Location: Tucson, AZ (onsite with hybrid flexibility). Relocation assistance available.

GuideTech, a subsidiary of Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN), 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 culture is grounded in trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to meaningful work.

Our BRAIN flight computer pairs an NVIDIA Jetson Orin autonomy module with a Zynq-7000 real-time module for flight-critical Guidance, Navigation, Control, as well as 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.

About the role:

GuideTech is seeking a Board Designer to work closely with our current electronic board designer on BRAIN updates, upgrades, automated test station, and manufacturing. You’ll also have the opportunity to be the lead on new board designs in our pipeline, including:

• 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

Hardware / PCB Design

• Design and develop complex multilayer PCBAs/CCAs for next-generation UAV and AI platforms.
• Design and release complex embedded hardware systems, including schematics, constraints, stack-ups, layout guidance, design reviews, DFM/DFT, and controlled releases.
• Work with FPGA-based systems (e.g., Zynq/Vivado), including hardware integration, timing constraints, debugging, and system validation.
• Support board bring-up, debugging, and signal analysis across high-speed and mixed-signal systems using lab instrumentation and simulation tools.
• Collaborate closely across hardware, FPGA, and embedded software teams to develop reliable real-time systems.
• Lead end-to-end hardware development from concept through production for ESCs, gimbal controllers, power distribution, and AI/computer-vision boards.

Production & Manufacturing

• Own transition from prototype to volume production for complex PCBAs/CCAs, including fab/assembly documentation, impedance requirements, and production test strategy.
• Apply DFM/DFT best practices to improve manufacturability, yield, reliability, and repeatability.
• Work directly with PCB fabs and contract manufacturers to support production, quality, and manufacturability efforts.
• Develop and support production test methodologies, including functional test, fixtures, and failure analysis.
• Lead yield improvement and root-cause analysis across fab, assembly, and field returns.
• Manage ECNs/PCNs and hardware revision control throughout the product lifecycle.

Compensation Philosophy

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

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.?

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.?

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.?

Hardware & Production Experience

• Proven experience designing and releasing complex multilayer PCBAs/CCAs into volume production.
• Strong experience with high-speed, mixed-signal, and embedded hardware systems.
• Deep understanding of DFM/DFT, manufacturing processes, and production test strategies.
• Experience working directly with PCB fabs, contract manufacturers, and fab/assembly documentation.
• Familiarity with failure analysis, root-cause investigation, and yield improvement.

FPGA & Embedded Systems

• Experience with FPGA SoCs (e.g., Zynq), Vivado, hardware integration, simulation, and on-chip debug.
• RTL/VHDL experience is a plus.

Board-Level & Lab Skills

• Experience with high-speed interfaces such as SPI, I2C, CAN, USB, MIPI, or DDR.
• Strong bring-up, debugging, signal analysis, and lab instrumentation skills.
• Familiarity with power design and embedded system integration.

Nice to Have

• Power electronics, motor control, or camera systems experience.
• HIL/test automation experience.
• UAV, robotics, aerospace, or avionics experience.

IPC or avionics standards experience