Principal Hardware Engineer

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.

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.