A leading U.S. defense contractor is seeking a Senior Electrical Hardware Engineer in
Sterling Heights, MI to support the design, development, and qualification of ruggedized computing and interface hardware for ground combat vehicle systems. This is a
contract-to-hire opportunity (12-36 months) focused on advanced processing, interface, and target detection hardware supporting Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) and SOSA-aligned platforms.
Compensation for this role ranges from $50-$65 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
This role offers the opportunity to work on mission-critical defense programs supporting next-generation ground vehicle technologies. The ideal candidate will contribute across the full hardware lifecycle-from requirements and architecture through design, debug, test, and qualification-while collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams in a hands-on, fast-paced environment. Engineers in this role gain exposure to cutting-edge open architecture standards, complex embedded systems, and long-term defense programs with strong stability and growth potential.
Contract Duration: 12-36 Months (Contract to Hire)
Required Skills & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
- 10+ years of experience designing, debugging, and testing electrical hardware for embedded or computing systems
- Experience with ruggedized hardware designs supporting defense or mission-critical environments
- Knowledge across multiple hardware domains including digital and analog circuit design, PCB layout, embedded microprocessor and microcontroller hardware design, and high-speed signal integrity
- Familiarity with open architecture standards and technologies such as MOSA, SOSA, GCIA, and TSN
- Experience working with industry-standard interfaces including PCIe, USB, RS-422/485, MIL-1553, Ethernet, and CAN
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Desired Skills & Experience - Target Detection hardware experience
- FPGA design and simulation experience using Xilinx toolsets
- Experience with graphics, video, and display interfaces
- Familiarity with military design and test standards including MIL-1275, MIL-461, MIL-464, and MIL-810
- Previous experience supporting ground combat vehicle programs
What You Will Be Doing Tech Breakdown - Design and development of ruggedized computing and interface hardware for defense systems
- Hardware architecture analysis, trade studies, and engineering reviews
- Schematic development, component selection, circuit simulation, and PCB layout support
- Embedded processor and microcontroller hardware design and integration
- Hardware debug, test, qualification, and production support
- Support for MOSA/SOSA-aligned system architectures and target detection applications
Daily Responsibilities - Collaborate with systems, software, and manufacturing teams to support end-to-end hardware development
- Review and develop hardware and software requirements and associated test plans
- Perform hands-on hardware debugging, validation, and design fixes
- Maintain detailed documentation, revision tracking, and configuration control
- Participate in technical reviews and provide engineering support throughout the product lifecycle
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