Sr. Electrical Design Engineer IV

Hardware Engineer - Phased Array Antenna Design

Location: Hybrid (as applicable)

Overview

We are seeking Hardware Design Engineers to join a highly technical team focused on developing next-generation phased array antenna systems. This work supports customer terminal applications, including residential, automotive, and aviation platforms, with an emphasis on payload-level hardware design rather than pure RF engineering.

Engineers in this role will take ownership of complex, high-speed PCB designs from initial architecture through board bring-up, collaborating closely with layout, systems, and customer-facing teams.

Essential Functions

• Lead hardware design efforts for next-generation phased array antenna payloads

• Own schematic design across multi-board systems (up to three boards), including:

• Requirements definition and refinement

• Full schematic capture (hundreds of pages for first-generation designs)

• Coordination with PCB layout teams

• Architect and design high-layer-count PCBs (up to 22-layer boards) with:

• High-speed digital signal routing

• RF signal interfaces

• High-power and complex power distribution networks

• Design and integrate systems using custom ASICs, FPGAs, and high-speed SERDES (up to 26 GHz)

• Apply and manage design constraints, especially for signal integrity and high-speed performance

• Support board bring-up and debugging activities (initial bring-up expected November-December timeframe)

• Identify technical risks early and proactively escalate issues with proposed solutions

• Collaborate cross-functionally with schematic, layout, and systems engineering teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

• 5+ years of experience designing high-speed digital hardware

• Experience with high-speed interfaces such as:

• DDR memory

• PCIe

• High-speed Ethernet (>10 GHz preferred)

• Proven ability to own hardware designs end-to-end, including:

• Architecture definition

• Subsystem or full board ownership

• Debug and issue resolution with actionable solutions

• Proficiency with professional ECAD tools such as:

• Altium Designer

• Cadence (Allegro/OrCAD)

• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills

• Working understanding of RF fundamentals (deep RF expertise not required)

• Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with power distribution analysis and power constraint management
• Experience in phased array antenna systems or customer terminal hardware design
• Hands-on experience with board bring-up and debugging of complex systems
• Familiarity with constraint-driven design methodologies
• Experience with Mentor Expedition (a plus, not required)

Work Environment & Growth

• Highly technical team, with many members holding PhDs
• Opportunity for conversion to full-time employment (typically at the Master's degree level)
• Potential for contract extensions based on performance and project demands

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $81.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.