Principal Electrical Engineer

QinetiQ U.S.; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead hands-on design, build, and troubleshooting of critical electronic systems for defense customers. The role spans multi-megawatt vehicle electrification, underwater propulsion for AUVs, and naval power electronics modernization.

ARMS group focuses on mission-ready systems with teams spanning robotics, ship, and submarine platforms. Candidates should bring senior-level electrical expertise and DoD collaboration experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or higher in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years of related experience.
• Hands-on design, build, and testing of systems.
• Familiarity with MIL-Specs and MIL-PRFs for electrical engineering.
• Ability to drive programs from proposal to production.
• Experience interfacing with customers and mentoring engineers.
• Proficient with CAD/analysis tools; DoD security clearance if required.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams to design and support complex systems.
• Hands-on primary contributor to first-iteration design, build, and troubleshooting.
• Oversee component lifecycle from proposal to production.
• Design and develop new features for existing products.
• Troubleshoot root-cause of component and system issues.
• Lead electrical design and testing to MIL-Spec.

Skills

Hands-on hardware testing

MIL-Spec familiarity

Customer collaboration

Mentorship experience

CAD/Analysis software

Security clearance (DoD)

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

CAD/Analysis software

Job description

Principal Electrical Engineer

Job Locations

US-MA-Devens

1 hour ago (10/21/2026 8:36 AM)

• Job ID: 2026-12375
• Posted Date: Engineering

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Position Overview

As a Principal Electrical Engineer at QinetiQ, you will lead hands-on design, build, and troubleshooting of mission-critical electronic systems for defense customers. Your work will span from multi-megawatt military vehicle electrification, compact underwater propulsion units for AUVs, unmanned ground robots, and the modernization of onboard power electronics and actuator systems for the Navy's newest submarine designs, bringing proven technology into the next generation of undersea platforms.

QinetiQ's Advanced Robotics and Mission Solutions (AR&MS) group draws on decades of experience developing and delivering leading-edge, mission-ready systems. From frontline unmanned ground robots to ship and submarine systems on which missions depend, our teams are driven by mission-led innovation and a commitment to overcoming the threats of tomorrow.

Responsibilities

• Work within and/or lead multidisciplinary teams of mechanical, electrical, software, and controls engineers to design and support complex systems
• Act as the hands-on primary contributor to first iteration design build and troubleshooting
• Oversee the entire component life-cycle from proposal, concept design, prototype build, and production implementation.
• Design and develop new and novel features for existing products
• Troubleshoot and root cause challenging component and systems problems
• Spearhead the electrical design and testing to MIL-Spec

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Electrical or equivalent with 7+ years of related experience
• Hands-on experience building and testing systems
• Familiarity with MIL-Specs and MIL-PRFs related to electrical engineering
• Ability to see programs through from proposal to production
• Experience interfacing and collaborating with customers
• Prior mentorship roles especially within an engineering setting
• Experience with CAD/Analysis programs
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance if required

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DOD security clearance

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $115,000.00 - $175,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.