Principal Digital Electrical Engineer

Overview

Thales Defense & Security, Inc., is a global company serving the defense, federal, and commercial markets with innovative communication solutions for the ground tactical, airborne and avionics, and naval/maritime markets. In addition to mission-critical communication systems, the company provides helmet-mounted displays and motion tracking technologies; SATCOM terminals; advanced sonar systems; air traffic management navigation, and surveillance, and simulation.  Further, Thales Defense & Security, Inc. serves as a gateway for technology, leveraging Thales-wide solutions—such as combat management systems; naval, airborne, and ground ISR; and electronic warfare—to address U.S. requirements. 

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. has an opening for a Principal Digital Hardware Engineer. This position is located in the Clarksburg office and reports to the Electrical Engineering Manager.

COVID-19 Statement

The health and safety of our employees is a top-priority at Thales Defense & Security, Inc.  In order to provide the safest possible environment for our employees, their loved ones, our customers and the communities in which we do business, every employee is expected to do his/her/their part by getting vaccinated and following our safety protocols.

Top Benefits 

• Competitive Salary
• Yearly Incentive Bonus Program
• Generous 401(k) program  - up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)

Responsibilities

• Lead small digital engineering teams and/or work independently to define requirements, conceive, document (create schematics, PCB layouts, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, etc), analyze/simulate, build prototypes, load firmware/software on prototype boards and radios, perform verification testing, debug, and optimize digital circuit designs to meet requirements at the circuit, card, and product levels
• Implement digital designs of high complexity and high density utilizing microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, audio amplifiers and codecs, displays, and high efficiency low noise power supplies capable of supporting advanced waveforms used in small size weight and power (SWAP) communication products
• Implement designs utilizing on board high speed data buses (i.e. DDR3/DDR4 memory, High Speed Ethernet, etc) and capable of controlling external RF amplifiers and interfacing with external data and control devices (USB 3.0, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, etc)
• Perform technical trade studies and analyses to select digital architecture and key components
• Develop and implement detailed design specifications, test plans and test procedures
• Effectively troubleshoot problems and implement effective solutions
• Plan and execute PCB layout activities independently and through PCB Layout Designers
• Plan, estimate, and manage the technical requirements, scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables for designs from concept, through detailed design, prototype and engineering test, and transition into full rate production
• Generate documentation for programming individual components, loading firmware onto circuit card assemblies and fully assembled product
• Perform root cause analysis on field failures and support continuous product improvements
• Support R&D efforts and continuous process improvements
• Complete assigned tasks in a quality and timely manner with minimal supervision
• Effectively support and communicate to management status, issues, needs and ideas

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• US Citizenship Required - Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet requirements to obtain and maintain a US Secret Security Clearance.
• BSEE/MSEE in Electrical Engineering.
• 8 years of electrical design experience
• In-depth practical and theoretical knowledge of digital circuit design as it applies to communication products used for Tactical Radio, SATCOM, and/or Land Mobile Radio products
• Experience designing and serving as technical lead for high complexity and high density digital designs utilizing microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, audio amplifiers and codecs, displays, and high efficiency low noise power supplies capable of supporting advanced waveforms used in small size weight and power (SWAP) communication products.
• Experience utilizing a formal design process to document (create schematics, PCB layouts, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, etc), analyze/simulate, build prototypes, load firmware/software on prototype boards and radios, perform verification testing, debug, and optimize circuit designs to meet requirements at the circuit, card, and product levels.
• Experience transitioning schematics into PCB layout by working independently and/or through PCB Layout Designers
• Experience defining methods of programming and loading firmware on development hardware for CCA development and testing
• Hands-on lab experience to breadboard, prototype and fully test designs utilizing advanced engineering test equipment.
• Experience utilizing industry best practices and transitioning designs into full rate production
• Experience utilizing engineering development software tools including Altium/Mentor, LTspice, Matlab/Simulink, Lab View, Hyperlynx, and Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience leading small teams of digital engineers and mentoring junior engineers
• Experience designing to and meeting DoD, Agency, and Industry standards and practices, for EMI/EMC, environmental, certification and test (MIL-STD, CE/UL, NTIA/FCC, RoHS, REACH, ASTM, ANSI, etc.).
• Strong communication skills both verbal and non-verbal.
• Ability to think "out-of-the-box”, develop, and implement innovation design solutions
• Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values. 

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Thales is an E-Verify employer.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please call Human Resources at 240-864-7630.