Hardware Design Engineer

About the Role We are seeking a Principal Hardware Design Engineer to serve as a senior technical leader within our client's Space Electronic Systems (SES) division. In this role, you will architect, develop, and guide advanced embedded hardware solutions for nextu2011generation space and defense applications. You will own the hardware development lifecycle endu2011tou2011endu2014requirements, design, simulation, schematic capture, PCB layout, integration, test, and deliveryu2014while ensuring all systems meet stringent performance, reliability, and radiationu2011tolerance standards. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a handsu2011on technical leadership role, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and wants to shape the future technology roadmap for critical mission systems Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Architecture + Serve as the subject matter expert for embedded hardware engineering across SES programs. + Lead full hardware development lifecycle: + Requirements analysis & specification + Highu2011speed digital design + Mixedu2011signal design + Signal processing hardware + Schematic capture + PCB layout (HDI, highu2011density routing) + PCA development & testing + Systemu2011level hardware/software integration + Conduct formal peer reviews of designs, documentation, and engineering artifacts. Project & Team Leadership + Provide technical guidance to hardware engineers, systems teams, PMO, and executive leadership. + Manage engineering discipline personnel and support resource planning. + Support program execution during highu2011demand or highu2011complexity design phases. + Perform Cost Account Management (CAM) duties for assigned tasks. Customer & Business Engagement + Represent the company as a technical SME during customer and vendor interactions. + Support business development, proposals, and solution shaping. + Contribute to longu2011term technology roadmap development by identifying departmental goals and execution plans. Required Qualifications + Bacheloru2019s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field + 9+ years of relevant experience (or 7+ years with a Masteru2019s degree) + Strong experience with: + Mixedu2011signal PCA development + Highu2011density, multiu2011layer HDI PCB design + Highu2011speed digital circuits (>1 GHz) + FPGA and microprocessor hardware development + Hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL) + Proficient with test & debug tools: logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, emulators + Demonstrated experience implementing: + PCI, PCIe + cPCI + VME + VPX (VITA 46, VITA 65) standards Preferred Experience (Nice to Have) + Experience in spaceu2011grade or radiationu2011hardened hardware design + Background supporting embedded systems in missionu2011critical environments + Experience collaborating with systems engineering, firmware, and software teams + Prior leadership of multiu2011disciplinary engineering efforts Top Technical Skills + PCB Design (HDI, multiu2011layer, highu2011speed) + Highu2011Speed Digital Hardware + Altium Designer + FPGA, Microcontrollers + Schematic Capture + PCB Layout & Routing + Signal Processing Hardware + Embedded Electronics Design Why This Opportunity Stands Out + Work on cuttingu2011edge embedded hardware for space and defense applications + Lead major technology initiatives and shape roadmap direction + Highly collaborative engineering culture + Significant technical ownership and SME visibility + Opportunity to impact multiple highu2011priority programs Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfax, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: u2022 Medical, dental & vision u2022 Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital u2022 401(k) Retirement Plan u2013 Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available u2022 Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) u2022 Short and long-term disability u2022 Health Spending Account (HSA) u2022 Transportation benefits u2022 Employee Assistance Program u2022 Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Fairfax,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Mar 9, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email ( ) for other accommodation options.

Created: 2026-02-25