Principal Hardware Engineer (onsite)

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

Principal Hardware Engineer

Department: Engineering

Reports to Title: VP of Engineering and Quality

Palomar Products

Palomar Products is a wholly owned subsidiary of TransDigm Group specializing in secure communication. Founded in 1970 and located in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Palomar Products is a global leader in highly reliable secure intercommunication systems for airborne and naval military applications. This includes switching and crew-position units for airborne, shipboard, unmanned, and ground applications for multi-mission platforms. Our systems operate in over 250 unique aircrafts and 9 classes of naval warships around the globe.

Job Summary

Palomar is looking for a talented and highly motivated Principle Hardware Engineer to join the Hardware Development team and help develop electronic boards incorporated into current and future generations of our Secure Communication System (SCS). The ideal candidate will be motivated, talented and will have experience with hardware development projects in the defense and aerospace industry, working from requirements through component selection, schematic design, layout design, lab tests and software integration.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drive product hardware architecture and help define firmware and software architectures
• Design circuits at the schematic level and select components based on given requirements
• Oversee board layout development, inspect final layout before production
• Utilize development boards and COTS evaluation boards to prove out circuit designs for new technologies
• Test circuit boards to prove they function as expected, debug design errors as required and perform failure analysis on problem areas
• Build, test and modify product prototypes
• Assist in the development of production-level tests and support the product’s transition to production
• Document results of testing and failure analysis
• Create Bill of Materials (BOM) and assist in creating cost estimates for related activities
• Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems
• Mentor junior engineers in hardware development, debug analysis and problem solving
• Support firmware design engineers during development
• Work with firmware and software developers to test and integrate products

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of electrical engineering design activities with emphasis on digital systems. Familiarity with design verification, testing, and qualification of developed products
• Experience with Xilinx and MicroSemi FPGAs
• Experience with Micro-controllers and ARM processors
• Experience supporting firmware and software development and integration
• Experience with serial communication protocols such as: I2C, SPI, PCIe, T1, Ethernet, etc.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware testing and debugging using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum/logic analyzers, power meters, etc.
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills to enable working, interfacing and interrelating with diverse personnel and dynamic teams
• Motivated self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be comfortable preparing and presenting data in front of peers and/or external customers
• Experience mentoring junior engineers

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of engineering design process, tools, and techniques
• Experience with Audio systems, conferencing and distribution of audio data and Audio signal processing
• Familiarity with ISO 9000, AS9100, DO-178B, DO-254, MIL-STDs, and other applicable standards

Education and/or Work Experience

• B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer engineering, or equivalent
• 20+ years of hardware development experience

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Salary Range: $175,000 - $195,000

*Due to export control laws and government contract obligations, must be a US Citizen.*

*To comply with U.S. export laws and regulations, Palomar Products Inc. operations in the U.S. may only employ "U.S. Persons" as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

**Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affinity Action (AAP) Employer Palomar Products is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, national origin, marital status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, childbirth, genetic information, or military and veteran status. Request an Accommodation. Read further information regarding Affinity narrative availability. Palomar Products participates in E-Verify: Details in English and Spanish. Right to Work Statement in English and Spanish. EEO is the law. Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.