
Principal Electrical R&D Test Engineer
Job Description
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to join the R&D Test Team. The engineer’s responsibilities include improving existing multi-disciplinary systems and leading the development projects of new autonomous vehicle concepts and prototypes. Technical activities include engineering, designing, building, and testing of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software driven systems in the process of developing various autonomous vehicle systems.
The candidate must be able to draw on a wide range of engineering principles, work within demanding timeframes, and develop original, practical solutions to complex technical and logistical problems while operating with a high degree of autonomy.
Responsibilities
Understanding the technical requirements, problems, or client briefs and developing solutions that satisfy the requirements
Lead engineering, design, and prototype development of electro-mechanical systems and software for autonomous vehicles and related devices and subsystems
Apply advanced engineering principles, best practices, and analysis in areas including mechanical, electrical, electronics, and software
Conduct applied research, document findings, and present reports to internal stakeholders
Develop and review design documents for parts, sub-systems, and fully integrated systems
Select and evaluate tools, components, and materials for manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance processes
Lead integration of electro-mechanical systems and software into fully integrated systems
Lead proof of concept, functionality, and reliability testing of components, sub-systems, and fully integrated systems
Lead testing efforts in the laboratory and in the field, including marine environments and at-sea testing
Identify trends in runtime and failures of ASV components, subsystems, and systems through continual analysis of expansive datasets
Identify areas of weakness in systems and processes and drive implementation of improvements
Lead troubleshooting, diagnostics, and resolution of complex electrical and system-level issues
Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers and technicians in build, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities
Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, software, and autonomy teams to ensure seamless system integration
Interface with vendors to evaluate components, support integration, and ensure system performance and reliability
Responsibilities culminate in leading the development of ASV platforms and the software to interface with them
Qualifications
BS or MS in electrical engineering, robotics engineering, mechatronics engineering, or similar
16+ years of relevant experience
Strong understanding and skills in engineering fundamentals, best practices, and analysis methods including analytical first principles, numerical methods, and simulation modeling
Extensive experience operating, maintaining, diagnosing, testing, and repairing electrical and electro-mechanical systems
Power calculations, analysis, measurement, low voltage, 3-phase AC
Electrical schematic development and usage
SPICE based circuit simulations or equivalent
PCB design and development experience
Networking: ethernet, CAN J1939, serial
Sensor and data acquisition
Software skills including Rust, C/C++, Linux, Python
Ability to work in collaborative or independent environments and lead technical efforts
Physical Demands:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Occasional standing and walking within the office
Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
Benefits:
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
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Job Details
- Category
- Electrical
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Austin, TX
- Posted
- May 8, 2026, 05:53 PM
- Listed
- May 8, 2026, 06:43 PM
About Saronic
Part of the growing frontier tech ecosystem pushing the edges of what's possible.
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