> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1885700-hardware-design-engineer-hde-skill-level-3](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1885700-hardware-design-engineer-hde-skill-level-3). 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). --- # Hardware Design Engineer (HDE) - Skill Level 3 - **Company:** Kaizen Approach, Inc - **Location:** Annapolis Junction, MD, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Computer Engineering, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Reverse Engineering, Signal Processing, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Hardware Infrastructure - **Published:** August 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/00000000gl3lve ## About the Role Kaizen Approach, Inc (Annapolis Junction, MD) Kaizen Approach is currently seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to design and test new integrated circuits and hardware components supporting a wide variety of signal processing applications and research efforts. In this role, you'll design, document, and develop code, including firmware, for digital signal processors and other programmable hardware devices such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). You'll analyze the functionality of existing integrated circuits and hardware components to support reverse engineering of both hardware and associated firmware. This position involves performing hardware engineering and related functions to modify and adapt vendor-manufactured hardware to meet specialized Government requirements and contingency needs. Requirements: + Must have the ability to assist with, design, and lead the design of new products and processes, as well as improve and maintain existing products throughout their lifecycle. + Must possess the ability to conduct design analysis on components and assemblies to support development efforts by ensuring designs are cost efficient, manufacturable, and reliable. + Must be capable of communicating and coordinating with other engineering personnel to manage interrelated design efforts, assure project completion, direct and check the work of other hardware design engineers, and provide technical leadership to less experienced engineers. + Must have the ability to apply ASIC or FPGA place and route (P&R) tools with various libraries to create physical implementations of designs and support hardware realization. + Must possess the ability to develop, maintain, and document place and route (P&R) design flows, including integrating new P&R tools, tool updates, and ASIC or FPGA design libraries into the Government's computer-aided design environment, and assisting other physical designers with their P&R design tasks. + Must be capable of working with tool and library vendors to develop solutions for designers' place and route (P&R) design challenges and acting as an internal consultant providing technical guidance on the most complex projects. + Must have the ability to assist with, perform, oversee, and improve the de-processing of electronic components; retrieve stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures; and develop novel reverse engineering procedures for new component types. + Must have twelve (12) years of experience as a Hardware Design Engineer (HDE) in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same. + Must have a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university, OR seventeen (17) years of hardware design engineering experience in lieu of a degree. + Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required. Salary Range: A variety of factors can impact the final salary offered, including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant work experience, specialized skills and competencies, education, and certifications. ## Related Videos - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Perfect Pitch: Unveiling the Mathematical Symphony Behind a Guitar Tuner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1095-perfect-pitch-unveiling-the-mathematical-symphony-behind-a-guitar-tuner) - [How to Domain Model – An example from manufacturing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/742-how-to-domain-model-an-example-from-manufacturing) - [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) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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