Lead Electrical Engineer

Job Title: Lead Electrical Engineer Job Description We are seeking a Senior to Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the custom, ground-up design of advanced hardware systems as they transition from prototype to manufacturable, production-ready platforms. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who takes full ownership of designs, thrives in fast-moving environments, and can drive complex hardware efforts from concept through execution. The position supports international defense and security partnerships with a strong emphasis on performance, reliability, and manufacturability. ResponsibilitiesLead custom electrical system architecture and design, transforming prototype hardware into production-ready solutions.Own end-to-end board design, including schematic capture, component selection, and design trade studies.Redesign COTS-heavy subsystems into bespoke hardware architectures tailored to system, performance, and manufacturing requirements.Drive from-scratch PCB designs, including stack-up definition, signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC performance.Design and analyze high-power electronics, including AC-to-DC and DC-to-DC conversion architectures.Lead board debugging, validation, and design iteration in support of manufacturing readiness.Evaluate build-vs-buy decisions, with a strong bias toward custom solutions where performance, integration, or scale demand it.Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and program leadership teams.Establish and uphold engineering best practices, design standards, and technical rigor.Serve as a trusted technical leader capable of driving hardware programs to completion. Essential SkillsBachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.15+ years of hands-on electrical engineering experience.Experience leading deeply custom electrical designs.Full ownership of schematic design for complex digital, power, and mixed-signal boards.Experience with FPGA-based systems, ideally using Xilinx architectures.Strong understanding of PCB stack-ups, signal integrity, and power integrity.Expertise in power electronics, including buck, boost, and LDO regulators.Experience with AC-to-DC power conversion with wide-range inputs and high-power outputs.Working knowledge of EMI/EMC standards and mitigation techniques. Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience designing systems where digital electronics interface with RF components.Ability to design for regulated, ruggedized, or production environments.Experience in defense, aerospace, ISR, sensors, satcom, or advanced R&D organizations.Background in environments where rapid prototypes are matured into manufactured systems.Experience with high-reliability electronics, custom power architectures, or mission-critical hardware.Prior work in highly technical, execution-driven engineering cultures. Work Environment Work is conducted Monday through Friday on-site in Sterling. The role involves developing cutting-edge cUAS systems for military and state/local police departments, contributing to safety at major events such as the World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics, and supporting drone counter-efforts. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a focus on innovation and engineering excellence. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $100.00 - $115.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Sterling,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.