Senior Electrical Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead the redesign and optimization of our audio amplifier systems for business and private jet in-flight entertainment. This role will drive critical R&D initiatives focusing on Class D amplifier architecture, power supply design, and DO-160 certified avionics systems.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Amplifier Design & Development

•    Redesign and optimize Class D audio amplifiers (AC and DC variants) for aviation cabin entertainment systems

•    Resolve power supply issues and implement high-efficiency DC-DC converter solutions (>98% efficiency)

•    Design multiphase power supplies capable of delivering up to 200W+ without heatsinking

•    Develop filter topologies for Class D amplifiers meeting aviation EMI/EMC requirements

•    Create Public Address (PA) amplifier systems for business aircraft

R&D Leadership

•    Lead product development from concept through production for aviation audio/entertainment systems

•    Own the complete development cycle: prototyping, proof-of-concept, schematic creation, PCB layout coordination, bring-up, debugging, and validation

•    Collaborate with certification teams to ensure DO-160 compliance (Lightning, Switching Surge, EMI, ESD)

•    Drive innovation in high-efficiency power electronics and audio amplification 

PCB Design & Systems Integration

•    Design complex PCBs including HDI layouts with high-speed interfaces (Ethernet, USB)

•    Implement protection circuits: Linear/Switching Surge Stoppers, TVS, TBU, GDT

•    Design control systems, embedded interfaces, and communication buses (Ethernet, CAN, RS422/485, I2C, SPI)

Testing & Validation

•    Perform circuit simulation using SPICE or equivalent tools

•    Conduct hardware validation and production testing

•    Debug and optimize analog/digital mixed-signal designs

•    Work proficiently with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, VNAs

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

•    Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or Electronics Engineering (required)

•    Master’s degree preferred

Core Technical Skills

•    5+ years of analog electronics design experience, specifically:

◦    Audio amplifiers (Class D preferred)

◦    High-efficiency DC-DC converters (buck, boost, buck-boost)

◦    Power supply design (multi-phase, high-power)

•    Expert-level proficiency in Altium Designer or equivalent professional PCB CAD tools

•    Expert-level proficiency in circuit simulation tools (LTSpice, PSpice)

•    Strong understanding of audio CODECs and DSPs, EMI/EMC design, and protection/surge suppression circuitry

Aviation Electronics Experience

•    DO-160 environmental qualification experience (Lightning, Switching Surge, EMI, ESD)

•    Understanding of avionics certification processes

•    Experience with TSO-certified products preferred

PCB Design Expertise

•    HDI PCB design: high-speed routing, impedance control, length matching

•    Advanced via techniques: microVias, buried vias, blind vias

•    Mixed-signal layout: proper grounding, power distribution, noise isolation

•    Multilayer stackup design for signal integrity

Additional Technical Capabilities

•    Programming: C/C++ for embedded systems

•    Microcontroller experience: ARM Cortex-M series

•    Communication protocols: Ethernet, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, RS422/485

•    RTOS familiarity: FreeRTOS, TI-RTOS, or similar

•    Embedded Linux exposure is a plus

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Experience with FET power designs

•    Background in audio electronics for professional or consumer applications

•    Experience with audio DSP and filter design

•    Familiarity with Bluetooth audio systems (BLE, I2S, TDM)

•    Knowledge of Sigma Studio or Vivado design tools

•    FPGA experience (Xilinx/Altera)

•    Previous work in aerospace, defense, or safety-critical industries

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

•    Self-motivated with a demonstrated passion for electronics (personal projects valued)

•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

•    Excellent debugging capabilities and attention to detail

•    Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives

•    Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

WHAT WE OFFER

•    Leadership role in R&D and design engineering department initiatives

•    Opportunity to work on premium audio systems for elite business aircraft

•    Cutting-edge technology in high-efficiency power electronics

•    Collaborative environment with an experienced engineering team

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE

•    Impact at scale: Your team’s work will ship on aircraft platforms across business and commercial aviation, shaping the in-flight experience for passengers around the world.

•    End-to-end ownership: HUT designs, integrates, and supports its products. You’ll have line of sight from concept to cabin to in-service performance.

•    Growth environment: As part of a growing group with recent acquisitions, you’ll help build the playbook for how we scale engineering across sites and product lines.

If you’re excited to lead a high-impact engineering team, shape how we build products, and help define the future of in-flight experiences, we’d like to talk.

PERKS AND BENEFITS

•    A competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

•    Opportunities to plan with our 401(k) program

•    Paid Time Off — take the well-deserved time off you need

•    Life Insurance — enjoy the peace of mind that comes with life insurance coverage

•    Health and wellness benefits including Health Savings Account (HSA) option

•    Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company

•    Positive and inclusive work culture with a laid-back environment that promotes healthy work-life balance

WHY US?

 At Heads Up Technologies, you have the opportunity and support to reach for the sky — collaborating internally and with partners to deliver artistry in engineering.

Every position in our company has its unique responsibilities, but they all require the same traits: motivated, self-starter, creative, enthusiastic, and dependable. A team player who has respect for the opinions and input of others. Performance- and process-driven. Someone who gives 110% at work but still seeks balance by making time with family and hobbies a priority.

Did this post spark something in you? If so, we’re looking forward to reviewing your resume!