Electrical / Hardware Engineer

Electrical / Hardware Engineer Contract Location : Cambridge, MA Onsite 40 hours weekly (Hybrid TBD by Program Needs) Duration : Contract (6–12+ Months, Long-Term) Clearance : U.S. Citizenship Required. Active DoD Clearance is Required (No Dual Citizenship) Position Overview : We are seeking an experienced Hardware Engineer to support the transition of advanced electronics hardware from design into low-rate production. This opportunity is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of design and manufacturing, and who brings a strong background in building reliable systems for harsh environments, including high altitude, thermal shock, vibration, and low-pressure conditions. You’ll be stepping into a critical role to replace a retiring team member and will play a vital part in ensuring mission-critical hardware meets stringent environmental and reliability standards. Urgency is high, with a targeted three-week handover period. Key Responsibilities : Lead the transition of hardware designs into production, ensuring readiness for extreme environmental conditions. Collaborate with packaging engineers to analyze chip packages and electronic components in near-vacuum and low-pressure environments. Evaluate risks such as outgassing, material degradation, and thermal stress through simulation and testing. Perform detailed reliability analyses including derating, outgassing, and thermal assessments. Verify system performance through requirements-based testing and validation. Work within an Agile engineering environment to coordinate with cross-functional teams. Qualifications : U.S. Citizenship is required (No Dual Citizens). Active DoD clearance is Required. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field. 5+ years of experience in hardware / system development, preferably in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability sectors. Expertise in harsh environment hardware design (high altitude, thermal shock, vibration, etc.). Proficiency with Mentor Graphics, HyperLynx, and ANSYS. Strong knowledge of component behavior under extreme conditions and collaborative experience with packaging engineers. Familiarity with schematics, PCB board design, and low-rate production practices. Preferred Experience : Prior work in aerospace or defense sectors Hands-on experience modeling component behavior in low-pressure or vacuum environments