Description
We are hiring for a defense technology company headquartered in Austin, TX, building autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. Navy and allied forces. These Senior /Staff/Principal Electrical Engineer roles sit within the team responsible for electrical system integration across their vessel platforms. It's worth being specific about what this team does and doesn't own, since the title alone doesn't capture it. This is a systems integration function first the team's job is architecture, system sizing, and making controls, sensors, and communications work together as a cohesive platform. It is explicitly not a custom power electronics team (power experience is welcome and treated as a specialty, but it isn't the core charter), it does very little custom PCB development (a small, separate group inside the company owns that work), and RF sits entirely outside this team's scope. Representative subsystems this team owns include PLC controls and sensor integration (including fluid sensors), engine controls, and higher-level compute integration such as perception cameras and sensor payloads.
There are no strong vertical silos on this team. A single engineer is expected to move across the full lifecycle of their subsystem clean-sheet design, writing test plans and First Article Test (FAT) procedures, and working directly with manufacturing to debug issues based on floor feedback. Field testing of the actual vessel is the dominant and most valued form of validation; because most components are purchased off the shelf rather than custom-built, qualification testing is largely a vendor selection question rather than something engineers execute independently in a lab.
The ideal candidate has owned a system, subsystem, or component end to end from requirements through delivery multiple times, including at least one that reached production. They think at the system level rather than purely the component level, are fluent enough with firmware and OS-layer concepts to collaborate effectively with the software team (without writing code themselves), and operate independently while communicating clearly with leadership. Because most hardware is vendor-supplied rather than custom-designed in-house, writing clear specifications and jointly defining requirements with external vendors is a real, constant part of the job not an occasional task.
Saronic offers real scope here: mentorship of E1-level engineers for those who want that path, deep technical ownership for those who'd rather stay hands-on (the team's approach flexes to the person), and a path toward platform electrical engineering lead for high performers. Leadership opportunities exist but are limited this is a technical ownership role first, with growth paths as a secondary opportunity rather than the primary draw.
Key Responsibilities
Own system-level electrical architecture and sizing decisions across one or more vessel platforms, balancing controls, sensors, and communications into a cohesive system
Design, integrate, and support subsystems within the team's core domains: PLC controls and sensor integration (including fluid sensors), engine controls, and higher-level compute/sensor payload integration (e.g., perception cameras)
Move fluidly across the full subsystem lifecycle clean-sheet design, writing test plans and FAT procedures, and hands-on manufacturing debug support based on direct floor feedback
Collaborate closely with the software team at the firmware/OS-layer boundary, understanding what they need from the electrical side without writing code - Author and shape technical requirements directly, rather than only executing against requirements someone else wrote
Own a program schedule and drive it independently including the judgment to identify when a schedule won't hold and determine what to descope to protect it, without relying on a program manager to hold scope together
Source, specify, and manage relationships with external vendors supplying off-the-shelf components, writing clear technical specifications and jointly defining requirements with vendor engineering teams
Participate in cross-functional design reviews spanning engineering, manufacturing, vendors, and customers; cross reviews are run at every level on this team, not just for junior engineers
Lead or support field testing of vessels as the primary mode of validating subsystem and system-level performance
Mentor E1-level engineers for those interested in that path, or maintain deep individual technical ownership for those who prefer to stay hands-on
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
5-7+ years of relevant experience, with demonstrated end-to-end ownership of a system, subsystem, or component multiple times, including at least one that reached production
System-level architecture and sizing experience, not solely component-level work
Strong understanding of firmware/OS-layer concepts sufficient to collaborate fluently with software engineers
Demonstrated independence, schedule ownership, and strong upward communication
Experience writing specifications and managing requirements jointly with external vendors
Preferred Qualifications
Low-level PCB design exposure
Hands-on firmware or embedded software experience
Power electronics, particularly power converter subcomponents or charging systems
Engine controls experience
Experience with design tools such as Zuken, AutoCAD Electrical, or SolidWorks Electrical, and familiarity with military environmental standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461)
Skills
systems architecture, end to end ownership, design, system design, system integration, Software, firmware, Python, Automation, pcb design
Top Skills Details
systems architecture,end to end ownership,design,system design,system integration,Software,firmware
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Low-level PCB design exposure, at any level of ownership; hands-on firmware or embedded software experience (a significant bonus, not required); test and debug experience, provided it sits alongside genuine design ownership rather than replacing it; power electronics particularly power converter subcomponents and charging systems, where the hiring team noted these candidates tend to be especially strong; engine controls experience
Experience Level
Expert Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Austin, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $170000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the companys success Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 2026.
About TEKsystems
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services
Were a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. Were a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. Were strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. Were building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.
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.
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.
