Principal Digital Electrical Engineer

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. • GERMANTOWN, MD

2d • $156,160 - $199,525 • Hybrid

About The Position

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) is seeking to fill a Principal Digital Hardware Engineer position focused on their DRT (Digital Receiver Technology) line of Electronic Warfare/ SIGINT software-defined radio technologies. The Principal Engineer will report to the Digital Hardware Manager and work cross-functionally with software and mechanical engineers to co-design systems, solve problems, and collaborate on intricate high-power thermal and interconnect solutions. The ideal candidate will lead Project Meetings and coordinate Product Development from product inception to production handoff.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information
• BSEE/MSEE or equivalent.
• 8+ years of electrical design experience
• In-depth practical and theoretical knowledge of digital circuit design as it applies to communication products
• Experience designing and serving as technical lead for high complexity, high speed and high-density digital designs utilizing microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, and high efficiency low noise power supplies
• Experience utilizing a formal design process to document (create schematics, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, etc.), analyze/simulate, build prototypes, load firmware/software on prototype boards and radios, perform verification testing, debug, and optimize circuit designs to meet requirements at the circuit, card, and product levels
• Experience overseeing PCB layout by working through PCB Layout Designers
• Experience defining methods of programming and loading firmware on development hardware for CCA development and testing
• Hands-on lab experience to breadboard, prototype and fully test designs utilizing advanced engineering test equipment
• Experience utilizing industry best practices and transitioning designs into full-rate production
• Experience utilizing engineering development software tools including OrCAD/Cadence, LTspice, Hyperlynx, and Microsoft Office tools
• Experience leading small teams of engineers across disciplines and mentoring junior digital engineers
• Experience designing to and meeting DoD, Agency, and Industry standards and practices, for EMI/EMC, environmental, certification and test (MIL-STD, CE/UL, NTIA/FCC, RoHS, REACH, ASTM, ANSI, etc.)
• Ability to think "out-of-the-box”, develop, and implement innovative design solutions
• Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree is desirable
• Knowledge of Software Defined Radio circuitry is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead small digital engineering teams and/or work independently to define requirements, conceive, document (create schematics, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, etc.), analyze/simulate, build prototypes, oversee PCB layouts, load firmware/software on prototype boards and radios, perform verification testing, debug, and optimize digital circuit designs to meet requirements at the circuit, card, and product levels
• Implement digital designs of high complexity and high-density utilizing microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, displays, and high efficiency low noise power supplies capable of supporting advanced algorithms used in state-of-the-art SIGINT and EW products
• Implement designs utilizing on-board high-speed data buses (i.e. DDR3/DDR4 memory, High Speed Ethernet, etc.) and capable of controlling external RF amplifiers and interfacing with external data and control devices using high speed interfaces (100GBASE-KR Ethernet, PCIe, USB 3.0, etc.)
• Perform technical trade studies and analyses to select digital architecture and key components
• Develop and implement detailed design specifications, test plans and test procedures
• Efficiently troubleshoot problems and implement effective solutions
• Plan and execute PCB layout activities in collaboration with PCB Layout Designers
• Mentor and provide technical oversite to junior engineers
• Plan, estimate, and manage the technical requirements, scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables for designs from concept, through detailed design, prototype, engineering test, and transition into full rate production
• Generate documentation for programming individual components, loading firmware onto circuit card assemblies and fully assembled products
• Perform root cause analysis on field failures and support continuous product improvements
• Support R&D efforts and continuous process improvements
• Complete assigned tasks in a quality and timely manner with minimal supervision
• Effectively support and communicate to management status, issues, needs and ideas

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
• Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
• Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave

What This Job Offers

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