Lead Hardware Engineer

Lead Hardware Engineer-Defense Solutions

We are growing and have an opening for a Lead Hardware Engineer to join our team in Ashburn, VA.

This role is designed for an experienced hardware engineer who leads the design, development, and evaluation of electronic components, mechanical systems, and integrated hardware solutions from concept through validation . You will serve as both a technical expert and project lead - driving innovation in hardware design, ensuring high-quality system performance, and collaborating cross-functionally to resolve complex engineering challenges.

Location: Ashburn, VA

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *

Salary Information: $108, ,200.00 per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer

Your Challenge:

• Plan, design, and develop hardware systems including electronic components, integrated circuits, mechanical assemblies, DSP systems, and optical elements to meet functional and reliability goals.

• Evaluate materials, production techniques, and component properties to ensure hardware reliability, manufacturability, and performance under diverse conditions.

• Analyze specifications and process requirements to translate conceptual ideas into practical, production-ready hardware designs.

• Conduct feasibility assessments from both technical and economic perspectives to support product strategy and resource allocation.

• Direct testing activities to establish performance benchmarks, reliability standards, and validation criteria for new hardware or modifications to existing systems.

• Coordinate and consult with cross-functional teams including research engineers, scientists, and customer representatives to resolve complex hardware design issues.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, test procedures, design guidelines, and system manuals.

• Review and respond to customer inquiries regarding field hardware performance, integration challenges, or required software interfaces.

• Collaborate with product development, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth transition from design to production.

• Mentor junior hardware engineers and provide technical guidance to ensure consistency in design methodologies and best practices.

• Contribute to hardware strategy planning, component selection, and risk mitigation efforts across product platforms.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 6–8+ Years Work Experience of progressive experience in hardware design, testing, and development with increasing technical responsibility and leadership.

• Proven success in designing and developing complex hardware systems in production environments.

• Deep expertise in analog and digital circuit design, mechanical packaging, materials science, and system integration.

• Strong understanding of reliability engineering, design for manufacturability (DFM), and test development.

• Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering judgment and cross-disciplinary knowledge to resolve technical challenges.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Experience working cross-functionally and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment.

• Commitment to mentoring, knowledge sharing, and fostering a collaborative and solutions-driven team culture.

Who We Are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.

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