Principal Hardware Engineer

System Development Division (SDD) is focused on delivering National Defense capabilities by driving mission-focused strategies to develop advanced technology systems enabling enduring products and solutions focused on achieving the customer vision. Our programs deliver sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes. SDD considers the entire lifecycle of the solution, from conceptualization and architecting, through development to deployment, while leveraging novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems.

SDD is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer with a demonstrated record of successful technical and programmatic leadership to both lead and support multidisciplinary teams in the architecting, design, development, implementation, and fielding of advanced multi-function RF systems. You will collaborate with fellow researchers and engineers spread across multiple STR campuses, groups, divisions, and with industry partners to interpret and understand customer objectives and develop innovative solutions to complex and challenging national security problems.

Additionally, you will support the effort to evaluate current and future system capabilities, identify improved applications and techniques, and ultimately recommend solutions. Since the systems SDD develops are deployed in operationally relevant environments, the hardware you develop needs to meet standards of quality, maintainability, and reuse. This position will offer the opportunity for technical leadership, project planning, design, analysis, development, testing, and fielding of capabilities.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and expertise in areas such as: RF, radar, communications systems, analog and digital signal processing, software-defined radios (SDRs), FPGA firmware and hardware development, microcontrollers and embedded processors, physics modeling and simulation, systems engineering, and test & evaluation. This position requires skills in working with multidisciplinary teams, managing design, development, and test activities, as well as technical proficiency in relevant technologies. Strong interpersonal, communication, technical, and peer-leadership skills are also required. Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, detail oriented and have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and individual contributors on the program team through strong written and verbal communication skills.

What you will do:

• Lead technical teams through the hardware systems development lifecycle from system requirements definition through to delivery.


• Collaborate with the program/portfolio manager to manage schedule and budget and ensure that program milestones are met.


• Deliver technical briefings to a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders.


• Foster customer relationships and identify technical solutions that address their mission requirements.


• Regularly engage with SDD division leadership to support the continuous development of engineering processes and infrastructure.


• Provide mentorship to junior engineers to accelerate their technical and professional development.


• Build and maintain high performing and empowered technical teams.

Who you are:

• This position requires the ability to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government


• Understanding of and experience with RF systems and their principles of design, development, requirements verification, test planning, test execution, and data analysis.


• Demonstrated experience in technical leadership and successful delivery of advanced development projects.


• Demonstrated desire to successfully pursue new challenges, improve and broaden technical skills, seek greater responsibilities, and increase individual value to the organization.


• Capable of effectively working in a team environment, often under tight deadlines.


• Experience in preparing and delivering high-level briefings to customers and senior management. Interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end solution.


• Familiarity with the execution of technical reviews (SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, TIMS)


• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field.


• Background should include a Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of applicable experience, a Master’s degree and at least 8 years of applicable experience, or a PhD and at least 5 years of applicable experience. Equivalent experience will be considered

Nice to have:

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance


• Domain expertise in one or more of the following areas: radar systems, electronic warfare, microwave engineering, analog and digital signal processing, embedded software development, physics modeling and simulation.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.