Principal Hardware Design Engineer

Leidos

Laurel (MD)

On-site

USD 131,000 - 237,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Principal Hardware Design Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development, testing, and reverse engineering of advanced hardware solutions for government programs. The role requires guiding complex engineering efforts across the hardware lifecycle, mentoring teams, and shaping future hardware engineering capabilities for national security missions.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and oversee ASIC/FPGA implementations to ensure designs are

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering is required; five additional years may substitute for the degree.
Minimum of twelve (12) years in IC or microelectronic design or reverse engineering for similar programs.

Responsibilities

Direct the design, development, testing, and improvement of advanced hardware and embedded firmware.
Lead hardware programs, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
Provide lifecycle guidance and collaborate across engineering to deliver complex solutions.
Mentor engineers and promote engineering excellence and standards.

Skills

Hardware design

Embedded firmware

ASIC/FPGA

Reverse engineering

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

P&R tools

Design libraries

Job description

Description

Leidos is a FORTUNE 500® company bringing a mix of innovative technology and sector expertise to customers in the national security, engineering, and health industries. We deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. Guided by our Mission, Vision, and Values, Leidos empowers its teams, contributes to its communities, and operates sustainably—always with a commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

About Leidos

The Leidos Intel Sector combines technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities in the areas of cyber, logistics, security operations, and decision analytics to support Intelligence Community customers as they address evolving national security challenges.

About the Opportunity

Leidos is seeking an accomplished Principal Hardware Design Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development, testing, and reverse engineering of advanced hardware solutions supporting mission‑critical Government programs. As part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will serve as a senior technical authority, guiding complex engineering efforts, advancing innovative design methodologies, and helping shape the future direction of hardware engineering capabilities supporting national security missions.

Why This Role Matters

Mission success depends on engineers who not only solve today's technical challenges but also help define tomorrow's solutions. As a Principal Hardware Design Engineer, you will provide expert technical guidance across complex engineering efforts while developing innovative hardware solutions, advancing reverse engineering methodologies, and mentoring engineering teams. Your expertise will directly influence the development of critical hardware technologies that enable Intelligence Community operations.

What You'll Do

Hardware Design & Development

Direct the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of advanced integrated circuits, hardware components, embedded firmware, and signal processing technologies.
Lead complex hardware engineering initiatives while ensuring designs remain reliable, manufacturable, cost‑effective, and aligned with mission objectives.
Provide technical direction throughout the hardware development lifecycle, supporting successful delivery of complex engineering solutions.
Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering organizations to resolve challenging technical problems and ensure project success.

Physical Design & Implementation

Direct the application of ASIC and FPGA Place‑and‑Route (P&R) tools, engineering libraries, and physical implementation methodologies.
Oversee integration of new P&R tools, design libraries, and technology updates into the Government's computer‑aided design environment.
Provide technical guidance for complex physical design, implementation, and optimization activities.
Collaborate with tool and library vendors to evaluate and implement innovative engineering solutions.

Reverse Engineering & Analysis

Lead advanced reverse engineering efforts involving integrated circuits, firmware, and complex electronic components.
Oversee de‑processing activities and firmware retrieval using approved reverse engineering procedures.
Develop novel reverse engineering methodologies supporting new component technologies and evolving mission requirements.
Guide hardware adaptation efforts that modify vendor‑manufactured hardware to satisfy specialized Government needs.

Technical Leadership & Innovation

Serve as an internal technical consultant, providing expert engineering guidance on the organization's most complex hardware design initiatives.
Direct and review the technical work of Hardware Design Engineers while promoting engineering excellence and knowledge sharing.
Mentor engineers across multiple experience levels, supporting technical growth and continuous learning.
Evaluate emerging hardware technologies, engineering tools, and design methodologies to improve engineering capabilities and mission performance.
Develop engineering best practices and technical standards that enhance design quality, innovation, and long‑term maintainability.

Required Qualifications

Clearance

TS/SCI with Polygraph, at time of Application, to be considered for the position.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university.
Five (5) additional years of hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for the required bachelor's degree.

Experience

Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering supporting programs or contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting Intelligence Community or other national security missions.

Pay Range

Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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