Principal Hardware Engineer - Electrical (Onsite)

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-02 Country: United States of America Location: US-CA-FULLERTON-676 ~ 1801 Hughes Dr ~ BLDG 676 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 Collins Aerospace presents an exciting career opportunity for an Electrical Engineer to join our Hardware Engineering team, supporting the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) program. We are dedicated to developing the next generation precision landing products and provide crucial support to existing fielded systems. This is a Principal Electrical Engineering position located on-site in Fullerton, California. We are seeking an individual with background in hardware design. Responsibilities will include hardware design activities as well as hands-on unit/system testing and troubleshooting. Development and production activities require component research, laboratory integration, test and evaluation, qualification, fault isolation, prototype set-up, test procedure write-ups, and trade study documentation. Additional responsibilities include leading design projects within planned cost and schedule as well as creating proposals/bids for new business. What You Will Do • You will integrate equipment and lab set-up for testing • You will design and build prototypes with mechanical and electrical components • You will install and swap units into system or test string as needed, including antennas, radios, amplifiers, power supplies, servers, routers, processors • You will conduct unit and system level testing in lab environment • You will research electrical and mechanical components for hardware design selection • You will assemble electronic rack assemblies with units • You will design and build cable/harness assemblies • You will create electrical schematic diagrams • You will create and release engineering documentation • You will work independently lead hardware design projects • You will create and lead hardware drawing release plan • You will coordinate with vendors for successful hardware development • You will transition projects from design phase to production phase • You will execute projects within planned cost and schedule • You will create proposal ROMs and BOEs Qualifications You Must Have • Experience with Design and Qualifications • Experience with circuit design • Experience performing component/unit selection trade studies • Experience leading technical scope and team to execute project deliverables • Experience leading projects with accountability for cost and schedule as Cost Account Manager • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Qualifications We Prefer • Experience using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, voltage regulator, analog to digital converter, etc. • Experience with creating engineering CDRLs and SOWs • Experience creating proposal ROMs and BOEs • Experience with Earned Value Management • Experience with transitioning projects from design phase to production phase • Experience with Circuit Card Assembly design and fabrication process • Experience with hardware environmental qualification testing process • Experience researching specifications for commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) components • Experience creating wiring diagrams and electrical system schematics, including unit/cable pin-out tables • Experience building schedule using Microsoft Project tool • Experience with VME and VPX chassis • Familiar working with antennas, radios, amplifiers, power supplies, servers, routers, processors, and switches • Familiar with cable assemblies for power, data, and RF • Knowledge of networking equipment, Power distribution, and Cable/Harness connectors • Familiar with communication interfaces and bus standards (e.g., SPI, I2C, PCIe, UART, VME, VPX, or Gb Ethernet) • Experience with GPS Navigation systems What We Offer • Medical, dental, and vision insurance • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option • Tuition reimbursement program • Student Loan Repayment Program • Life insurance and disability coverage • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits • Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building • Adoption Assistance • Autism Benefit • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services • May be eligible for Relocation • And more! Learn More & Apply Now! Mission Systems: Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own cr