Senior Embedded Engineer

Director of Embedded Hardware EngineeringColumbia, MDOverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced and technically hands-on engineering leader to drive the architecture, design, and development of advanced embedded hardware platforms supporting mission-critical defense and aerospace applications.This individual will play a key leadership role within the hardware engineering organization, owning the technical direction of ruggedized embedded compute systems designed for challenging operational environments. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across embedded hardware, electrical and mechanical integration, thermal optimization, FPGA and processor technologies, and open architecture defense systems.This role requires a strong blend of technical architecture, product strategy, customer engagement, and cross-functional engineering leadership.ResponsibilitiesLead the technical vision, architecture, and roadmap for advanced embedded hardware platforms and edge compute solutionsDefine and develop embedded hardware product concepts aligned to defense and aerospace customer requirementsDrive SWaP-optimized designs for rugged deployed environments utilizing modern CPU, GPU, FPGA, and high-performance processing technologiesOversee the functional design and integration of complex embedded hardware systems including electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, FPGA, and networking componentsLead multidisciplinary engineering teams consisting of Electrical, Mechanical, FPGA, Embedded Software, and Systems Engineers throughout the full product lifecycleGuide engineering teams through architecture, prototyping, integration, testing, manufacturing, and production readiness activitiesDevelop technical artifacts including system architecture documents, interface control documents (ICDs), block diagrams, specifications, wiring schematics, and design documentationPartner with systems engineering and software teams to derive requirements and develop integrated hardware/software solutionsParticipate in customer-facing technical discussions, Voice of Customer sessions, technical interchange meetings, and proposal activitiesCollaborate with program management and business development teams to align engineering execution with customer commitments and organizational prioritiesBuild and maintain strong relationships with strategic vendors, technology partners, and silicon providersRepresent the organization at customer engagements, industry events, and defense technology conferencesRequired Qualifications15+ years of experience in embedded hardware engineering, defense systems engineering, or ruggedized electronics development5+ years of experience leading engineering teams or hardware product organizationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical disciplineDeep experience with the full embedded hardware product lifecycle including PCB design, fabrication, integration, environmental testing, and manufacturingStrong background designing ruggedized embedded systems for defense, aerospace, EW, SDR, sensor, or mission-critical environmentsExperience with open architecture and COTS-based embedded platformsHands-on understanding of embedded compute technologies including FPGA, CPU, GPU, networking, and high-speed interconnectsExperience working with embedded software environments including Linux, RTOS, compilers, debuggers, and version control tools such as GitFamiliarity with RF/Microwave systems, networking infrastructure, and complex integrated hardware/software systemsExperience designing systems to military environmental standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and related specificationsStrong understanding of hardware development tools, simulation environments, automated test frameworks, and lab instrumentationAbility to author and evaluate technical documentation including ICDs, schematics, and architecture documentationExcellent communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with engineering teams, executives, customers, and government stakeholdersPreferred QualificationsExperience with MOSA/SOSA aligned architectures including OpenVPX, OMS, FACE, VNX+, or related standardsBackground supporting EW, C2, SDR, avionics, sensor processing, or edge compute systemsMaster’s degree or advanced technical degree preferredActive DoD Security Clearance preferred or ability to obtain oneAdditional InformationFull-time direct hire opportunityCompetitive compensation package including bonus and equity potentialPrimarily onsite role located in Columbia, MDSome travel to customer and partner sites may be requiredU.S. Citizenship required due to the nature of the work and clearance eligibility requirements