Electrical Systems Engineering

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Leidos Defense is seeking a highly skilled, visionary Principal Electrical Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary engineering organization. In this role, you will drive the architectural design, hardware-software integration, and deployment of next-generation tactical systems, advanced avionics, and flight instrumentation for critical Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives. As a Principal contributor, you will act as a primary subject matter expert, translating complex customer concepts into flight-ready hardware solutions. You will provide strategic technical direction across multi-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), manage high-level engineering complexities, design robust embedded architectures, and guide engineering teams through entire hardware lifecycles.

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. Architect, lead, and deliver state-of-the-art avionics, electrical weapon interfaces, and custom/COTS Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for missile systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and fieldable launch platforms.

Support complex system co-designs utilizing high-performance Xilinx/AMD Zynq SoCs, Altera FPGAs, soft-core processors (MicroBlaze), and complex network architectures (bare-metal, RTOS-based, UDP/IP stacks, and Weapon Open System Architecture/WOSA messaging frameworks).

Oversee complex Multi-Layer Power Distribution Network (PDN) definitions, multi-rail low-noise regulation circuits, rigid-flex PCBA layouts, and high-speed digital interfaces (PCIe, multi-Gbps transceivers, ADCs/DACs, and RF modems).

Direct multi-disciplinary Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) for electronics, cabling, grounding, and bonding. Act as the primary internal technical authority, hosting weekly technical interchange meetings with external subcontractors to maintain design consistency.

Partner with systems engineering teams to translate military standards into rigorous hardware requirements. support Control Account Managers (CAMs) by providing precise technical write-ups, work breakdowns, and schedule estimates for Earned Value Management (EVM), CapEx initiatives, and major competitive proposals.

Act as a certified test conductor or lead verification engineer to establish comprehensive system-level test plans, environmental stress screening, HWIL integration, and launch-readiness countdown actions.

Active Top-Secret Clearance

Master’s degree in, electrical engineering, or related STEM discipline with 10+ years of hardware architecture experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or similar with 12+ years of relevant engineering experience.

Proven background as a hardware architect or technical lead creating flight-worthy electronics, avionics assemblies, and custom PCBAs.

Extensive experience with SoC/FPGA systems, RTOS environments, and high-frequency digital/analog hardware interfaces.

Comprehensive working knowledge and implementation history with defense standards, including MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC), MIL-STD-704 (Aircraft Power), MIL-STD-1472 (Human Factors), IPC-D-620 Class 3 (Cabling/Harnessing), and IPC-D-630.

Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams, acting as an IPT Lead, product owner, or scrum master within an agile framework.

Candidate must possess an active Top[Secret security clearance

Ability to travel 10–20%

Prior experience designing electronics specialized for extreme environments (e.g., high-shock rocket deployments

• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies, SysML concepts, or requirements tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw and IBM DOORS.
• Experience with advanced RF simulation tools, anechoic chamber testing, and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for space-constrained power subsystems (such as CubeSats).

Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. Securing Your Data

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.