System Engineer Support Principal

Astrion; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking a full-time Principal Systems Engineering Support for Hanscom AFB in Bedford, MA. The role focuses on system and circuit design, PCB layouts, firmware, and Cadence EDA workflows to meet Air Force requirements.

Requirements include US citizenship, TS/SCI clearance with SAP access, and a background in electronic engineering. Collaboration with multiple teams ensures mission-ready, reliable systems are delivered.

Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen.
• Bachelor's degree in electronic or electrical engineering or related field.
• Must maintain TS/SCI clearance with ability to access SAP.
• Proficiency in Cadence EDA tools (Allegro, Virtuoso, Spectre, etc.).
• Knowledge of PCB design, analog/digital circuit design, embedded systems, and firmware development.
• Understanding of Air Force mission systems and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine electronic system schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware using Cadence EDA tools to meet performance, reliability, and cost targets.
• Perform circuit and system simulations to validate design performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with Air Force specifications.
• Oversee fabrication of prototype boards, conduct hardware and software testing, and document results for Air Force acceptance.
• Prepare detailed design documentation, including schematics, BOM, test plans, and user manuals, per Air Force and DoD standards.
• Integrate new designs into Air Force systems, ensuring compatibility with existing hardware and software platforms.
• Support ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and modifications to Air Force systems, including firmware updates and hardware revisions.
• Liaise with Air Force program managers, contractors, and other engineering teams to align designs with mission needs and constraints.
• Air Force Specific Duties: Mission Support, Compliance, Contingency Planning.

Skills

US citizen

PCB design

Analog/Digital design

Embedded systems

Firmware development

Air Force mission systems

TS/SCI clearance access

Education

Bachelor's degree in electronic or electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Cadence EDA tools (Allegro, Virtuoso, Spectre)

Job description

Principal Systems Engineering Support

Astrion is seeking a full-time Systems Engineer Support Principal to support the Kill Chain Integration branch (HNJJ) at Hanscom AFB located in Bedford Massachusetts.

LOCATION

Hanscom AFB MA

Salary Range

$170-$180,000 annually*

JOB STATUS

Full-time

CLEARANCE

TS/SCI

TRAVEL

Limited, as needed

Required Qualifications / Skills

• Must be a US citizen
• Bachelor's degree in electronic or electrical engineering or related field
• Must have and be able to maintain a TS/SCI security clearance with ability to access SAP
• Proficiency in Cadence EDA tools (Allegro, Virtuoso, Spectre, etc.)
• Knowledge of PCB design, analog/digital circuit design, embedded systems, and firmware development
• Understanding of Air Force mission systems and operational requirements

Responsibilities

The role requires experience with Cadence Design Systems (CDS) as well as an engineering degree. These engineers develop, optimize and maintain the electronic design automation (EDA) tools and workflows that enable engineers to design integrated circuits (ICs), and printed circuit boards (PCBs), and complex electronic systems.

Duties Include But Not Limited To

• System & Circuit Design: Create and refine electronic system schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware using Cadence’s EDA tools (e.g., Allegro, Virtuoso, Spectre) to meet performance, reliability, and cost targets.
• Simulation & Verification: Perform circuit and system simulations to validate design performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with Air Force technical specifications.
• Prototyping & Testing: Oversee the fabrication of prototype boards, conduct hardware and software testing, and document results for Air Force acceptance.
• Documentation: Prepare detailed design documentation, including schematics, bill of materials (BOM), test plans, and user manuals, in compliance with Air Force and DoD standards.
• Integration & Deployment: Work with other engineering disciplines to integrate new designs into Air Force systems, ensuring compatibility with existing hardware and software platforms.
• Maintenance & Updates: Support ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and modifications to Air Force systems, including firmware updates and hardware revisions.
• Collaboration: Liaise with Air Force program managers, contractors, and other engineering teams to align designs with mission needs and operational constraints.
• Air Force Specific Duties:
  • Mission Support: Ensure designs meet the operational requirements of Air Force aircraft, ground systems, or mission‑specific equipment.
  • Compliance: Adhere to Air Force technical standards, safety regulations, and procurement processes.
  • Contingency Planning: Support rapid design and deployment for contingency or emergency operations, including field testing and quick‑turnaround prototypes.