Digital Hardware Engineer

Actalent is seeking a Principal Digital Hardware Engineer to collaborate with software and mechanical engineers on co-designing systems, high-power thermal solutions, and interconnects. This role leads projects from inception through production handoff.

About the role

You will work in a heavy engineering design and manufacturing environment, fully onsite in Germantown, MD. The team consists of 7 members focused on digital hardware design for secure communications and SIGINT radio lines. The company designs and manufactures all products in-house.

Responsibilities

• Lead small digital engineering teams or work independently to define requirements and create technical documentation such as schematics and interface control documents.
• Analyze, simulate, and build prototypes, overseeing PCB layouts and loading firmware/software on prototype boards and radios.
• Perform verification testing, debugging, and optimization of digital circuit designs at the circuit, card, and product levels.
• Implement complex digital designs using microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, displays, and power supplies for SIGINT and EW products.
• Utilize on-board high-speed data buses and control external RF amplifiers through high-speed interfaces.
• Conduct technical trade studies and analyses to select digital architecture and key components.
• Develop and implement design specifications, test plans, and procedures, while troubleshooting and solving technical issues efficiently.
• Collaborate with PCB Layout Designers for layout activities and provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Manage technical requirements, scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables from concept to full-rate production.
• Generate documentation for programming components, loading firmware, and performing root cause analysis on field failures.
• Support R&D efforts and continuous process improvements, ensuring quality and timely task completion with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Proficiency in schematic and electrical engineering.
• Expertise in digital electronics and hardware design.
• Experience in designing high-speed digital circuitry and embedded C.
• 8+ years of electrical design experience.
• In-depth knowledge of digital circuit design for communication products.

Qualifications

• BSEE/MSEE or equivalent; an advanced degree is desirable.
• Knowledge of Software Defined Radio circuitry is a plus.
• Experience as a technical lead for high-complexity digital designs.
• Hands-on lab experience with advanced engineering test equipment.
• Experience with industry standards for EMI/EMC, environmental, and certification tests.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $96.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Germantown, MD.