Principal Electrical Systems Engineer - Electro-Optical Systems

Location: Herndon, VA 20171

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $150,000 - $225,000 annually (depending on experience, education, and role scope).
• Relocation: Assistance provided.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with immediate match, FSA/HSA, education assistance, generous PTO, and flexible schedules (including a 9/80 option).

About the Role

Lead the electrical architecture and technical development of advanced electro-optical and laser-based systems for NASA, DoD, and commercial space missions. You will guide programs from concept through deployment, partnering with multidisciplinary teams to transition cutting-edge research into operational aerospace technologies. This role is ideal for a hands-on problem solver passionate about spaceflight architecture, technical leadership, and mentoring.

Essential Duties

• Architect & Design: Lead the electrical architecture and execution of complex electro-optical and laser systems for spaceflight and defense.
• Define Requirements: Establish system-level requirements, interfaces, performance budgets, and verification strategies.
• Hardware Leadership: Direct the development of high-reliability power systems, control electronics, data acquisition, and mixed-signal systems.
• System Integration: Drive multidisciplinary subsystem integration, verification, troubleshooting, and environmental qualification.
• Program Support: Lead design reviews, support technical proposals, and manage customer interactions across concurrent R&D and production programs.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior/mid-level engineers and establish engineering best practices.
• Hands-On Testing: Actively participate in lab, environmental, and field testing.

Required Qualifications

• Education: BSEE required.
• Experience: 15+ years developing complex aerospace, defense, or spaceflight electrical systems.
• Leadership: Proven track record as a technical lead, principal engineer, or system architect.
• Spaceflight Expertise: Direct experience developing and qualifying high-reliability electronics for satellites, spacecraft, or launch vehicles.
• Technical Skills: Deep expertise in power distribution, control electronics, instrumentation, and mixed-signal systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• MSEE or PhD in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience supporting NASA, DoD, NRO, SDA, Space Force, or commercial space missions.
• Expertise with radiation-hardened/tolerant electronics and spaceflight mission assurance processes.
• Background in electro-optical systems, lasers, remote sensing, or LIDAR.
• Active security clearance (or the ability to obtain one).