Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Irvine CA (Onsite)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer to serve as the recognized technical authority for the hardware design development testing and qualification of IFEC head-end Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) products ensuring that all deliverables set industry benchmarks for size weight power performance reliability maintainability and reparability. You act as the principal hardware engineering leader steering complex embedded solutions from concept to production orchestrating multidisciplinary co-engineering activities in collaboration with PCB Mechanical Software and Systems Engineering teams.

In this position you will leverage your deep domain knowledge and a holistic understanding of customer needs and the full product life cycle you drive innovative methodologiesincluding advanced simulations modeling prototyping and rigorous empirical studiesto transform mission and functional requirements into robust architectural designs. You meticulously integrate solution elements rigorously validate system interactions and operational performance and ensure that every design aspect is traceable to the original requirements culminating in a product data package that is production- and operations-ready.

Your strategic influence extends beyond technical execution; you optimize work scope contractual delivery timelines and budget adherence consistently achieving program objectives. You serve as a key technical liaison within the hardware development team (Electrical Mechanical Test Engineering PCB) actively collaborating with Program Engineering Industrial Engineering and other stakeholders to communicate technical status mitigate risks identify innovation opportunities and drive resolution action plans.

You interface proactively with both internal and external collaborators including Product Management Software and IVVQ Engineering Industrial Operations Procurement NPI teams development partners contract manufacturers suppliers and vendorsensuring seamless integration alignment and delivery throughout all phases of development.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead the design development test and qualification of advanced embedded digital analog high-speed and mixed-signal communication circuits from concept through production ensuring strong system integration performance reliability and scalability.
• Drive hardware engineering execution to deliver on schedule and within cost proactively identifying risks leading failure analysis and resolving issues across the full product lifecycle.
• Act as the primary technical interface for customers subcontractors and internal teams providing guidance on complex challenges and representing the organization in customer engagements and industry forums.
• Lead cross-functional design reviews and ensure alignment with performance cost manufacturability serviceability safety and regulatory requirements; develop and validate technical specifications test procedures and documentation with full traceability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices while contributing to technology roadmaps and strategic planning aligned with business objectives and market needs.
• Mentor engineers foster a culture of technical excellence and support milestone reviews by reporting on performance root cause analysis and mitigation strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Masters or certifications preferred) with 10 years of progressive hands-on experience in advanced embedded hardware design including high-speed digital and analog communication systems.
• Demonstrated mastery in architecting and implementing complex embedded circuit designs with deep expertise in high-speed data transmission signal integrity and mixed-signal communication.
• Extensive experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools (e.g. ORCAD Cadence Mentor Graphics PCAD) including reviewing and approving designs for manufacturability performance and quality.
• Deep knowledge of embedded microprocessors (32/64-bit) Ethernet switching technologies and FPGA-based design with strong system integration troubleshooting and hands-on use of advanced test equipment (oscilloscopes logic analyzers spectrum analyzers emulators debuggers).
• Advanced experience in Linux environments and scripting for test automation and diagnostics combined with technical mentoring code/design reviews and cross-functional engineering leadership.
• Results-driven self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills able to manage multiple initiatives end-to-end; excels in cross-functional and global collaboration continuous improvement and communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences using tools such as Excel Project Word Visio PowerPoint and Outlook.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

If youre excited about working with Thales but not meeting the requirements for this position we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core business hours 8am-5pm Monday Friday. 9/80 schedule may be available.
• Physical Environment: Office/cubical/ open space R&D lab manufacturing/production area. Some work may be done remotely.
• Physical Demands: Lift weight: up to 15lb.
• Travel: Some domestic travel for external LABs or vendors may be required.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements: None.

Why Join Us

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We are an equal opportunity employer including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex race color religion national origin disability protected Veteran status age or any other characteristic protected by law.

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The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target is between

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including but not limited to the employees career path history competencies skills and performance as well as the companys annual salary budget the customers program requirements and the companys internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation depending on circumstances not related to an applicants status protected by local state or federal law.

(For Internal candidate if you need more information please reach out to your HR Shared Service 1st Point)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents including the following:

Elective Health Dental Vision FSA/HSA Voluntary Life and AD&D Whole Group Life w/LTC Critical Illness Hospital Indemnity Accident Insurance Legal Plan Identity Theft and Pet Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match and with no vesting period

Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

Company provided Life Insurance AD&D Disability Employee Assistance Plan and Well-being Program