ABOUT THIS ROLE

As a PCB Engineer at HIGHCAT, you’ll own the powertrain for our drones going forward, ensuring that mission-critical teams operate as intended in the field. You will be the point of contact for all things powertrain, working in close contact with our other technical units (hardware, design, manufacturing, production, and software). This is a high-impact role, directly affecting the performance of our drones for operators in contested environments. Your success will depend on your cross-functional coordination and your ability to adapt to new technology, all in an environment where there is no margin for error. If this sounds like you, then the role is worth considering.

CORE TASKS & RESPONISIBILITIES

R&D

• Own the development, documentation, and management of our BMS, ESC, and Power Distribution.

• Ensure proper testing of the relevant PCB’s against the requirements.

• Serve as the connective tissue on these topics, using your expert knowledge to explain and relay knowledge back into our prototyping & production tracks.

• Design BLDC Motors (define target specs, choose Strator rotor, pole pairs, magnetics and copper wiring.

Project Execution

• Ensure completion of key drivers for our product in a fast-paced environment with short development cycles.

Production Handover

• Train production team on the usage of PCB’s.

• Create the complete documentation on implementation and how to handle the relevant parts.

System Architecture

• Fully embed yourself in the understanding of our complete system architecture.

High-Performance Culture

• Be a driver of our culture of excellence where accountability is high, feedback is direct, and learning from setbacks drives improvements.

• Ensure intelligent risk-taking, rapid iteration of development cycles, and unwavering commitment to customer success.

• Maintaining clear and consistent communication with stakeholders, team members, and upper management, ensuring that information isn’t lost.

ABOUT YOU

• 5+ years as a PCB Engineer with experience in high current and high frequency applications.

• In depth knowledge of Schematic & PCB layout (altium preferred), power and thermal management, design for manufacturing and assembly and, programming on C level.

• Previous roles at high-growth startups, defense tech companies, mission-critical technology providers, or consumer electronics companies preferred.

• Track record of providing clear instructions to mechanical teams on ‘cooling system implementation.’

• Proven ability to communicate effectively cross-functionally, influencing engineering design, production, and manufacturing through expert knowledge of electrical engineering.

• Exceptional judgment under pressure: you've made consequential decisions with incomplete information and owned the outcomes through your analytical thinking and attention to detail.

• Preferred certification and knowledge of soldering.

• Genuine passion for HIGHCAT's mission: You're motivated by the knowledge that your work directly enables those who serve in harm's way.
  

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Compensation and Ownership

• Competitive compensation package with a significant equity stake that reflects the strategic importance of this role and allows you to share meaningfully in the company's success

Mission and Impact

• Daily work with tangible real-world consequences: your decisions directly affect the safety and effectiveness of firefighters, soldiers, and emergency responders

Culture and Environment

• High-trust, low-bureaucracy culture where ownership is real, decisions move fast, and competence is rewarded with increasing responsibility

• Work alongside a company founder, under the guidance of Andreas Baur, who is a builder first and optimises for mission success over politics.

• Transparent communication from leadership about company performance, strategic challenges, and growth trajectory

Professional Growth

• Complexity that will stretch your capabilities and accelerate your development as a PCB Engineer

• Exposure to cutting-edge technology deployment in some of the world's most demanding operational contexts

• First-hand experience at a high-growth company where your impact will shape organizational DNA for years to come

ABOUT HIGHCAT

Europe’s airspace is evolving. We are building the systems that help secure it.

HIGHCAT is a team of builders, engineers, and problem-solvers. We develop modular unmanned systems designed for real-world deployment. Built and manufactured in Germany, our platforms support the people and organisations that protect critical infrastructure, public services, and operational capabilities.

We like solving difficult problems. From first concept to deployment, we build technology that performs when it matters most. Our focus is simple: reliable systems, intuitive operation, and real-world impact.

Our work enables safer and more effective operations across security, industry, and defence-related applications. Guided by strong ethical principles and a commitment to European technological sovereignty, we are helping build the next generation of operational capabilities for Europe.