Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Hardware | Columbia, MD | Full Time

Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday–Friday
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret security clearance (required)
Experience Requirement: 3-7 years
Compensation Range: $105,000 – $145,000 (based on experience)

Position Overview
We are seeking an Electrical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of advanced electronic hardware systems in a mission-focused environment. This role involves full-cycle PCB development, from requirements definition and schematic design through layout, board bring-up, testing, debugging, and system integration.

The ideal candidate has practical experience in mixed-signal hardware design and is comfortable supporting multiple programs in a fast-paced environment. This position requires sound engineering judgment, the ability to work independently on well-defined assignments, and close collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable hardware solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design and develop advanced electronic hardware products
• Perform full-cycle PCB development, including requirements analysis, schematic capture, component selection, layout execution or oversight, board bring-up, testing, debugging, and system integration
• Support product maturation through rapid prototyping, design verification, and qualification activities
• Apply established design standards and engineering practices to support product reliability, manufacturability, and testability
• Design and integrate mixed-signal circuits, which may include high-speed digital, precision analog, RF, and power electronics
• Apply design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles during PCB development
• Participate in peer and cross-disciplinary design reviews
• Develop or modify low-level firmware and test software to support board bring-up and troubleshooting
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions in support of development, production, and sustainment activities
• Coordinate priorities and deliverables across multiple projects with guidance from technical and program leadership
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, test procedures, and engineering reports

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in electronic hardware or product development
• Experience with PCB development, including schematic capture, component selection, layout, board bring-up, and debugging
• Working knowledge of PCB layout techniques used to meet mechanical, electrical, signal-integrity, and manufacturing requirements
• Ability to read, interpret, develop, and review electrical schematics using established engineering practices
• Familiarity with common interfaces and communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, I2C, SPI, PCIe, and USB
• Experience working with one or more of the following: MCUs, CPUs, FPGAs, or similar programmable devices
• Solid foundation in analog and digital electronics
• Experience using Altium Designer or a comparable electronic design automation tool
• Ability to independently manage assigned tasks, identify technical issues, and seek guidance when appropriate
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, RF, or power-electronics hardware
• Familiarity with signal-integrity, power-integrity, or electromagnetic compatibility principles
• Experience supporting environmental, electromagnetic compatibility, or qualification testing
• Experience transitioning hardware designs from prototype development into production
• Familiarity with configuration management, revision control, and formal engineering documentation processes
• Experience supporting products developed for defense, aerospace, or other high-reliability applications

Benefits Overview
TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)
• Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing