Principal Electrical Engineer

i3 is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to support circuit board development and broader military system modernization efforts. The role will involve the research, design, development, integration, and testing of circuit boards and other electrical components, equipment, systems, and networks. Work will span software, firmware, digital, analog, mixed-signal, power, FPGA, and embedded applications, with a primary emphasis on circuit board design and system-level integration.

This position provides the opportunity to contribute to a variety of technically challenging projects while working closely with engineers, project managers, technicians, fabrication partners, and external customers.

• Execute in a fast-paced, small-team environment throughout the product life cycle, from conceptual development and detailed design through fabrication, testing, delivery, and post-delivery support.
• Analyze and document existing circuit boards, electrical systems, and firmware, including their functions, components, power requirements, communication paths, and system interfaces. Develop system architecture and functional block diagrams from existing hardware and firmware designs, and use point-to-point or commercial off-the-shelf configurations to validate requirements when appropriate.
• Develop robust software, firmware, and hardware solutions, including circuit and PCB/PCBA design and analysis, component selection, analog and digital interface design, FPGA logic, and embedded processor or microcontroller designs.
• Develop replacement board architectures, schematics, PCB layouts, bills of materials, fabrication and assembly files, and supporting technical documentation.
• Conduct technical trade studies, evaluate technology improvements, and apply working knowledge of digital signal processing and communication protocols to system and interface design.
• Coordinate with fabrication and assembly vendors and support board bring-up, bench testing, aircraft and system integration, troubleshooting, flight-test or live-fire activities, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and design revisions through final release.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams and customers to develop solutions that meet technical, operational, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution. Additional experience may substitute for degree.
• 12-17 years of relevant technical experience
• Experience developing robust software, firmware and hardware solutions
• Experience performing circuit and PCB/PCBA design and analysis, FPGA designs, embedded processor/microcontroller designs.
• Ability to generate architectural design block diagrams from existing firmware designs.
• General knowledge of DSP coding and communication protocols.
• Experience with checkout, debug and troubleshooting of electronic printed circuit board assemblies comprising embedded hardware and firmware.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation, test equipment, and debug/test methods for both software and hardware.
• Proficient in programming C/C++ low level algorithms
• Motivated self-starter and problem solver with experience executing in multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Experience:

• Ability to design, analyze, or interpret RF signal chains and/or six-degree-of-freedom computational paths across digital, analog, and embedded system architectures.
• Master's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Familiarity with electronic safe and arm components and design for munitions.
• Proficiency using Altium Designer software is a plus.
• Interfacing to sensors and high speed mixed-signal components.
• Active secret clearance.

Knowledge/Skills:  

• Knowledge of office administration and procedures.  
• Exceptional judgment capabilities and relationship management skills. 
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills; ability to clearly communicate in discussions and written documents, and to deliver feedback clearly and tactfully.  
• Interact with a diverse array of customers and staff in a professional and courteous manner.  
• Work independently with accountability for accurate and complete results.  
• Be extremely organized and exceptionally detail oriented.  
• Work well both independently and in a team environment.  
• Be energized by a fast-paced work environment.  
• Must be able to communicate with others effectively.  
• Analyze information and respond appropriately.   
• Manage time wisely and prioritize tasks.  
• Provide superior customer service.    
• Multi-task in a pleasant manner.  
• Work well under pressure. 

Physical Demands:

• 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. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  
• Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required. 

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.  

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!