Principal Electrical Engineer

** Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA. Remote with some travel could be considered for the right applicant.

About Us

Pacific Defense develops advanced electronics systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers. Specializing in Open Systems Architecture solutions for electromagnetic spectrum warfare, we deliver modular, rapidly reconfigurable systems in less than half the time of traditional contractors. Our expertise spans Radar, EW, SIGINT, and Communications, combined with a go-fast execution model leveraging Open Standards like SOSA, CMOSS, and MORA. With facilities across the country and a diverse team, we drive innovation in signal processing, algorithm development, cognitive systems, and systems integration. Join us to advance your career and tackle national defense challenges.

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Electrical Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to the development of high-speed circuit cards that power the future of connectivity. Pacific Defense has in its product line a family of SOSA aligned 3U VPX products including 100G Switch, Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT), Communications products spanning the military waveforms, and Electronic Warfare SDRs for both ES and EA applications.

The successful applicant will be a senior electrical engineer with experience as outlined below.

• Proven experience in designing and building high-speed circuit cards. 

• Expert use of CAD/CAE tools for schematic capture (Orcad + Allegro) as well as simulation, including both circuit design and board design, 

• Experience with the hardware design and development of embedded systems utilizing FPGAs, MPSoCs, or ASICs. 

• Familiar with DSP principles and algorithms, as well as design principles of analog circuits, from DC to microwave. 

• Familiar with lab equipment including, but not limited to, spectrum analyzer, function & signal generators, and oscilloscopes. 

• Strong understanding of network protocols, switch architectures, and high-speed signaling. 

• Both wired and wireless 

• Encryption and Cyber Security 

• Well versed in Network Engineering and able to establish default and custom topologies in support of varied applications. 

• Experience with designing VME/VPX/CPCI or equivalent style PCBAs preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

Responsibilities: 

• Design and develop high-speed circuit card assemblies.

• Intimate familiarity with network switches, including architecture, schematics, and PCB layouts is a plus 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement product specifications and requirements. 

• Conduct feasibility studies and simulations to validate design concepts and optimize performance. 

• Oversee the entire design process from concept to production, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. 

• Perform hardware debugging, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability. 

• Work closely with firmware and software engineers to ensure seamless integration and functionality. 

• Technical product owner of high-speed network switch cards (i.e. 3U VPX, VNX, etc form factors) which includes responsibility of the hardware, software, firmware and FPGA designs for the product.  

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. 

• Stay updated with the latest advancements in networking technology and integrate them into the design process. 

Education 

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering

Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage for the employee, and 75% coverage for dependents’ medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, as well as a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest.

Pacific Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.