Lead Electrical Engineer, Control Systems & Integration

Job description

Job Title: Lead Electrical Engineer, Control Systems & Integration
Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Engineer to join our Electrical Technologies Embedded Systems team located in Rancho Bernardo.

We are looking for someone with drive and talent who thrives in a Research and Development (R&D) environment.

The successful candidate will be engaged in the engineering support and new development of power electromagnetic systems, energy laser systems, advanced airborne sensors, space-based laser and electro-optical communications systems, and a variety of other technologies in our expanding product portfolio.

This position involves leading efforts in the data acquisition and system control discipline, including writing firmware to control systems and integrating sensors, actuators, and other devices.

The Electrical Engineer will be responsible for developing embedded solutions that support experimental systems and prototypes.
Responsibilities

+ Lead and contribute to the development, enhancement, and support of Energy Laser and other control systems, providing hands-on technical contributions using LabVIEW, Bare-metal C, or C++.

+ Participate in technical design and implementation reviews, including firmware, PCB designs, and cable assemblies, to ensure quality, compliance, and alignment with system requirements.

+ Partner with chief engineers to architect control systems, taking full ownership of technical decisions and design direction within the control systems domain.

+ Generate, plan, and manage discipline-specific Integrated Master Schedules using tools such as MS Project, Excel, or JIRA, and oversee their execution to ensure alignment with program milestones and deliverables.

+ Generate clear, well-organized technical presentations and documentation for program managers, executives, and customers, adjusting the message to fit each audience.

+ Develop and refine control processes for complex electro-optical-mechanical systems, prioritizing hardware integrity and personnel safety.

+ Understand and manage interdependent components of complex systems; document relationships, identify failure points, and troubleshoot systematically.

+ Independently manage technical responsibilities, delivering quality, timely results while providing guidance to junior team members and fostering a collaborative, supportive team environment.

Essential Skills

+ Proficiency in firmware development using LabVIEW, Bare-metal C, or C++.

+ Experience with PCB troubleshooting and electrical engineering.

+ Hands-on experience with hardware troubleshooting.

+ Firmware background , including software development or bare metal.

+ Familiarity with cRIO, LabVIEW, thermocouplers, and interface definition language (IDL).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution with progressive engineering experience.

+ Experience designing systems of varying complexity, including embedded firmware, sensor integration, safety-critical features, data acquisition, and instrumentation.

+ Experience architecting scalable code solutions, applying best practices such as version control, code reviews, modular design, and adherence to embedded system standards.

+ Working knowledge of the PCB design process, including reading schematics, reviewing layouts, and interpreting circuits.

+ Experience troubleshooting and integrating complex systems involving both firmware and hardware components.

+ Familiarity with the DoD technical review process: SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR is desired.

+ Ability to plan, schedule, and manage workloads to achieve established deadlines or milestones.

+ Demonstrated aptitude for rapidly learning and accurately applying new concepts in changing conditions.

+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively across departments and with various stakeholders.

+ Demonstrated ability to succeed in both independent and team-based work settings.

Work Environment
The role is situated in a dynamic R&D environment focused on technology systems development.

You will work alongside caliber colleagues in a collaborative setting.

The position involves the use of advanced technologies and equipment, including electromagnetic systems, energy lasers, and electro-optical communications systems.

The work environment fosters innovation and technical excellence, with an emphasis on safety and quality.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, California.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $200000.00/yr.
401K, bonus eligible, stock
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 24, 2025.
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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.

Required Skill Profession

Other General