Senior Electronic Hardware Engineer

Senior Electronic Hardware Engineer Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. - 3.3 Phoenix, AZ Job Details $140,000 - $165,000 a year 1 hour ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) matching Opportunities for advancement Qualifications Thermal analysis Fabrication New product introduction engineering projects Thermal control Schematic development for electrical drafting System design for system development Collaboration with product development teams Production validation processes Electrical engineering training Design engineering Printed circuit board (PCB) layout Aerospace electrical engineering expertise Collaboration with manufacturing teams Design for manufacturability (DFM) Hardware diagnostics Electronic component selection Debugging Cross-functional communication Engineering manufacturing support Full Job Description Embark on a journey with QDSS at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek talented Engineers to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity. What we do matters. Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Electronic Hardware Engineer to support development of a next-generation control system for small modular nuclear reactors. This is a hands-on role focused on full lifecycle PCB design, where you will own hardware from early architecture and component selection through schematic capture, layout, board bring-up, validation, and production support. You'll be working on highly reliable, safety-critical systems where design decisions directly impact real-world performance. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking full ownership of their boards, working across electrical and mechanical boundaries, and solving complex challenges related to signal integrity, thermal performance, EMI, and manufacturability.

Location:

Remote, though onsite/hybrid is preferred in Wilmington, NC.

Clearance:

All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. Key Responsibilities Own full lifecycle PCB design and development from concept through production and sustaining support Define design approach, including requirements interpretation, architecture, and component selection Develop schematic capture, PCB layout, routing, and placement using tools such as Altium Establish board-level design considerations, including signal integrity, power distribution, EMI, and thermal performance Perform and support board bring-up, debugging, and hardware validation activities Develop and execute integration and system-level testing, documenting results and resolving issues Create manufacturing test procedures and support production readiness, including DFM/DFA considerations Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues across development and production environments Support mechanical integration, including enclosure, packaging, and thermal constraints Provide production and sustaining engineering support, including issue resolution and design updates Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful delivery Engage with customers and internal stakeholders to define scope, review designs, and assess technical risks Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field 10+ years of experience in electronic hardware / PCB design Proven experience owning full lifecycle PCB development (architecture, schematic capture, layout, validation, and production) Strong experience with component selection and BOM development, including lifecycle and availability considerations Proficiency with PCB design tools (Altium preferred or equivalent ECAD tools) Hands-on experience with board bring-up, debugging, and hardware validation Solid understanding of: Signal integrity Power integrity EMI/EMC considerations Thermal design considerations Experience designing for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA) and working with fabrication/assembly vendors Experience supporting production and sustaining engineering efforts Ability to work across electrical and mechanical interfaces (enclosures, packaging, thermal constraints) Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical/regulated environments Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams Preferred Qualifications Background in instrumentation & controls (I&C) or control systems hardware Experience with high-reliability or long lifecycle product design Familiarity with design documentation, traceability, and regulated development processes Experience with system-level integration and test in complex hardware environments Exposure to environmental, EMI/EMC, or thermal testing and validation Experience supporting low-volume, high-complexity production environments

The QDSS Advantage:

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. What You'll Find Here Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. Growth That's Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued. Benefits Include Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions , we don't just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry — we're revolutionizing it. Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.