> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1768340-principal-hardware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1768340-principal-hardware-engineer). 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 - **Company:** Curtiss-Wright Corporation - **Location:** Ashburn, VA, United States - **Salary:** $144,100.0 - $190,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Hardware Security Module, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint - **Published:** July 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/5557DE5B80594D41852121433EAAD079/job/ ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master's preferred. * Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards up to 100 GHz) ; 20+ years preferred. * Extensive experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, analog, and low-power, high-current circuits in high-reliability environments. * Proficient indesigning high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs with 26+ layers , Mult lamination, blind/buried vias, and uVia structures. * Hands-on experience with Siemens Expedition DX Designer (SCH) and Siemens Expedition PCB tools. * Ability to prioritize tasks, drive results, and work under high-pressure, schedule-driven environments. * Strong leadership and mentoring skills , capable of architecting and completing complex designs with schedule-based teams. * Excellent communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). * US Citizenship required ; active DoD security clearance preferred. ## Description Curtiss Wright is expanding and has multiple openings for experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex electrical boards, including single board computers (SBC), FPGA, switch, and input/output cards in 3U and 6U VPX form factors; and custom form-factor systems incorporating software, firmware, and hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, and has a proven track record of solving complex technical challenges across design, testing, and production phases., * Collaborate with engineering, project management, test, and operations teams in small, highly integrated, multidisciplinary teams to meet demanding, schedule-driven customer requirements. * Lead the design and development of 3U and 6U VPX SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards supporting data rates up to 400 GHz . * Lead the design and development of custom form-factor systems that include SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards, and power supplies and thermal management elements including Liquid-Flow-Through (LFT) methods. * Support business development, program managers, and customer teams in translating requirements into practical system and functional designs. * Assess technical and economic feasibility of new designs and act as a team/project lead. * Provide technical leadership, introduce best practices, and improve product performance, reliability, and time-to-market (TTM). * Direct and conduct tests to establish standards for new or modified equipment, systems, or processes. * Develop and maintain technical procedures, documentation, and manuals. ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [In-depth .NET Azure Functions: Isolated mode, performance and durable AI agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100207-in-depth-net-azure-functions-isolated-mode-performance-and-durable-ai-agents) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [How to Domain Model – An example from manufacturing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/742-how-to-domain-model-an-example-from-manufacturing) - [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) ## Related Articles - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers)