About this opportunity
Baird Consulting Group lists this Senior Electrical Engineer opportunity in panama city beach, Florida. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Reports To: Director Engineering - Subsea Robotics
Job Summary
Seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in undersea robotics who will own the end-to-end electrical architecture and execution of autonomous subsea systems, leading the design, prototyping, testing, and production of integrated hardware including power systems, embedded electronics, sensing, communications, and control interfaces. This role requires hands-on development from schematic through PCB layout, system integration, and field validation in harsh marine environments, while collaborating closely with mechanical, software, and operations teams to deliver reliable, mission-critical robotic platforms. The engineer drives requirements definition, component selection, vendor engagement, and lifecycle management, and is responsible for troubleshooting, FMEA, and continuous design iteration based on real-world performance. Success in this role demands strong multidisciplinary expertise, ownership mindset, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, resource-constrained settings where individuals contribute broadly, lead technical direction, and directly impact product outcomes.
Work Environment & Expectations
The position requires 90% on-site attendance with our robotics hardware team in Panama City Beach, FL but provides flexibility on occasional remote work.
This position will be most rewarding for an applicant who desires a mix between office and lab/field work.
The candidate is able to collaborate with the diverse engineering team to work towards a cohesive and group derived design.
They are also willing to perform functions outside of normal duties, such as assisting with local sea testing and mobilization of equipment when required.
Essential Functions
Core Electrical Design & Integration
Serve as the primary designer of new electrical subsystems, including power generation, storage, conversion, distribution, and protection systems.
Integrate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and design custom electronics (PCBA, harnesses, connectors) for power electronics, sensor integration, and control interfaces.
Design and integrate control interfaces for thrusters, rotating actuators, and other motion components.
Integrate acoustic, electro-optic, and other sensors to expand the AUV’s data-gathering capabilities.
Evaluate and manage battery systems (charging, discharging, and protection circuits) while ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.
Process, Documentation, and Vendor Management
Develop and track functional system requirements.
Generate internal and external system design and fabrication drawings.
Maintain documentation, revision control, and testing/simulation protocols for robust electrical systems management.
Conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) on existing and upcoming designs.
Manage relationships with external contract manufacturers and suppliers for PCB fabrication, assembly, and harness production.
Oversee quality checks, testing procedures, and project timelines to ensure successful production runs.
Collaboration and Leadership
Collaborate seamlessly with other engineering disciplines and across the organization to ensure alignment, drive innovation, and approach designs holistically.
Ability to self-manage and communicate project goals and status to senior leadership.
Mentor junior electrical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
Travel occasionally (10-20% anticipated) for vendor visits, field testing, or contract manufacturing oversight.
Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
Minimum of seven (7+) year hands-on experience in electrical subsystem design, ideally for robotics, aerospace, automotive, or other high-reliability platforms.
In-depth understanding of power electronics, harness design, and PCBA layout.
Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools (e.g., Altium) for PCB design.
Working knowledge of embedded systems, sensor integration, and communication protocols relevant to underwater applications.
Proven track record in FMEA, risk management, and product lifecycle management for electrical systems.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cross-functional teams and mentor junior staff.
Experience with marine, subsea, or hybrid electric design.
Preferred
Familiarity with battery technologies, charging solutions, and safety standards for high-capacity energy storage.
Experience with autonomous/unmanned platforms.
Experience in PCB design, actuation, AC & DC power management, robotics, battery systems, and ruggedization of designs.
Previous experience designing for SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost).
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Worksite address
panama city beach, FL, 32407, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.