Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
Principal Digital Electrical Engineer (DRT)
Thales Defense & Security, Inc., Germantown, Maryland, us, 20875
Principal Digital Electrical Engineer (DRT)
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. invites a senior engineer to lead the design and development of digital hardware for Digital Receiver Technologies (DRT). The role focuses on Electronic Warfare and SIGINT software‑defined radio technologies at our Germantown, MD campus.
Location Germantown, MD, 20876, United States
Responsibilities
Lead small digital engineering teams or work independently to define requirements, document designs, analyze/simulate, build prototypes, oversee PCB layouts, load firmware/software, verify testing, debug, and optimize digital circuit designs at the circuit, card, and product levels.
Implement high‑complexity, high‑density digital designs using microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, displays, and low‑noise power supplies for state‑of‑the‑art SIGINT and EW products.
Design on‑board high‑speed data buses (DDR3/DDR4, High‑Speed Ethernet, 100GBASE‑KR, PCIe, USB 3.0, etc.) and interface with external RF amplifiers and control devices.
Perform technical trade studies and analyses to select digital architecture and key components.
Develop and implement detailed design specifications, test plans, and test procedures.
Efficiently troubleshoot problems and implement effective solutions.
Plan and execute PCB layout activities in collaboration with PCB layout designers.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical oversight.
Plan, estimate, and manage the technical requirements, scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables for designs from concept through detailed design, prototype, engineering test, and transition into full‑rate production.
Generate documentation for programming components, loading firmware, and assembling products.
Perform root‑cause analysis on field failures and support continuous product improvements.
Support R&D efforts and continuous process improvements.
Complete tasks in a quality and timely manner with minimal supervision.
Effectively communicate status, issues, needs, and ideas to management.
Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship required (security clearance may be required).
BSEE/MSEE or equivalent; an advanced degree is desirable.
8+ years of electrical design experience.
In‑depth knowledge of digital circuit design for communication products.
Experience designing and leading high‑complexity, high‑speed, high‑density digital designs.
Experience using formal design processes to document schematics, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, and verify designs.
Experience overseeing PCB layout and working with PCB layout designers.
Hands‑on lab experience for prototyping and testing advanced designs.
Experience transitioning designs into full‑rate production.
Proficiency with OrCAD/Cadence, LTspice, HyperLynx, and Microsoft Office tools.
Experience leading small engineering teams and mentoring junior engineers.
Experience meeting DoD, Agency, and Industry standards (EMI/EMC, environmental, MIL‑STD, CE/UL, RoHS, etc.).
Ability to think “out‑of‑the‑box” and deliver innovative design solutions.
Commitment to company guidelines, policies, and core values.
Benefits (Subject to applicable policies)
Competitive Salary
Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
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)
Salary Range Annualized pay range:
$142,410‑181,969 USD
with a target incentive compensation plan of
5% . The range reflects a good‑faith estimate based on experience level and responsibilities.
Contact & Application For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at
careers@thalesdsi.com .
EEO Statement Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non‑discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E‑Verify Employer. If you need an accommodation or assistance to apply, please call Human Resources at
202‑961‑1016 .
Legal Notice Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a U.S. company serving domestic and international defense markets for over 60 years. We operate as a regulated employer and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Veterans, people with disabilities, and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. The company retains the right to verify employment eligibility and conduct background checks as required by law.
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Location Germantown, MD, 20876, United States
Responsibilities
Lead small digital engineering teams or work independently to define requirements, document designs, analyze/simulate, build prototypes, oversee PCB layouts, load firmware/software, verify testing, debug, and optimize digital circuit designs at the circuit, card, and product levels.
Implement high‑complexity, high‑density digital designs using microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, displays, and low‑noise power supplies for state‑of‑the‑art SIGINT and EW products.
Design on‑board high‑speed data buses (DDR3/DDR4, High‑Speed Ethernet, 100GBASE‑KR, PCIe, USB 3.0, etc.) and interface with external RF amplifiers and control devices.
Perform technical trade studies and analyses to select digital architecture and key components.
Develop and implement detailed design specifications, test plans, and test procedures.
Efficiently troubleshoot problems and implement effective solutions.
Plan and execute PCB layout activities in collaboration with PCB layout designers.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical oversight.
Plan, estimate, and manage the technical requirements, scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables for designs from concept through detailed design, prototype, engineering test, and transition into full‑rate production.
Generate documentation for programming components, loading firmware, and assembling products.
Perform root‑cause analysis on field failures and support continuous product improvements.
Support R&D efforts and continuous process improvements.
Complete tasks in a quality and timely manner with minimal supervision.
Effectively communicate status, issues, needs, and ideas to management.
Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship required (security clearance may be required).
BSEE/MSEE or equivalent; an advanced degree is desirable.
8+ years of electrical design experience.
In‑depth knowledge of digital circuit design for communication products.
Experience designing and leading high‑complexity, high‑speed, high‑density digital designs.
Experience using formal design processes to document schematics, interface control documents, hardware design documents, test plans/reports, and verify designs.
Experience overseeing PCB layout and working with PCB layout designers.
Hands‑on lab experience for prototyping and testing advanced designs.
Experience transitioning designs into full‑rate production.
Proficiency with OrCAD/Cadence, LTspice, HyperLynx, and Microsoft Office tools.
Experience leading small engineering teams and mentoring junior engineers.
Experience meeting DoD, Agency, and Industry standards (EMI/EMC, environmental, MIL‑STD, CE/UL, RoHS, etc.).
Ability to think “out‑of‑the‑box” and deliver innovative design solutions.
Commitment to company guidelines, policies, and core values.
Benefits (Subject to applicable policies)
Competitive Salary
Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
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)
Salary Range Annualized pay range:
$142,410‑181,969 USD
with a target incentive compensation plan of
5% . The range reflects a good‑faith estimate based on experience level and responsibilities.
Contact & Application For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at
careers@thalesdsi.com .
EEO Statement Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non‑discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E‑Verify Employer. If you need an accommodation or assistance to apply, please call Human Resources at
202‑961‑1016 .
Legal Notice Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a U.S. company serving domestic and international defense markets for over 60 years. We operate as a regulated employer and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Veterans, people with disabilities, and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. The company retains the right to verify employment eligibility and conduct background checks as required by law.
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