Principal Hardware Design Engineer
Leidos
- Location
- Laurel, MD
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Principal
- H-1B history
- 26 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Aug 18, 2026
About this role
About Leidos Leidos is a FORTUNE 500® company bringing a mix of innovative technology and sector expertise to customers in the national security, engineering, and health industries. We deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. Guided by our Mission, Vision, and Values, Leidos empowers its teams, contributes to its communities, and operates sustainably—always with a commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. The Leidos Intel Sector combines technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities in the areas of cyber, logistics, security operations, and decision analytics to support Intelligence Community customers as they address evolving national security challenges. About the Opportunity Leidos is seeking an accomplished Principal Hardware Design Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development, testing, and reverse engineering of advanced hardware solutions supporting mission-critical Government programs. As part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will serve as a senior technical authority, guiding complex engineering efforts, advancing innovative design methodologies, and helping shape the future direction of hardware engineering capabilities supporting national security missions. Why This Role Matters Mission success depends on engineers who not only solve today's technical challenges but also help define tomorrow's solutions. As a Principal Hardware Design Engineer, you will provide expert technical guidance across complex engineering efforts while developing innovative hardware solutions, advancing reverse engineering methodologies, and mentoring engineering teams. Your expertise will directly influence the development of critical hardware technologies that enable Intelligence Community operations.
What You'll Do
Hardware Design & Development Direct the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of advanced integrated circuits, hardware components, embedded firmware, and signal processing technologies. Lead complex hardware engineering initiatives while ensuring designs remain reliable, manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with mission objectives. Provide technical direction throughout the hardware development lifecycle, supporting successful delivery of complex engineering solutions. Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering organizations to resolve challenging technical problems and ensure project success. Physical Design & Implementation Direct the application of ASIC and FPGA Place-and-Route (P&R) tools, engineering libraries, and physical implementation methodologies. Oversee integration of new P&R tools, design libraries, and technology updates into the Government's computer-aided design environment. Provide technical guidance for complex physical design, implementation, and optimization activities. Collaborate with tool and library vendors to evaluate and implement innovative engineering solutions. Reverse Engineering & Analysis Lead advanced reverse engineering efforts involving integrated circuits, firmware, and complex electronic components. Oversee de-processing activities and firmware retrieval using approved reverse engineering procedures. Develop novel reverse engineering methodologies supporting new component technologies and evolving mission requirements. Guide hardware adaptation efforts that modify vendor-manufactured hardware to satisfy specialized Government needs. Technical Leadership & Innovation Serve as an internal technical consultant, providing expert engineering guidance on the organization's most complex hardware design initiatives. Direct and review the technical work of Hardware Design Engineers while promoting engineering excellence and knowledge sharing. Mentor engineers across multiple experience levels, supporting technical growth and continuous learning. Evaluate emerging hardware