Embedded Systems Engineer Lead

Tech(X)

$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in embedded electronics engineering and system integration
  • Strong background in DoD or military electronics development
  • Hands-on expertise with embedded Linux and hardware/software integration
  • Experience with PCB design and troubleshooting
  • Familiarity with RF systems and tactical communications
  • Ability to develop automated test solutions using languages like Python or C/C++
  • Must possess an active DoW Secret clearance

Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering initiatives for advanced DoD research and prototyping
  • Design, integrate, and validate complex electronic systems and tactical devices
  • Supervise circuit board development and support schematic review
  • Conduct hands-on integration and debugging of embedded systems
  • Create and execute test methodologies for various systems
  • Develop and maintain testing stations and automated solutions
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide technical mentorship

Benefits

  • Flexible scheduling based on management approval
  • Opportunity to work in a fast-paced R&D environment
  • Engagement with advanced technologies and military applications
  • Exposure to multidisciplinary engineering collaboration
  • Participation in field testing and operational demonstrations
Full Job Description
Embedded Systems Engineer Lead

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Embedded Electronics Engineer to support the design, integration, prototyping, testing, and sustainment of advanced electronic and embedded hardware systems within a fast-paced R&D laboratory environment.

This role is ideal for an engineer with deep experience in embedded electronics, circuit board development, hardware/software integration, and military communications systems who thrives in hands-on engineering environments supporting rapid prototyping and emerging technologies.

The selected candidate will serve as a senior technical contributor across multiple programs involving embedded processors, RF systems, tactical communications, custom hardware platforms, FPGA/CPLD interfaces, sensor integration, and mission-critical electronics supporting government customers and operational users.

Responsibilities

  • Lead embedded electronics engineering efforts supporting advanced DoD research, prototyping, and technology integration programs
  • Design, integrate, troubleshoot, and validate complex electronic hardware systems, embedded platforms, and tactical communication devices
  • Support circuit board development activities in coordination with hardware architecture and system design efforts, including:


  • schematic review
  • PCB layout evaluation
  • component selection
  • signal integrity considerations
  • power distribution
  • manufacturability
  • prototype bring-up and hardware validation


  • Perform hands-on integration and debugging across hardware, firmware, embedded Linux environments, networking interfaces, and peripheral subsystems
  • Develop and execute engineering test methodologies for prototype, developmental, integration, and production systems
  • Design and maintain engineering test stations, white-box test platforms, hardware-in-the-loop environments, and automated test solutions
  • Support embedded processor architectures, SOMs, FPGA/CPLD interfaces, high-speed digital communications, and secure networking technologies
  • Analyze system performance, diagnose hardware and software anomalies, and implement corrective actions throughout development lifecycles
  • Support RF and tactical communications integration efforts, including military radios, SATCOM, waveform-enabled devices, and secure communication systems
  • Develop technical documentation including:


  • engineering reports
  • integration procedures
  • test plans
  • interface control documentation
  • configuration management artifacts


  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program managers, government customers, and external vendors throughout development and integration activities
  • Support field testing, operational demonstrations, technical evaluations, and customer integration events as required
  • Maintain engineering lab infrastructure, equipment accountability, calibration coordination, and configuration control
  • Provide technical mentorship and engineering leadership across assigned programs and development activities


Required Qualifications

  • Strong background in embedded electronics engineering, hardware design, and complex system integration
  • Demonstrated experience supporting DoD, military, or defense-related electronics development programs
  • Hands-on experience with embedded Linux systems, processor-based architectures, and low-level hardware/software integration
  • Experience with PCB design, board bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting, including rigid and flex circuit board technologies
  • Familiarity with schematic capture, hardware validation, signal integrity, power management, and electronic subsystem integration
  • Experience integrating embedded processors, FPGA/CPLD devices, digital interfaces, and high-speed communication buses
  • Strong understanding of RF systems, tactical communications, military radios, or secure communications architectures
  • Experience developing automated test solutions and engineering support tools using Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, or similar languages
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex electronic systems at the component, subsystem, and system levels
  • Strong technical documentation and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently in dynamic R&D and rapid prototyping environments
  • Must have active DOW Secret Clearance.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with HMS, MUOS, SATCOM, SRW, IW, MANET, or similar tactical communication technologies
  • Experience supporting unmanned systems, autonomous platforms, ISR systems, or advanced sensor integration efforts
  • Familiarity with EMI/EMC, ESD, environmental qualification, and MIL-STD testing methodologies
  • Experience supporting rapid prototyping, low-rate production, or engineering transition-to-production activities
  • Prior experience supporting Army, SOCOM, DARPA, or other defense R&D organizations
  • Experience with software-defined radios (SDRs), secure communications, or cryptographic devices
  • Prior military service or experience supporting operational military environments
  • Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance preferred


Clearance Requirements

  • Must possess an active DoW Secret clearance at minimum
  • Ability to obtain higher-level clearances as required by program objectives


Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline
  • 7-12 years of relevant experience supporting embedded electronics, hardware integration, or advanced defense technology programs
  • Advanced technical degrees may be substituted for portions of experience requirements in accordance with contract guidance


Location

  • Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
  • Standard schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Flexible scheduling available based on program requirements and management approval.


Travel

  • Limited travel may be required to support integration events, testing activities, customer demonstrations, and field operations


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