Principal Hardware Engineer

Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex electrical boards, including single board computers (SBC), FPGA, switch, and input/output cards in 3U and 6U VPX form factors; and custom form-factor systems incorporating software, firmware, and hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, and has a proven track record of solving complex technical challenges across design, testing, and production phases.

Location: Ashburn, VA (Onsite)

Salary Range: $144,100.00 - $190,000.00 per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *

Your Challenge

• Collaborate with engineering, project management, test, and operations teams in small, highly integrated, multidisciplinary teams to meet demanding, schedule-driven customer requirements.

• Lead the design and development of 3U and 6U VPX SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards supporting data rates up to 400 GHz.

• Lead the design and development of custom form-factor systems that include SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards, and power supplies and thermal management elements including Liquid-Flow-Through (LFT) methods.

• Support business development, program managers, and customer teams in translating requirements into practical system and functional designs.

• Assess technical and economic feasibility of new designs and act as a team/project lead.

• Provide technical leadership, introduce best practices, and improve product performance, reliability, and time-to-market (TTM).

• Direct and conduct tests to establish standards for new or modified equipment, systems, or processes.

• Develop and maintain technical procedures, documentation, and manuals.

What you Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s preferred.

• Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards up to 100 GHz); 20+ years preferred.

• Extensive experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, analog, and low-power, high-current circuits in high-reliability environments.

• Proficient in designing high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs with 26+ layers, Mult lamination, blind/buried vias, and uVia structures.

• Hands-on experience with Siemens Expedition DX Designer (SCH) and Siemens Expedition PCB tools.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, drive results, and work under high-pressure, schedule-driven environments.

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, capable of architecting and completing complex designs with schedule-based teams.

• Excellent communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• US Citizenship required; active DoD security clearance preferred.

Who We Are

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.

To learn more visit: Home | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)

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No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.