Principal Electrical Engineer

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

Job summary

QinetiQ US in the United States is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead hands-on design, build, and troubleshooting of mission-critical electronic systems for defense customers. Your work spans from multi-megawatt vehicle electrification to underwater propulsion units and naval power electronics modernization, bringing proven technology to next-generation platforms.

As part of the ARMS group, you will guide multidisciplinary teams, oversee the entire component lifecycle from proposal

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.

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.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

MIL-Spec familiarity

Customer interfacing

Mentorship

CAD/Analysis software

Systems integration

Proposal to production

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

CAD/Analysis programs

Job description

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).

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

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 problemsSpearhead 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 (540) 658‑2720 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.