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# Hardware Engineer

- **Company:** Nokia
- **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Board Bringup, 4G (Telecommunication), Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Ethernet, Firmware, Hardware Design, Networking Hardware, Internet Protocol, PCI Express, Schematic Capture, Signal Integrity, Systems Architecture, Wi-Fi Technology, 5G NR, Computerised Systems, System-level Testing, Pcb Layout
- **Published:** October 16, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/9c829174-f163-43c2-ac62-9795e3f3f1b7/hardware-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's preferred).
 * 10+ years of hands-on experience in hardware design and development, with a strong focus on embedded systems, networking hardware, or wireless communication platforms.
 * Proven experience as a technical leader or lead hardware engineer managing and mentoring a development team.
 * Deep knowledge of current-generation networking and wireless communication chipsets and modules.
 * Strong expertise in board-level design including schematic capture, PCB stack-up definition, high-speed signal routing, power integrity, and thermal/cooling design.
 * Experience with full product development lifecycle - from architecture definition through schematic design, layout, bring-up, verification, and fielding., * Experience designing hardware for tactical, military, or rugged environments (MIL-STD, environmental qualification, SWaP optimization).
 * Background in 4G/5G, IP networking hardware, or RF subsystem integration.
 * Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, SerDes, etc.) and associated signal integrity challenges.
 * Prior work transitioning hardware designs to production with contract manufacturers.
 * Experience with thermal analysis, cooling solutions, and ruggedization techniques for deployed systems.

## Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and fielding of advanced integrated networking and computing systems for tactical (military) applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused on leveraging commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) networking and wireless communication technologies to create rugged, high-performance systems suitable for challenging operational environments.

The ideal candidate is a proven technical leader with deep expertise in modern hardware design who can guide a multidisciplinary team from concept through deployment., * Lead the hardware architecture, design, development, integration, testing, and field support of tactical networking and computing systems built on commercial technologies.

 * Stay current with the latest networking and wireless communication chipsets (including 4G/5G, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and related RF components) and evaluate their suitability for tactical applications.
 * Define system architecture and hardware requirements to meet performance, size, weight, power (SWaP), thermal, and environmental constraints typical of military use.
 * Develop schematics, select components, define PCB stack-ups, oversee PCB layout, and manage signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management/cooling solutions.
 * Lead hands-on hardware bring-up, debug, integration with software/firmware, and system-level testing in both lab and field environments.
 * Collaborate closely with software engineers, RF engineers, mechanical engineers, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration and overall system performance.
 * Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and technical trade studies to drive technical decisions.
 * Mentor and guide a team of hardware engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence and accountability.
 * Support production transition efforts, including design for manufacturability (DFM) and coordination with contract manufacturers.