Job Title: Electronics Design Engineer (PCB)Job DescriptionThis role focuses on the design, development, and integration of advanced electronic systems for cutting-edge flight missions. You will take ownership of PCB-based electronics from concept through manufacturing, assembly, and testing, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions. The position is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys seeing designs through the entire product lifecycle.Responsibilities
- Design and develop electronic circuits from the component level, including power systems, amplifiers, DACs, high-speed digital, and mixed-signal circuits.
- Design and develop intra-system harnessing to ensure reliable connectivity between subsystems.
- Integrate cameras, lasers, data storage, computational systems, and scientific instrumentation into electronic designs.
- Modify and adapt electronic designs to meet specific mission requirements for computational camera systems.
- Use Altium Designer for circuit and PCB design and PSPICE (or similar tools) for circuit simulation and verification.
- Collaborate with external vendors for PCB fabrication and perform board population when needed.
- Conduct functional testing, troubleshooting, and assembly of electronic systems to ensure performance and reliability.
- Prepare detailed engineering documentation, including schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and test procedures.
- Work closely with manufacturing and assembly teams to support seamless production, integration, and delivery of flight hardware.
- Communicate effectively with project managers, scientists, and engineers across avionics, software, thermal/structural, and mechanical disciplines.
- Work alongside technicians and coordinate with software, thermal/structural, mechanical design teams, and project personnel to support system integration.
- Engage with scientists, project managers, and chief engineers to ensure mission objectives and technical requirements are met.
- Collaborate with engineers from the Electronics Systems Branch, including avionics leads, FPGA designers, and other electronic designers, to develop integrated solutions.
- Support overtime efforts on occasion to meet critical delivery deadlines for flight missions.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in electronic design and development.
- Hands-on experience with circuit design, simulation, and system integration.
- Proficiency with Altium Designer for PCB and circuit design.
- Familiarity with PSPICE or similar circuit simulation tools.
- Experience with electronic hardware design, including parts selection and component-level design.
- Strong understanding of power electronics, EMI/EMC considerations, signal integrity, high-speed digital, and mixed-signal circuit principles.
- Familiarity with PCB fabrication processes and board population.
- Strong integration skills, particularly involving cameras, lasers, data storage, computational systems, and scientific instrumentation.
- Ability to troubleshoot, test, and characterize electronic systems.
- Hands-on experience using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Prior experience with spaceflight hardware is beneficial but not required.
- Experience working on aerospace, atmospheric, or space exploration initiatives is a plus.
- Interest in avionics, autonomous systems, or flight hardware development is helpful.
Work EnvironmentThis position supports the Research, Science, and Engineering Services (RSES) contract at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and requires working onsite five days per week. You will operate in a highly technical, collaborative environment focused on aerospace, atmospheric, and space exploration initiatives, including technology development from fundamental research through flight-rated hardware. The work involves close interaction with experts in aerosciences, autonomous systems, avionics, flight dynamics and controls, advanced materials, systems analysis, and atmospheric science data. Daily activities include hands-on work in lab and electronics shop environments using tools such as Altium Designer, PSPICE, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers, as well as collaboration with manufacturing and assembly facilities. The culture emphasizes innovation, systems engineering rigor, and cross-disciplinary teamwork to advance aviation transformation, Earth intelligence, and space exploration systems.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hampton, VA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $140000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position 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.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hampton, VA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Hampton,VA.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
