Hardware Design Engineer

Job Title: Hardware Design EngineerJob DescriptionWe are seeking a highly skilled Hardware Design Engineer to design, analyze, and test electrical hardware for embedded platforms. The ideal candidate will possess a strong ability to manage electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and wiring diagrams while ensuring compliance with military and environmental standards.Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and test electrical hardware for embedded platforms.
• Develop and manage electrical schematics, PCB layouts, wiring diagrams, and cable assemblies.
• Support component selection and procurement, ensuring conformance with military and environmental standards.
• Conduct design verification, validation, and hardware troubleshooting during lab tests.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define and implement electrical interfaces, requirements, and ICDs.
• Assist in environmental qualification testing (e.g., vibration, thermal, shock).
• Support integration and test activities in lab and field environments.
• Document engineering work through detailed drawings, reports, test plans, and configuration control systems.
• Assist with program schedule creation and hardware development planning.
• Develop engineering labor and material estimates.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
• Understanding and application of industry electrical engineering technical standards.
• Experience with circuit design and application.
• Proficiency with analytical and simulation software tools, such as LTspice, LabView, MATLAB, or Python.
• Experience in electrical power distribution and system design.
• Ability to interpret and develop electrical schematics.
• Experience with requirements-driven hardware design and circuitry design.
• Experience with classified test systems or systems subject to cybersecurity policies.
• Experience with analog and digital circuit design.
• Proficiency in HDI printed circuit board design and layout using ECAD tools (preferably Altium Designer).
• Ability to present engineering materials for requirements, design, and various milestones.
• Experience evaluating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts for compliance.
• Experience in researching, developing, designing, and testing circuits, components, and equipment systems.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in Microsoft business tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong preference for familiarity with Altium Designer.

Work EnvironmentLocated in Annapolis Junction, MD, this position involves working in lab and field environments, requiring a hands-on approach to integration and testing activities. The role supports collaboration with systems engineers and involves documentation of engineering processes. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Annapolis Junction, MD. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $215000.00/yr. 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.Compensation & Impact Competitive Base Salary: Aligned with your role, experience, and market data. Dual-Engine Bonus Model: Annual Company Performance Bonus + Merit-Based Performance Bonus to reward your direct impact.

Retirement: Building Your Future Up to 10% Company Contribution: 4% match (dollar for dollar) + 6% non-elective contribution. Immediate vesting - it's all yours from day one!

Time Off: Rest & Recharge 4 Fixed Holidays + 2 Floating holidays per year Quarterly Floating Holidays in lieu of year-end shutdown 10 Paid Sick Days front-loaded at the start of the year. Discretionary Time Off (DTO): Flexible, trust-based vacation - no traditional accrual bank.

Ownership & Growth Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Purchase AV at a 15% discount. Investment in You: Tuition reimbursement, training budgets, and internal expert-led knowledge sharing.

Culture & Perks Flexible work arrangements: Focus on flexibility in daily start and end times to support your work-life balance. Employee referral bonuses - help us grow with great people! Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Annapolis Junction, MD. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Annapolis Junction,MD.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.