Principal Hardware Engineer in Ashburn, Virginia - #70888 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 70888

Principal Hardware Engineer
Our client is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture and development of advanced embedded hardware solutions used in mission-critical environments. This role will guide complex board-level and system-level designs—including high-performance SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O technologies—while partnering closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable, high-speed solutions that meet demanding technical and schedule requirements.

This role is onsite in Ashburn, Virginia.

Principal Hardware Engineer Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of sophisticated electrical boards and systems, including 3U/6U VPX SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O modules.
• Architect custom hardware platforms that integrate power, thermal management, firmware, and security elements for high-reliability applications.
• Partner with engineering, test, program management, and operations teams to ensure successful execution of technically challenging, schedule-driven projects.
• Translate complex customer and program requirements into practical system architectures and functional hardware designs.
• Evaluate new design concepts for technical feasibility, cost implications, and alignment with project objectives, serving as a technical lead as needed.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and best-practice guidance to enhance product performance, robustness, and development efficiency.
• Direct and conduct hardware testing activities to establish performance standards and ensure compliance with design specifications.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, technical procedures, and supporting manuals throughout the product lifecycle.

Principal Hardware Engineer Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in embedded hardware development for defense or similarly specialized applications, including SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O technologies.
• Deep expertise in high-speed digital, mixed-signal, analog, and power-focused circuit design for rugged, high-reliability systems.
• Proven ability to design high-density, multi-layer PCBs (26+ layers) incorporating advanced HDI, multilamination, and complex via structures.
• Proficiency with industry-standard schematic and PCB design tools, preferably Siemens Expedition or comparable platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, lead design execution, and deliver results under fast-paced and time-sensitive conditions.
• Strong leadership and team-mentoring capabilities, with experience driving complex designs from concept through production.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Active DoD security clearance is highly desirable.

Salary: $144K-$190K/year + Bonus. (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet VanderHouwen
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VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.