Propulsion Engineer (UAV)

TL;DR

Propulsion Engineer (UAV): Development, optimization, and testing of high-performance brushless motor systems that drive UAV functionality with an accent on ESC design, current/voltage regulation, and propeller-motor integration. Focus on enhancing flight stability, energy efficiency, and system reliability through system integration, performance tuning, and failure analysis.

Location: SLC, UT 84115 (onsite). U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence required (ITAR/EAR restrictions, no sponsorship). Background check and E-Verify required.

Company

hirify.global (Teal Drones) builds advanced UAV propulsion systems.

What you will do

• Develop motor control systems: select and validate motor drivers, MOSFETs, current sensors, and gate drivers for high-efficiency operation.
• Design and test ESCs for drone propulsion, focusing on thermal performance, switching optimization, EMI reduction, and compact PCB layouts.
• Integrate motors and controllers into UAV platforms, tune PID parameters, and analyze power draw, efficiency, and torque-speed characteristics.
• Conduct bench and flight tests using oscilloscopes, probes, and loggers to measure thrust, RPM, current, and heat; perform failure analysis.
• Collaborate with mechanical, flight control, and embedded teams on propeller design, vibration mitigation, safety features, and control compatibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• 4+ years in BLDC motor control design and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of FOC, PWM generation, sensorless/sensored feedback.
• Experience with STM32, TI or similar MCUs; power electronics design and debugging tools (oscilloscope, logic analyzer).
• Familiarity with UAV systems or robotics platforms.
• Hands-on lab testing, prototyping, outdoor flight testing.

Nice to have

• High-frequency switching and thermal design in compact UAV ESCs.
• Drone-specific motor testing, thrust stands, performance tuning.
• Simulation with MATLAB/Simulink or PLECS for motor dynamics.
• EMI/EMC design practices and compliance testing.

Culture & Benefits

• Team-based agile engineering environment.
• Salary plus equity package and potential bonuses.
• Hands-on prototyping and iterative hardware development.