At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative electrical engineering projects and design advanced systems for defence and space.
- Company: Join Safran Defense & Space, a leader in aerospace technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that supports national defence and enriches communities.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in electronic design, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
ABOUT OUR MISSION: Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.
Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel. We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.
If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.
POSITION PROFILE: The Principal Electrical Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic direction for electrical engineering projects, with a focus on the design, development, and testing of advanced electrical and electronic modules and subsystems for defense and commercial applications. This role requires driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and guiding projects to meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives. By leveraging their expertise, the Principal Electrical Engineer ensures that all technical and strategic goals align with organizational and customer requirements.
In this capacity, the Principal Electrical Engineer leads the design, optimization, and analysis of electrical system architectures to ensure functionality, reliability, and compliance with project specifications. They oversee project milestones, strategically managing efforts to meet cost and schedule targets while delivering solutions that meet or exceed expectations. Their work spans all phases of the product life cycle, from early feasibility studies and system design to.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the design, development, and optimization of electronic systems, ensuring they meet functional performance, reliability, and compliance requirements.
- Provide technical direction on complex electrical engineering challenges, driving innovative solutions while adhering to safety, regulatory, and industry standards.
- Detail schematic design including power conditioning, signal integrity analysis and high-speed video data transfer.
- Electrical layout and component placement for size/space claims of high-density PCBs.
- Define/direct/lead product specification conformance and validation testing, data collection, system integration, and debugging.
- Lead the electrical system architecture development and product specification definition/verification.
- Lead architectural design and electrical implementation of FPGA solutions from concept to deployment.
- Design lead responsibility from product concept to production support.
- Mentor and guide less experienced engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and proactive problem-solving within the team.
- Serve as a technical representative and liaison of the electrical group, maintaining clear and effective communication with stakeholders, program managers, and external partners.
- Interface with cross-functional teams, including software, mechanical, and systems engineering, to achieve seamless integration and comprehensive solutions.
- Lead the development and execution of detailed test plans to validate the performance and reliability of electrical components and systems.
- Conduct hands-on evaluations of prototypes, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement corrective actions to resolve design deficiencies.
- Ensure rigorous documentation of test results, including analysis and recommendations, to inform design improvements and ensure compliance with project specifications.
- Identify opportunities for technical innovation and design optimization in electronic systems and components.
- Stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to improve the organization's capabilities and competitiveness.
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives by driving process efficiency and ensuring adherence to quality management systems.
- Other tasks as assigned.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
- BSEE or equivalent with greater than 15 years of electronic HW design and development experience.
- Exposure to analog and digital design with mixed signal interface and conversion circuit knowledge and the ability to specify components and/or sub-assemblies.
- Experience in designing and testing complex digital systems, including signal processing, memory interfaces, digital video processing and high-speed communication.
- Experience in FPGA electrical design and implementation.
- Experience with power conversion for high efficiency, high reliability, battery-powered systems.
- Experience with high efficiency laser driver topologies covering CW and pulsed lasers.
- Experience with PCB layout, packaging, and test of low-noise, mixed-mode circuitry.
- Strong design debug and troubleshooting skills with solid hands-on lab experience.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
- U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain security clearance is required.
- Familiarity with working in an ITAR environment.
- Strong organization and presentation skills.
IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:
- Experience with high efficiency and high reliability power converters for battery-powered systems.
- Familiarity with Altium PCB design software.
- Familiarity with image sensor calibrations (thermal and/or visible).
- Previous exposure to Electro-Optics.
- Experience with Qualcomm processors or other powerful, energy-efficient System-on-Chips (SoCs) that integrate CPUs, GPUs, and AI engines onto a single chip.
- Experience with FPGA firmware development.
- Experience in designing military products.
- Experience with military standards (i.e. MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461).
TRAVEL: Travel outside the local area may be required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY: EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).
Principal Electrical Engineer in Bedford employer: Safran DSI
At Safran Defense & Space, Inc., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a high-energy work environment where innovation and individual contributions are celebrated. Located in Arlington, VA, our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and engagement in community initiatives, particularly in support of our armed forces and STEM education. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the aerospace sector while advancing your career in a collaborative and mission-driven culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Electrical Engineer in Bedford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran DSI for a Principal Electrical Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Electrical Engineer in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran DSI, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran DSI, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran DSI
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran DSI.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran DSI. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran DSI love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
