Principal Electrical Systems Engineer (Herndon)

We are seeking a Principal Electrical Systems Engineer to join our Herndon, VA team and lead the development of advanced electro-optical and laser-based systems supporting NASA, DoD, and commercial space missions.

In this role, you will serve as the technical lead for the electrical architecture of complex aerospace systems, guiding programs from concept development through integration, test, qualification, and mission deployment. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams of optical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers to develop next-generation laser, sensing, and remote sensing technologies for demanding spaceflight applications.

This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving challenging technical problems, defining system architectures, mentoring engineers, and helping transition advanced research into operational aerospace systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical architecture, design, and technical execution of complex electro-optical, laser, and sensing systems for spaceflight and defense applications.
• Define system-level electrical requirements, interfaces, performance budgets, and verification strategies.
• Provide technical leadership for the development of high-reliability electronics, including power systems, control electronics, data acquisition systems, signal conditioning, and system interconnects.
• Lead electrical subsystem integration activities and ensure successful interface compatibility across multidisciplinary systems.
• Lead system integration, verification, validation, troubleshooting, and qualification activities.
• Support customer interactions, technical proposals, design reviews, and program execution.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers while helping establish engineering best practices.
• Participate in laboratory testing, environmental testing, and field demonstrations as required.
• Support multiple concurrent R&D and production programs spanning NASA, DoD, and commercial space customers.

Required Qualifications

• BSEE required; MSEE preferred.
• 15+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, or spaceflight electrical systems.
• Demonstrated experience serving as the technical lead, principal engineer, or system architect for complex electrical systems.
• Direct experience developing, integrating, testing, or qualifying electronics for spaceflight applications, including satellites, spacecraft, launch vehicles, scientific instruments, human-rated systems, or other high-reliability aerospace platforms.
• Strong background in system-level electrical architecture, integration, verification, troubleshooting, and qualification.
• Experience with power distribution, control electronics, instrumentation, mixed-signal systems, and electrical interfaces.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams and leading technical decision-making.
• Ability to work hands-on in laboratory environments and support system integration and test activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• MSEE or PhD in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience supporting NASA, DoD, NRO, SDA, Space Force, or commercial space programs.
• Experience with radiation-tolerant, radiation-hardened, or other high-reliability electronics technologies.
• Familiarity with spaceflight design standards, mission assurance processes, and environmental qualification testing.
• Experience with electro-optical systems, laser systems, remote sensing, or LIDAR technologies.
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring engineers.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.