General Dynamics

Entry-Level Electrical Hardware Engineer – FPGA, Networking & Cybersecurity

General Dynamics$77K — $86K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Science, Engineering, or Mathematics field.
  • 2 years relevant experience or a Master's degree with 6 months experience.
  • Knowledge of electrical engineering concepts and design tools.
  • Experience in FPGA, digital hardware design, or networking hardware.
  • Ability to communicate technical issues clearly in multiple formats.
  • Ability to work independently and solve complex technical problems.

Responsibilities

  • Apply electrical engineering principles to FPGA and networking hardware development.
  • Participate in requirements analysis and hardware lifecycle activities.
  • Support FPGA development including HDL design and lab testing.
  • Assist in schematic analysis and PCB design reviews.
  • Contribute to network hardware design and implementation activities.
  • Apply knowledge of networking protocols relevant to program needs.
  • Conduct root-cause investigations and improvements for hardware issues.

Benefits

  • Flexible schedules, including a 9/80 schedule option.
  • 401(k) matching and competitive health benefits.
  • Paid parental leave and flex time off.
  • Health and wellness programs and social groups for employees.
  • Opportunities for career development in technical expertise.
Full Job Description
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field.

 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position Position Overview

As an Electrical Hardware Engineer specializing in FPGA, networking, and cyber infrastructure at General Dynamics Mission Systems, you will support the design, development, integration, and verification of secure, high-performance hardware subsystems for mission-critical defense systems. FPGA design and development will be a core focus, supporting reconfigurable hardware solutions within networking and cyber-resilient architectures.

This is an entry-level engineering opportunity for a motivated engineer who is eager to build technical depth while working alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams. You will contribute throughout the hardware development lifecycle—from requirements analysis and design through integration, test, troubleshooting, and technical reviews—while developing practical experience in FPGA-based hardware, networking technologies, and hardware cybersecurity.

This fully on-site position is based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Responsibilities
  • Apply electrical engineering principles to support the development, testing, and integration of FPGA- and networking-focused hardware.
  • Participate in requirements analysis, definition, management, functional analysis, performance analysis, design, integration, and verification activities.
  • Support FPGA development activities, including HDL design, simulation, synthesis, timing analysis, verification, and laboratory bring-up.
  • Assist with schematic analysis, component selection, PCB design and layout reviews, and hardware troubleshooting.
  • Contribute to network hardware and physical-layer design activities, including Ethernet interfaces and high-speed digital connectivity.
  • Apply knowledge of networking protocols—including Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP, ARP, switching, routing, and multicast—as applicable to program requirements.
  • Support implementation of network segmentation and data-isolation approaches, including VLANs, subnetting, interface separation, and access-control boundaries.
  • Apply foundational hardware cybersecurity principles, including encryption, secure boot, trusted platform architectures, root of trust, and secure key handling.
  • Conduct root-cause investigations, experimental testing, and corrective-action development for hardware issues under the guidance of experienced engineers.
  • Participate in technical reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of electrical engineering processes, tools, and work products.
  • Develop and communicate technical findings, issues, impacts, and corrective actions to the engineering team.
  • Collaborate with systems, software, cyber, test, manufacturing, project leadership, suppliers, and external customers.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related Science, Engineering, or Mathematics field plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree plus a minimum of 6 months of relevant experience.
  • Working knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, principles, processes, and design tools.
  • Experience or demonstrated coursework in one or more of the following areas:
    • FPGA or HDL development
    • Digital hardware design
    • PCB design
    • Networking hardware
    • Telecommunications
    • Hardware cybersecurity
  • Ability to communicate technical issues, impacts, and corrective actions clearly in written and verbal formats.
  • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks, exercise sound engineering judgment, and address increasingly complex technical problems.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, as required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, or related FPGA development tools.
  • Experience with commercial networking hardware, telecommunications, semiconductor products, or defense systems.
  • Familiarity with high-speed serial interfaces, Ethernet PHY/MAC architectures, or network-stack implementation.
  • Familiarity with VLANs and other approaches to network traffic separation and data isolation.
  • Familiarity with hardware security technologies, including encryption algorithms, secure boot, and trusted platform concepts.
  • Interest in identifying opportunities to apply AI and emerging technologies to engineering productivity, continuous improvement, and innovation.
Our Commitment to You

At General Dynamics Mission Systems, you will have an exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development. You will perform research-oriented work alongside award-winning teams developing practical, mission-critical solutions that support our nation’s security.

We offer:

  • Flexible schedules, including an every-other-Friday-off option through a 9/80 schedule
  • Competitive benefits, including 401(k) matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, and healthcare benefits
  • Health and wellness programs, employee resource groups, and social groups
  • Opportunities to develop technical expertise in advanced electrical hardware, FPGA design, networking, and cyber-resilient systems

Learn more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits.

 

 

Salary NoteThis estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled. Combined Salary RangeUSD $77,843.00 - USD $86,358.00 /Yr.

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is involved in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat vehicles and systems, armaments, and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and mission-critical information systems and technologies. General Dynamics has four main business segments. Aerospace designs, develops, manufacturers and services a comprehensive offering of advanced business-jet aircraft. Combat Systems specializes in producing, supporting and sustaining land and expeditionary combat systems for the U.S. military and its allies. Marine Systems designs, builds and supports submarines and a variety of surface ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers. The Information Systems and Technology group offers a breadth and depth of technology and service capabilities that support a wide range of government and commercial needs, including systems integration expertise; hardware and software products; and engineering, management and support services.

General Dynamics Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Dynamics, a leader in global defense, aerospace, and technology services. As a pivotal player in innovation and security, General Dynamics offers unparalleled job opportunities for professionals eager to advance their careers in a cutting-edge environment.

Work You’ll Do

At General Dynamics, we empower our employees to drive innovation and lead with integrity and excellence. With a commitment to professional growth and diversity, our team is at the forefront of developing solutions that make a difference in the world. Whether in engineering, cybersecurity, or project management, your work at General Dynamics will contribute to missions that matter.

Explore Career Paths

General Dynamics is not just a company; it's a community where you can build a career that aligns with your passion and skills. From internships to leadership positions, the breadth of opportunities supports your professional journey at every stage.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is the status quo. At General Dynamics, you’ll work alongside industry experts to solve complex challenges with cutting-edge technology. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where you can lead projects that explore new frontiers.

Professional Development

Invest in your future with General Dynamics’ robust professional development programs. Enhance your skills through targeted training, workshops, and seminars that propel your expertise and leadership capabilities forward.

Diversity and Inclusion

At General Dynamics, we believe diversity drives innovation. Our inclusive culture welcomes diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Through diversity training and networking opportunities, we ensure every team member can contribute uniquely and significantly.

Benefits and Culture

Experience a culture that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of its employees. General Dynamics offers competitive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and flexible working arrangements, to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Our team-oriented culture encourages collaboration and mutual respect, making General Dynamics a great place to work.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at General Dynamics? Explore our current job opportunities and find a position that matches your skills and ambitions. We are continuously hiring talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at General Dynamics by researching our company values and recent projects. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.

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Explore General Dynamics Jobs

Discover the impact you can make at General Dynamics by joining our team. Search open positions, apply online, and take the first step towards a rewarding career filled with opportunities for growth and innovation.

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Join General Dynamics today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await you in a career at General Dynamics.
Learn more about General Dynamics
Size
103,100 employees
Market Cap
$67.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1952
5 Year Trend
+4.7%
Revenue
$37.9 billion
NASDAQ

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