Sr. Electrical Design Engineer IV

Overview

We are seeking Hardware Design Engineers to join a highly technical team focused on developing next-generation phased array antenna systems. This work supports customer terminal applications, including residential, automotive, and aviation platforms, with an emphasis on payload-level hardware design rather than pure RF engineering. Engineers in this role will take ownership of complex, high-speed PCB designs from initial architecture through board bring-up, collaborating closely with layout, systems, and customer-facing teams.

Essential Functions

• Lead hardware design efforts for next-generation phased array antenna payloads
• Own schematic design across multi-board systems (up to three boards), including:
  • Requirements definition and refinement
  • Full schematic capture (hundreds of pages for first-generation designs)
  • Coordination with PCB layout teams
• Architect and design high-layer-count PCBs (up to 22-layer boards) with:
  • High-speed digital signal routing
  • RF signal interfaces
  • High-power and complex power distribution networks
• Design and integrate systems using custom ASICs, FPGAs, and high-speed SERDES (up to 26 GHz)
• Apply and manage design constraints, especially for signal integrity and high-speed performance
• Support board bring-up and debugging activities (initial bring-up expected November–December timeframe)
• Identify technical risks early and proactively escalate issues with proposed solutions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with schematic, layout, and systems engineering teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing high-speed digital hardware
• Experience with high-speed interfaces such as:
  • DDR memory
  • PCIe
  • High-speed Ethernet (>10 GHz preferred)
• Proven ability to own hardware designs end-to-end, including:
  • Architecture definition
  • Subsystem or full board ownership
  • Debug and issue resolution with actionable solutions
• Proficiency with professional ECAD tools such as:
  • Altium Designer
  • Cadence (Allegro/OrCAD)
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
• Working understanding of RF fundamentals (deep RF expertise not required)
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with power distribution analysis and power constraint management
• Experience in phased array antenna systems or customer terminal hardware design
• Hands-on experience with board bring-up and debugging of complex systems
• Familiarity with constraint-driven design methodologies
• Experience with Mentor Expedition (a plus, not required)

Work Environment & Growth

• Highly technical team, with many members holding PhDs
• Opportunity for conversion to full-time employment (typically at the Master's degree level)
• Potential for contract extensions based on performance and project demands

Pay

$70.00 - $81.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 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 fully onsite position in Redmond, WA. Contract position with possibility of extension or conversion based on headcount and performance.