Sr. Principal Design Engineer

Company Overview
Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Senior Principal Design Engineer to drive the industrial design and user experience for our next-generation small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). This leader will ensure our products are not only technically superior but also intuitive, rugged, and optimized for real-world operational use.

What You'll Do

• Drive the industrial design, ergonomics, and usability of small unmanned systems (sUAS) platforms, ensuring mission effectiveness in high-stress and austere environments.
  
• Define and advocate for user-centered workflows across ground control systems, mission planning software, and operator interfaces.
  
• Conduct field studies and user research with operators to translate insights into designs that reduce cognitive burden, simplify operation, and accelerate training.
  
• Work alongside mechanical, avionics, software, and systems engineers to balance operator usability with technical performance.
  
• Guide the design of ruggedized handhelds, wearable controllers, and mission interfaces optimized for demanding real-world conditions.
  
• Champion rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and feedback integration across the entire product lifecycle.
  
• Represent end-user needs in design reviews, customer engagements, and product evaluations.
  
• Mentor and develop junior designers/engineers in industrial design and UX best practices for complex, high-reliability systems.
  

Requirements

• 12+ years in industrial design or system-level product development, with significant experience leading the design of ruggedized, mission-critical, or high-reliability products.
  
• Deep understanding of human-machine interaction, ergonomics, and usability principles in constrained or stressful environments.
  
• Demonstrated success designing products where usability and reliability were critical differentiators (robotics, aerospace, ruggedized electronics, industrial tools, or medical devices).
  
• Skilled in CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, Rhino, CATIA, etc.) and visualization/prototyping platforms (Keyshot, Figma, Adobe XD, etc.).
  
• Comfortable bridging between hardware, software, and operator workflows to deliver integrated solutions.
  
• Experience driving concept-to-fielded product with a bias toward rapid iteration, prototyping, and validation.
  
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills; able to unify cross-functional teams around user-centered requirements.
  
• Thrives in environments requiring both strategic design leadership and hands-on execution.
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones. Must be physically capable of walking between the office and production areas and attending events or meetings off-site as needed.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard engineering and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options
• On-site fitness center

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.