Principal Electrical Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-02-16

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

The Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) Hardware Technologies department is looking for a Principal Hardware Electrical Engineer to join the exciting development of next-generation communication solutions in Cedar Rapids, IA.  We are focused on high-speed digital electronics within communication products that are critical to the defense of our nation, such as sophisticated software-defined radios and data links designed for use in various ground, airborne, and space applications.

We are looking for a strong technical leader with an action-oriented mindset, who can drive the architecture and development of high-speed digital circuit card assemblies (CCAs), applying expert-level knowledge of FPGAs, processors, and memory to deliver next-generation products. This role requires advanced expertise in PCB design, signal integrity, and power integrity to drive high-density, high-speed circuit designs from conception to production. The ability to balance hands-on technical expertise in hardware design and the project management acumen to manage scope, schedule, budgets, and stakeholder reporting is also critical to this role.

What You Will Do

• Lead the hardware design and development of high-speed digital circuit card assemblies (CCAs), including requirements capture, schematic capture, layout, test and integration

• Ensure signal and power integrity (SI/PI) robustness for high-density, multi-layer PCBs by driving advanced simulation and validation techniques.

• Apply Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and risk management principles to keep projects on track and aligned with strategic goals.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, systems, and mechanical engineering to deliver integrated solutions that meet customer requirements

• Provide technical leadership and mentor others in personal technical growth, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Includes mentoring on high-speed design principles and layout techniques

• Oversee rigorous testing and validation of hardware components to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications

• Interface with customers and stakeholders to gather requirements, provide technical updates, and ensure satisfaction with delivered products

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

• 8+ years of hardware engineering experience with deep expertise in high-speed digital design and complex multilayer PCBs (8+ layers) supporting processors, FPGAs, memory, and high-speed interfaces (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, SERDES).

• Demonstrated experience leading circuit card development from concept through production, including requirements definition, schematic capture, layout oversight, prototype build, verification, and system integration.

• Advanced proficiency with industry PCB design tools such as Xpedition, Cadence Allegro, or Altium Designer.

• Hands-on experience performing signal integrity and power integrity analysis using tools such as HyperLynx, ADS, SPICE, or similar simulation platforms.

• Strong understanding of DFM/DFT principles, PCB fabrication processes, controlled impedance design, and board bring-up activities.

• Proven ability to debug and resolve complex hardware issues during integration and qualification testing.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical concepts and design trade-offs to cross-functional teams, leadership, and customers

Qualifications We Prefer

• Advanced knowledge of high-speed protocols, such as PCIe, Ethernet, and high-speed memory interfaces

• Control Account Manager (CAM) experience with knowledge of the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles and practices for performing cost, schedule, and risk management for hardware development projects.

• Ability to prepare estimates, bids and pr