Principal Hardware Engineer - Defense Electronics

Palomar Products Inc.; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Palomar Products is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the Hardware Development team. You will drive hardware architecture, perform schematic design, and oversee layout, testing, and production handoff for Secure Communication System boards.

Collaboration with firmware and software teams is essential. The role emphasizes mentorship, deep troubleshooting, and experience with defense/aerospace hardware standards.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• 20+ years of hardware development experience.
• Experience with Xilinx and MicroSemi FPGAs.
• Experience with micro-controllers and ARM processors.
• Experience supporting firmware and software development and integration.
• Familiarity with serial communication protocols (I2C, SPI, PCIe, T1, Ethernet).
• Hands-on hardware testing and debugging with test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Drive hardware architecture and help define firmware and software architectures.
• Design circuits at the schematic level and select components based on requirements.
• Oversee board layout development and inspect final layout before production.
• Test circuit boards and debug design errors; perform failure analysis.
• Build, test and modify product prototypes and support transition to production.
• Create BOMs and assist in cost estimates for related activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with firmware/software teams.

Skills

Digital systems design

Firmware integration

Analytical problem solving

Strong communication

Mentoring

Education

B.Sc. in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Xilinx FPGAs

MicroSemi FPGAs

Microcontrollers

ARM processors

Job description

Palomar Products is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the Hardware Development team. You will drive hardware architecture, perform schematic design, and oversee layout, testing, and production handoff for Secure Communication System boards.

Collaboration with firmware and software teams is essential. The role emphasizes mentorship, deep troubleshooting, and experience with defense/aerospace hardware standards.