Senior Electrical Engineer (High Speed Digital)

About the role

We are looking for a High Speed Digital Electrical Engineer to work across client programs that demand hardware performing at the edge of what is commercially possible. This is a hands-on design role. You will own high-speed digital PCB design, signal integrity, and FPGA development across a range of programs - from space avionics and optical communication systems to power electronics and embedded computing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Support high speed electrical architecture from concept generation through investigation including key trades, requirement definition, investigations and component selection.
• Own signal integrity from component selection and schematic capture through layout and post-route simulation: impedance control, differential pair routing, crosstalk analysis, and eye diagram verification.
• Work with power electronics engineers to inform and design power delivery networks for high-performance ASICs, FPGAs, and multi-channel memory; close power budgets from system architecture through regulator selection and decoupling strategy.
• Develop and execute high-speed board bring-up: BERT testing, TDR characterization, eye mask compliance, and EMC pre-compliance.
• Design in Altium; produce layout-ready packages with full design rule documentation for contract manufacturing.
• Space qualification & EMI/EMC: Incorporate environmental requirements across programs: radiation tolerance, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and vacuum outgassing where applicable. Select and qualify components for space-grade or radiation-tolerant operation; manage parts lists and evaluate COTS mitigation strategies. Select and implement best design practices that minimize the down-stream risk of test failures from EMI/EMC.
• Client & Team Collaboration: Work directly with clients to translate system requirements into board-level hardware specifications. Contribute to technical reviews (PDR, CDR) as both a presenter and reviewer across programs. Support junior engineers through design reviews and hands-on mentorship. Contribute to SOE's internal body of knowledge: reusable design patterns, documentation standards, and lessons learned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Math, or related field)
• 5+ years of applied experience with a demonstrated passion for engineering and technology development
• Experience with high-speed test equipment and debug tools: BERT, VNA, TDR, high-bandwidth oscilloscopes (20 GHz+), and logic analyzers.
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts and their implications to non-technical audiences
• A systems-thinking approach, with the ability to connect engineering execution to business strategy
• A proven track record of leading technical initiatives, mentoring engineers, and driving process improvements
• A bias for action, thriving in a fast-paced consulting environment where priorities can shift quickly
• Willingness to be deeply involved in both high-level strategy and hands-on technical execution

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience designing electronics for space-qualified or radiation-tolerant applications, including component derating, single-event effects (SEE) analysis, or environmental test campaigns (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock)
• Familiarity with 400G/800G Ethernet architectures, PAM4 signaling, or co-packaged optics interfaces
• Experience with power integrity analysis tools and multi-phase VRM design for high-current, fast-transient loads
• Background in optical communication systems or the electrical interface between high-speed digital hardware and analog RF or opto-electronic signal chains
• EMI/EMC test experience to MIL-STD-461 or DO-160
• Experience with business development, sales engineering, or technical sales to support the CEO in client engagements
• Prior work in an engineering consulting or services-based firm, understanding the nuances of client-driven project work
• Understanding of operations, finance, or project management, helping streamline engineering execution at a business level
• A history of patents, publications, or open-source contributions, demonstrating thought leadership in the field

Additional Requirements

• Applicant must be willing to work 40 hours a week on-site in El Segundo, California, USA
• Applicant must be eligible to work on ITAR projects

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range dependent on leveling
• Senior Engineer: $155,000 - $200,000
• Staff Engineer: $195,000 - $235,000
• Principal Engineer: $235,000 - $270,000
• Equity (via ISOs) in Second Order Effects, Inc.
• Equity (via PIUs) in our incubated companies (through our holding company, Second Order Holdings, LLC)
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employees + 50% dependent coverage
• Flexible paid time off policy + 11 paid holidays + 12 paid sick days
• 401(k) retirement account and employer matching (Safe Harbor 4%)
• Up to 22 weeks of paid parental leave dedicated to new child bonding
• Relocation assistance available if 50+ miles away from the office
• Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ports
• Daily catered lunches, snacks, and accessible kitchen