> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1233613-principal-hardware-engineer-hardware-development-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1233613-principal-hardware-engineer-hardware-development-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Hardware Engineer - Hardware Development Lead - **Company:** BAE Systems - **Location:** Nashua, NH, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $118,095.0 - $200,762.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Schematic Capture, Reliability of Systems, Pcb Layout - **Published:** July 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9024543/principal-hardware-engineer-hardware-development-lead ## About the Role * A BSEE (or related field) and 6+ years of experience. You have a strong technical background related to complex digital/mixed-signal designs with embedded processors, FPGAs, and high-speed serial interfaces-from initial requirements through to successful verification. * Experience leading integrated teams of Electrical, Mechanical, and Drafting engineers. * Knowledge of the hardware product lifecycle, from schematic capture and PCB layout to environmental qualification. * An understanding for managing cost and schedule to ensure technical goals align with program constraints. Prior Earned Value Management (EVM) or Cost Account Management (CAM) experience is desirable. * Ability to obtain or maintain a DoD Security Clearance (Active Secret preferred) ## Description At BAE Systems, we don't just build electronics; we create the decisive edge. Our Electronic Combat Solutions (ECS) team is developing the next generation of disruptive technologies that safeguard warfighters across land, sea, and air. We are looking for a Hardware Development Lead who is as passionate about technical excellence as they are about leading people. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of 5-10+ engineers (Electrical, Mechanical, and Design Drafting) to push the boundaries of what is possible in rugged custom electronics. This isn't just about managing a schedule-it's about solving the complex engineering hurdles associated with high-speed digital/mixed-signal circuit cards in the most demanding environments on earth. * : Lead critical design reviews and architect hardware strategies that ensure program success and system reliability. * : Grow the technical maturity of your team by providing guidance, fostering innovation, and ensuring the "right person is in the right job." * : Act as the primary technical conduit between engineering, procurement, operations, and program management to move a design from concept to deployment. * re: Support program capture and proposal teams by defining hardware baselines and estimating the technical effort required for next-gen capabilities. * : Balance the rigors of the Hardware Development Process with the agility needed to solve complex, real-world engineering problems. ## Related Videos - [Breaking the Hardware Mindset: Overcoming Barriers to System-Level Innovation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1635-breaking-the-hardware-mindset-overcoming-barriers-to-system-level-innovation) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [How to Domain Model – An example from manufacturing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/742-how-to-domain-model-an-example-from-manufacturing) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [The future of automotive mobility: Upcoming E/E architectures, V2X and its challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/374-the-future-of-automotive-mobility-upcoming-e-e-architectures-v2x-and-its-challenges) - [Building the Nervous System of AI - Michael Kagan (NVIDIA)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2133-building-the-nervous-system-of-ai-michael-kagan-nvidia) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london)