At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype custom electronics for national security operations.
- Company: Join Leidos, a leader in national security and defence.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, hands-on experience, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exciting challenges and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning ideas into functional hardware.
- Qualifications: Experience in electronics design and assembly; passion for DIY projects.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - Hereford 4 days/week on customer site
Clearance: Must be eligible for DV clearance (British Citizen, UK residency last 10 years)
Do you love building real hardware from the ground up? Want to design and prototype electronics that directly support national security operations? We’re looking for a practical, hands‑on Electronics & Hardware Engineer to join our growing National Security & Defence team. In this role, you'll design and assemble custom electronic devices, integrating components like RF modules, GPS, GSM, and Bluetooth. You'll also work on physical casing design, 3D printing, and functional testing — bringing entire devices from schematic to finished product.
You'll work closely with our embedded software developers to build the systems that power covert and tactical operations, often being the person who turns ideas into working physical hardware. This role is primarily on‑site Hereford (4 days per week), where you’ll collaborate directly with users and developers to deliver tools that make a difference.
What You’ll Do
- Design and build custom electronic circuits using COTS modules and discrete components
- Lay out PCBs (preferably using tools like Altium or EasyEDA)
- Integrate wireless technologies: RF, GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, UWB
- Design and 3D print enclosures for your devices
- Assemble prototypes: soldering, testing, debugging
- Support embedded software engineers with working hardware
- Capture and maintain documentation for your builds and iterations
- Participate in on‑site integration, testing, and refinement alongside users
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- Experience designing and assembling electronics.
- Comfortable using PCB layout tools and soldering components (SMD and through-hole)
- Familiarity with using and integrating wireless communication modules (RF, GPS, Bluetooth, etc.)
- Some exposure to embedded microcontroller platforms (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, STM32)
- Comfortable with multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.
- Able to build and iterate on functional prototypes rapidly
- Working knowledge of mechanical enclosures and 3D printing
Desirable
- Experience producing small‑scale runs of PCB prototypes
- Understanding of power management in low‑power or battery-operated devices
- Exposure to EMI/EMC design considerations
- Experience supporting field testing or operational deployments
- Passion for making, hacking, or DIY electronics projects
Education & Qualifications
Degree or HND in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar. Relevant hands‑on project experience is highly valued — even from personal or hobbyist work.
Electronics and Hardware Engineer - Leidos in Hereford employer: OpenTalent
At TwinStream, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working model in Cheltenham allows for flexibility while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the tech sector. With a focus on meaningful projects that support government organisations, employees can find purpose in their work while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electronics and Hardware Engineer - Leidos in Hereford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Electronics and Hardware Engineer - Leidos role you’re after at OpenTalent.
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We think you need these skills to ace Electronics and Hardware Engineer - Leidos in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Electronics and Hardware Engineer - Leidos, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at OpenTalent a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to OpenTalent specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at OpenTalent
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with OpenTalent, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like OpenTalent want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
