Electrical Engineer

Sigma Design • Costa Mesa, CA

33d • $60 - $89 • Onsite

About The Position

Sigma Design has collaborated with a leading defense technology company seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join their facility in Costa Mesa, CA. This company specializes in autonomous systems and next-generation defense technologies. This position is a 6-month contract with possibility of extension or hire and fully In-Office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent technical discipline required; Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience designing, testing, troubleshooting, and integrating complex electrical and PCB-based hardware.
• Strong technical background in analog, digital, and power electronics.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design PCBs, including schematic capture, component selection, layout, bring-up, debugging, and system integration.
• Deep proficiency with Altium Designer or an equivalent electrical schematic and PCB layout tool.
• Experience with LTSpice or equivalent circuit simulation software.
• Experience performing circuit simulations, worst-case analysis, thermal analysis, DFMEA, and component derating.
• Experience developing and executing electrical test setups, DVT, qualification testing, and functional testing.
• Proficiency using laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, thermal chambers, spectrum analyzers, function generators, DMMs, electronic loads, power supplies, and automated test equipment.
• Familiarity with CAN, I2C, SPI, Ethernet, and common MCU/CPU architectures.
• Experience with EMC/EMI considerations and electrical hardware designed for challenging environmental conditions, including vibration and temperature extremes.
• Experience performing root cause and failure analysis on manufacturing, test, and field failures.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ownership, initiative, and a proactive, go-getter approach to engineering challenges.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment.
• ITAR - Permanent resident of the United States (“U.S. person” as defined by ITAR)
• Background - Pass a post-offer background verification.
• Security Clearance: Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with power electronics, motor control, pumps, motor drivers, or actuator systems preferred.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for data analysis, control-loop modeling, or system simulation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the full-cycle electrical hardware development process, translating system-level requirements into robust electrical designs from architecture through production.
• Perform schematic capture, component selection, and high-density PCB design and layout, with a strong preference for Altium Designer.
• Design and optimize power distribution and power supply circuits, motor controller circuits, actuator circuits, and embedded control electronics.
• Apply strong engineering fundamentals across analog, digital, and power electronics to develop reliable hardware.
• Perform circuit simulations, worst-case analysis (WCA), thermal analysis, DFMEA, and component derating to evaluate design performance and reliability.
• Conduct peer-level and cross-functional electrical design reviews, incorporating feedback from mechanical, thermal, software, test, quality, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams.
• Lead board bring-up, Design Verification Testing (DVT), qualification testing, functional testing, and hardware troubleshooting.
• Develop electrical test setups and utilize laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, thermal chambers, spectrum analyzers, function generators, DMMs, electronic loads, power supplies, and automated test equipment.
• Troubleshoot hardware using standard communication interfaces and protocols, including CAN, I2C, SPI, and Ethernet.
• Perform root cause and failure analysis for issues identified during development, testing, manufacturing, and field operations.
• Investigate electrical architectures and develop technical solutions for new and evolving product requirements.
• Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to identify and resolve production-related electrical failures and improve hardware manufacturability and reliability.
• Drive assigned electrical engineering workstreams from initial concept and architecture through prototype development, testing, integration, and production.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, design specifications, test procedures, and engineering reports.
• Demonstrate strong ownership and initiative while independently driving technical work in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Collaborate effectively across multiple engineering disciplines to deliver high-quality hardware solutions.
• Follow Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrences.

Benefits

• Multiple options for medical insurance and dental insurance including some with FSA and HSA
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match
• 15-days of accrued PTO and 9 company paid holidays
• Quarterly bonus program
• Voluntary benefits: vision, long-term disability, and life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level