EMI/EMC Design Engineer
Turn Your EMI/EMC Skills Into a Rare SpecialtyThis is an unusual opportunity for a mid-career engineer: we will train a strong EMI/EMC designer into a TEMPEST design authority. TEMPEST (emanations security) is a small, in-demand specialty that's difficult to break into - it typically requires a cleared employer willing to invest in your development. That's exactly what we offer.
If you already think in terms of shielding, filtering, grounding, and controlling emissions to pass EMC limits, you're most of the way there. TEMPEST applies that same discipline toward a security objective: preventing compromising emanations. You'll learn the standards, the security framing, and the classified environment from engineers who are experts in the field - and become one yourself.
Support the Mission: National Telephone Security Working Group (NTSWG)You'll support programs sponsored by the NTSWG, a U.S. government body that leads interagency efforts to develop advanced technologies protecting national security. NTSWG identifies urgent capability gaps across the defense, intelligence, and homeland security communities and funds rapid R&D to close them. The solutions you help build are deployed directly into the hands of U.S. forces, law enforcement, and our allies.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesYou'll design secure communications, computing, and networking products that help the United States, NATO, and allies safeguard sensitive information in high-threat environments. Day to day, you'll work at the component level on analog and digital systems, applying your EMI/RFI background while we develop your expertise in emanations security (TEMPEST/TSG).
- Perform component-level design of analog and digital systems, applying strong EMI/RFI design practice
- Design and refine filter circuits to minimize interference and preserve signal integrity
- Use OrCAD PCB design software (or similar) for schematic capture and PCB layout; experience with Ansys HFSS is a plus
- Learn and apply TEMPEST and TSG design standards under the mentorship of senior subject-matter experts
- Collaborate with mechanical engineers, TEMPEST engineers, and other disciplines during prototype and production integration
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to diagnose and resolve production test issues on TEMPEST-compliant units
- Evaluate existing systems and recommend design improvements for performance, reliability, and compliance
- Travel occasionally (less than 5%) to support project or customer needs
Room to GrowAs you build TEMPEST expertise and get to know our programs, there's a clear path to greater ownership. Over time - and with support - you'll have the opportunity to take on responsibilities such as:
- Serving as a project lead, including schedule and budget oversight
- Reviewing and approving schematics, PCB layouts, and drawings for TEMPEST/TSG product development
- Becoming a recognized subject-matter expert others rely on
These are growth opportunities, not day-one requirements.
What You Can Expect- End-to-End Involvement: Contribute across the full engineering lifecycle - concept and design through prototyping, integration, and delivery.
- Hands-On Innovation: A blend of desk and lab work, with frequent opportunities to prototype, test, and refine your own designs.
- Mentorship Into a Specialty: Learn TEMPEST design directly from established experts, with a structured path to becoming an SME.
- Small-Team Impact: Your work won't get lost in layers of hierarchy. You'll be visible and essential.
- Mission Relevance: The systems you design directly support real-world defense and intelligence missions.
- Fast-Paced Variety: Diverse, fast-moving projects. No two weeks are the same.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering or a related field
- 5-10 years of electrical engineering experience, including hands-on EMI/EMC (EMI/RFI) design
- Experience designing filter circuits and using OrCAD or similar PCB design software
- Experience with both analog and digital system design
- Ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams, including mechanical and TEMPEST engineers
- U.S. citizenship, and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance
Preferred / Nice to Have- An active Secret (or higher) security clearance
- Familiarity with TEMPEST, TSG, or emanations-security concepts (we will train the right EMI/EMC candidate)
- Experience with Ansys HFSS or similar EM simulation tools
- Prior experience on national security or defense-related projects
Work Environment- On-site work in Salem, NH is required for lab access, prototyping, and classified project support
- Flexible schedules may be available depending on project phase
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance are required due to the nature of our work
What We Offer- Competitive salary and 401(k) with company match
- Affordable and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company-paid disability and life insurance; optional supplemental
- Paid time off and holidays, summer hours schedule
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program and exclusive discounts
The likely salary range for this position is $155,000 to $175,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, API considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.