Lead Electrical Systems Engineer

Leidos

Principal Electrical Engineer at Leidos leading the design of advanced avionics and tactical systems. Focusing on hardware-software integration for critical DoD initiatives.

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

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in hardware architecture, specifically in avionics and missile systems, with a strong background in SoC/FPGA systems and compliance with defense standards. Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex engineering projects within an agile framework.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Active Top-Secret ClearanceMaster’s Degree in Electrical EngineeringHardware Architecture ExperienceExperience with SoC/FPGA SystemsLeadership in Multi-Disciplinary Engineering Teams

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Hardware ArchitectureAvionics AssembliesCustom PCBAsHigh-Frequency Digital InterfacesRTOS EnvironmentsMulti-Layer Power Distribution NetworkComplex Network ArchitecturesEnvironmental Stress ScreeningSystem-Level Test PlansEarned Value Management

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationTeam ManagementProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Xilinx/AMD Zynq SoCsAltera FPGAsMicroBlaze Soft-Core ProcessorsWeapon Open System ArchitecturePCIeRF ModemsUDP/IP Stacks

Industry Keywords

MIL-STD-461MIL-STD-704MIL-STD-1472IPC-D-620 Class 3IPC-D-630Defense StandardsIntegrated Product TeamsAgile Framework

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

Competitive compensation
Health and Wellness programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement