Lead Electrical Engineer

Actalent • Sterling, VA • 4d ago

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 proto@type into 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.

Many of the current systems began as rapid proto@types and externally packaged solutions. This role will focus on re-architecting those systems into tightly integrated, heavily customized electrical designs, reducing reliance on boxed COTS solutions and bringing critical capabilities fully in-house. The work supports international defense and security partnerships, with a strong emphasis on performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

There are multiple open positions, with additional headcount expected as programs continue to expand.

Key Responsibilities

Lead custom electrical system architecture and design, transforming proto@type 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 bring-up, 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

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Required Technical Experience

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering or related

15+ years of hands-on electrical engineering experience

Experience leading deeply custom electrical designs

Experience with 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

Power electronics expertise, including: Buck, boost, and LDO regulators, Power integrity for high-speed digital systems, AC-to-DC power conversion with wide-range inputs and high-power outputs (e.g., ~28V, multi-kW)

Working knowledge of EMI/EMC standards and mitigation techniques

Preferred Background

Experience 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 proto@types 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

Experience Level

Expert Level

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 May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

Hiring diverse talent

Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

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