Hardware Engineer

Accelera; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera Staffing is seeking a seasoned Hardware Engineer for a premier aviation partner in Cedar Rapids, IA. The role focuses on high-performance, safety-critical avionics and leading cross-functional technical efforts.

Responsibilities include directing systems engineering, defining requirements, and guiding architectures while collaborating with hardware, software, and program management teams to meet regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field plus at least 8 years of relevant experience, OR an advanced degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• A proven track record of leadership in developing certified aerospace systems or other complex, highly regulated technologies.
• Demonstrated success in contributing to or architecting complex systems.
• A history of effective collaboration across diverse engineering disciplines.
• Knowledge of aviation certification and regulatory standards including TSO, DO-160, DO-254, and DO-178B/C.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly technical work environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical lead for systems engineering to ensure solutions meet customer needs and program goals.
• Direct core systems engineering tasks, including defining system requirements, developing architectures, and planning integration.
• Foster strong partnerships with hardware, software, and program management teams to ensure project success.
• Help maintain a high standard of compliance with engineering protocols, certification mandates, and design plans for the entire team.
• Leverage your deep knowledge of avionics and regulated systems to guide product roadmaps and technical strategy.
• Ensure the team delivers safe, high-performing products by driving critical technical decisions that meet certification standards.
• Support the growth of the business by participating in innovation initiatives that define future aerospace technology.

Skills

Leadership in aerospace systems

Systems engineering

Regulated technologies

Certified avionics

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree

Job description

Advance the Future of Aviation as a Hardware Engineer

We are looking for a seasoned Hardware Engineer to join our premier aviation partner based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you thrive on solving intricate engineering puzzles, have a passion for pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation, and want to help shape the next generation of avionics, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark on the industry.

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Job Type: Full-Time Contract (26 Months)

Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Pay Rate: $74.70/hour

Drive Innovation in Aerospace

As a Hardware Engineer, you will act as a primary technical authority, guiding the development of high-performance, safety-critical avionics utilized by commercial and military clients worldwide. By working alongside diverse engineering groups, you will help create technologies that boost pilot performance, improve mission outcomes, and advance the state of aerospace and defense.

This role provides a unique platform to steer technical strategy, influence architectural design, and partner with industry-leading experts to support products that keep the world connected and secure.

Your Responsibilities

• Act as a technical lead for systems engineering to ensure solutions meet customer needs and program goals.
• Direct core systems engineering tasks, including defining system requirements, developing architectures, and planning integration.
• Foster strong partnerships with hardware, software, and program management teams to ensure project success.
• Help maintain a high standard of compliance with engineering protocols, certification mandates, and design plans for the entire team.
• Leverage your deep knowledge of avionics and regulated systems to guide product roadmaps and technical strategy.
• Ensure the team delivers safe, high-performing products by driving critical technical decisions that meet certification standards.
• Support the growth of the business by participating in innovation initiatives that define future aerospace technology.

Professional Development

This position offers significant opportunities for career advancement, including:

• Gaining deep expertise in the development of safety-critical avionics and certified flight deck systems.
• Building leadership skills by coordinating technical teams and managing strategic engineering projects.
• Expanding your proficiency in systems engineering, integration, and long-term strategic planning.
• Engaging with a global network of stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional aerospace professionals.
• Contributing directly to the creation of cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you should possess:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field plus at least 8 years of relevant experience, OR an advanced degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• A proven track record of leadership in developing certified aerospace systems or other complex, highly regulated technologies.
• Demonstrated success in contributing to or architecting complex systems.
• A history of effective collaboration across diverse engineering disciplines.
• Knowledge of aviation certification and regulatory standards including TSO, DO-160, DO-254, and DO-178B/C.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly technical work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following experience will stand out:

• Background in optics, display technology, electronics, or hardware/software integration.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience influencing technical direction across engineering teams.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to leadership and cross-functional partners.

Why Join Us?

You will have the opportunity to work with one of the world's most respected aerospace and defense organizations. By joining this team, you are taking on a contract role that allows you to contribute to groundbreaking technologies that define the future of flight.

What You'll Gain

• Competitive pay at $74.70 per hour.
• Valuable experience with an industry-leading aerospace innovator.
• Opportunity to work on advanced avionics and mission-critical technologies.
• Exposure to world-class engineering teams and industry best practices.
• A collaborative environment that values innovation, technical excellence, and continuous learning.
• Dedicated support throughout your assignment.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $74.70 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: The California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

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.