRAIN flight computer pairs an NVIDIA Jetson Orin autonomy module with a Zynq-7000 real-time module for flight-critical Guidance/Navigation/Control, sensors, and I/O. Interfaces include RS-422/485, USB 3.0, HDMI, GigE, PWM/DSHOT, RS422, SPI, I2C, CAN, MIPI, PCIe, and more, with a hardware safety watchdog and triple-redundant IMUs.

We outsource PCB fabrication and SMT assembly, and perform in-house inspection, bring-up, test, and final assembly of our board stack—so you’ll see designs through to working hardware. We also leverage hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) flight simulation with our FLEX software and simulation to accelerate integration & test.

Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN) is an AI software company on a mission to automate physically demanding work that has historically been “too complex to automate.” With more than thirty years of robotics R&D — including during our time under Raytheon — we’ve developed advanced AI and ML software that enables robots to observe, learn, reason, and act with human-like intelligence.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with our current electronic board designer on BRAIN updates, upgrades, automated test station, and manufacturing. You’ll also have the opportunity to be the primary on new board designs in our pipeline:

· Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs)

· Gimbal controllers

· UAV Power Distribution Boards (PDBs)

· New AI/computer-vision boards using additional processor modules/chips beyond Jetson

Over time, you’ll lead these new designs from concept through release & manufacturing.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

CCA Design & FPGA (BRAIN + new boards)

· Design and release complex CCAs: schematics, constraints, stack-ups, and layout guidance; lead reviews, DFM/DFT, and controlled releases.

· Own FPGA development (Zynq-7000) with a strong VHDL focus:

o Architect and implement synthesizable RTL for control, sensor interfaces, and high-speed data paths

o Perform IP integration, XDC constraints, and timing closure

o Build deterministic, low-latency I/O pipelines for real-time systems

o Debug via simulation, ILA, and lab instrumentation

· Support board bring-up and debugging across high-speed and mixed-signal I/O.

· Drive FPGA-first system design, tightly coupling RTL, hardware, and embedded software.

· Lead end-to-end CCA development (concept ? production) for ESCs, gimbal controllers, power distribution, and AI/CV boards, including FPGA-based data and control pipelines.

CCA Production & Quality

· Own transition from prototype to volume production for CCAs:

o Create complete fab/assembly packages (drawings, stack-ups, impedance, test requirements)

o Enforce DFM/DFT for yield and repeatability

o Work directly with PCB fabs and CMs to resolve manufacturability issues

· Define and execute production test (ATP/QTP, boundary-scan, functional test, fixtures).

· Lead yield improvement and root-cause analysis across fab, assembly, and field returns.

· Manage ECNs/PCNs and revision control through the lifecycle.

ABOUT YOU

FPGA / VHDL

· Strong hands-on VHDL for production RTL (timing closure, CDC, reset strategy).

· Experience with FPGA SoCs (e.g., Zynq), Vivado, simulation, and on-chip debug.

CCA / PCB Production

· Proven experience taking CCAs from design through volume production.

· Deep DFM/DFT expertise for multilayer, high-speed, mixed-signal boards.

· Strong experience with fab/assembly documentation and working with PCB fabs and CMs.

· Familiarity with production test, failure analysis, and yield improvement.

Board-Level & Lab Skills

· High-speed interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN, USB, MIPI, DDR) and power design.

· Strong bring-up, debug, and signal analysis skills.

Nice to Have

· Power electronics, motor control, camera systems, HIL/test automation.

· Advanced FPGA (high-speed I/O, DSP pipelines).

· IPC/avionics standards experience.

OUR EMPLOYEE DNA (HOW WE WORK)

• We take ownership and follow through on commitments
• We communicate directly, respectfully, and with transparency
• We prioritize effectively and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• We collaborate across teams and support one another to get results

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

We offer competitive pay and good benefits. Beyond that, people here are motivated by the work itself and the team around them. We focus on building an environment where you can do work that matters and see the impact of it.

CULTURE (WHY IT MATTERS)

Our culture is grounded in trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to meaningful work. As a government contractor, we support missions that impact national security, public safety, and critical technologies—work that demands accountability, professionalism, and high ethical standards.

We believe exceptional results come from empowered teams. We foster a collaborative environment where expertise is valued, diverse perspectives are respected, and individuals are trusted to take ownership and make an impact.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & CLEARANCE

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

BENEFITS

GuideTech offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, and additional employee programs designed to support your overall well-being.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is based onsite in Lenexa, Kansas and may involve working in both an office and light production environment. Responsibilities may include occasional standing, lifting, and handling of equipment or materials.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

THE FINE PRINT

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted

GuideTech is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.