Principal Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer

Role overview Own the full lifecycle of hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) systems used to validate guidance, navigation, control, avionics, and missile subsystems. The principal engineer defines system architecture, leads integration and deployment, and coordinates a small multidisciplinary team across electrical, software, systems, propulsion, and program functions.

Responsibilities - Set HWIL architecture for a baseline system and future variants; define hardware and software requirements for system drawers and subsystems. - Produce and maintain interface specifications, functional diagrams, wiring documentation, test procedures, and controlled technical data packages. - Design, build, integrate, test, and deploy complete HWIL systems, connecting avionics, seeker, propulsion, and other subsystem interfaces. - Develop verification and validation strategies for guidance, navigation, and control algorithms; support readiness and qualification test events. - Lead engineering staff, estimate new work, contribute to schedule and resource planning, and coordinate execution. - Serve as a technical contact for government and industry partners; support proposals and technical materials, and travel to partner locations for deployment and integration.

Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; a master’s degree is preferred. - At least 12 years of electrical hardware design and avionics integration experience. - Direct experience designing, building, and deploying HWIL or system test environments. - Experience leading a small engineering team. - Knowledge of avionics hardware lifecycle management, configuration control, environmental qualification testing, controls and GNC integration, electrical integration, and technical data packages. - Ability to meet applicable export-control requirements; some contract work requires U.S. citizenship. A Secret clearance or ability to obtain one is desired.

Nice to have Missile or hypersonic systems experience; HWIL for missile flight hardware; trajectory analysis, radar modeling, or MATLAB-based analysis; experience as a hiring manager or section lead; proposal or technical capture experience.

Benefits and work setup Listed salary range: $137,500–$234,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, a 9/80 schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. Travel to partner sites is part of the role.