Job Title: Electrical Engineer
Job Description
The Electrical Engineer leads the design, development, integration, and validation of electronic hardware systems that support next-generation aircraft platforms. This role focuses on schematic capture, oversight of PCB layout, circuit board bring-up, debugging, and hardware integration for avionics, flight control, power distribution, and embedded electronics systems. You collaborate closely with a small, multidisciplinary engineering team and contribute to technology that directly supports Army-related programs, with strong opportunities to grow your career across multiple projects.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of electronic hardware systems for next-generation aircraft platforms.
Own schematic capture activities and provide technical oversight for PCB layout to ensure robust and manufacturable designs.
Perform circuit board bring-up, including initial power-on, configuration, and functional verification of new hardware.
Debug analog and digital circuits using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and analyzers.
Integrate electronic hardware with avionics, flight control, power distribution, and embedded electronics systems.
Plan and execute hardware integration activities, ensuring reliable operation within aircraft systems and subsystems.
Create and develop comprehensive test plans and detailed test procedures for hardware validation and verification.
Conduct analog circuit testing to validate performance, signal integrity, and compliance with design specifications.
Perform digital circuit testing, including hardware, electrical, and interface testing such as Ethernet connectivity.
Support hardware testing for motor control and actuator systems, ensuring precise motion control and reliable operation.
Use lab tools and measurement equipment to diagnose issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
Collaborate directly with multiple engineering disciplines to ensure seamless system-level integration of hardware designs.
Contribute technical expertise across several programs, adapting designs and approaches to meet diverse project requirements.
Document design decisions, test results, and integration findings clearly to support certification and future development.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers, sharing best practices in hardware design and testing.
Essential Skills
At least 10 years of experience as an Electrical or Hardware Engineer working on complex electronic systems.
Strong proficiency in schematic capture for electronic hardware design.
Hands-on experience with circuit board bring-up, including initial testing and debugging of new boards.
Expertise in analog circuit testing and troubleshooting using standard lab equipment.
Expertise in digital circuit testing, hardware and electrical testing, including Ethernet and related interfaces.
Proficient use of oscilloscopes, multimeters, and similar laboratory tools for measurement and diagnostics.
Experience creating and developing detailed test plans and test procedures for hardware validation.
Ability to perform hardware integration for avionics, flight control, power distribution, and embedded electronics systems.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent electrical engineering degree.
Strong debugging skills for complex electronic hardware, including root-cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with motor controls and motion control systems is desired.
Familiarity with Ethernet-based communication within embedded or avionics systems is an advantage.
Comfort working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams on multiple concurrent programs.
Ability to adapt to different project needs and grow into expanded technical or leadership responsibilities over time.
Strong documentation and communication skills to clearly convey design intent and test outcomes.
Work Environment
You work within a growing engineering organization of approximately 50 people, with about half of the team composed of engineers. The team is in a significant growth phase and plans to approximately double in size, providing opportunities to take on new responsibilities and advance your career. You collaborate closely with a small, agile group and interact directly with multiple engineering disciplines, contributing to technology that supports Army-related aircraft programs. The role is lab-focused, with regular use of oscilloscopes, multimeters, analyzers, and other test equipment for hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation. The environment emphasizes hands-on work with electronic hardware, cross-functional teamwork, and involvement in several programs where you can shape your career path according to your interests.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/hr.
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.
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest,CA.
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.
