Lead Electrical Systems Engineer

Leidos

Principal Electrical Engineer at Leidos focusing on architectural design and hardware-software integration for cutting-edge defense systems. Leading technical direction in multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeHuntsville • Alabama, California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $131,300 - $237,350 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in hardware architecture, specifically in avionics and high-frequency digital/analog interfaces, while leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex systems in compliance with defense standards. Possesses strong capabilities in project management, technical leadership, and the development of rigorous hardware requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Hardware ArchitectureSoC/FPGA SystemsDefense Standards ComplianceMulti-Disciplinary Team LeadershipTop-Secret Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Avionics DesignCustom PCBAsHigh-Frequency Digital InterfacesRTOS EnvironmentsMulti-Layer Power Distribution NetworkWeapon Open System ArchitectureEnvironmental Stress ScreeningSystem-Level Test PlansMicroBlaze Soft-Core ProcessorHigh-Speed Digital Interfaces

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationProject ManagementProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Xilinx SoCsAMD ZynqAltera FPGAsPCIeUDP/IP StacksHWIL IntegrationAgile FrameworkEarned Value Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Top-Secret Security ClearanceCertified Test Conductor

Industry Keywords

MIL-STD-461MIL-STD-704MIL-STD-1472IPC-D-620 Class 3IPC-D-630UAV SystemsMissile SystemsIntegrated Product TeamsCOTS Line Replaceable UnitsFieldable Launch Platforms

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

RTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
U.S. Citizenship is strictly required
Candidate must possess an active Top-Secret security clearance
Ability to travel 10–20%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and Wellness programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement