Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD

Job Title: Hardware Engineer

Job Description

This role supports a major hardware modernization effort for a mission-critical real-time system. The Hardware Engineer creates, updates, and maintains hardware documentation, engineering change notices and orders, and engineering drawings and schematics for a large-scale hardware integration program. The position works closely with a multidisciplinary team to support hardware updates, integration, and testing at various sites across the country, ensuring high reliability and compliance in a complex, highly regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and update Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings, Microsoft Visio drawings, cable marking specifications, retrofit and workbook installation instructions, bills of material (BOMs) and parts lists, and support computer rack and operator console builds.
• Participate in the full Systems Engineering hardware design lifecycle, including research, development, technical analyses, cost estimates, process improvements, and technical support to meet program objectives.
• Develop hardware designs, electrical wiring diagrams, cable schematics, interconnect diagrams, and cable lists to support system installation and integration activities.
• Support hardware fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and modification activities using standard engineering principles and diagnostic tools.
• Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and cross-functional teams including Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Site Activation, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Program Management to support system implementation and integration.
• Develop and maintain engineering drawings, source control drawings, system specifications, verification procedures, and other technical documentation.
• Support requirements analysis, project planning, schedule development, status reporting, and technical execution activities based on Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Support engineering change activities, including preparation and processing of Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), discrepancy resolution, and configuration management processes.
• Utilize configuration management software and processes to manage tangible hardware baselines and formal design changes.
• Contribute to quality assurance activities related to hardware documentation, configuration control, and system integration.
• Support hardware integration, installation, and troubleshooting activities in lab or production environments.
• Use systems integration software and related tools to assist with integration and testing tasks as needed.
• Support occasional extended work hours or off-shift activities as required to meet integration, testing, or deployment schedules.
• Communicate progress, risks, and technical issues clearly to project stakeholders and team members.

Essential Skills

• Experience with tangible hardware configuration management, including working with Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) or Engineering Change Requests (ECRs).
• Experience with complex, highly regulated systems, ideally in government or similarly controlled environments.
• Experience supporting hardware engineering activities such as system integration, hardware documentation, cable design, CAD modeling, testing, or technical troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting hardware integration, installation, and troubleshooting in a lab or production environment.
• Experience using CAD software to adjust schematics and bills of material (BOMs) for engineering drawings.
• Proficiency in creating and maintaining bills of material (BOMs) and parts lists.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Visio.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline and 2-4 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with less than 2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to apply standard engineering principles to support fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and modification of hardware.
• Strong attention to detail when developing and maintaining technical documentation and drawings.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate with vendors and suppliers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, Visio, or other CAD software tools.
• Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software.
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Learning (ML) technologies.
• Experience using automation methods or scripting techniques to improve technical documentation or engineering workflows.
• Experience working in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) environments such as Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC), or the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy (FAAAC).
• Familiarity with air traffic control systems or other mission-critical real-time systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to hardware design and integration challenges.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting designs and presenting technical information.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based, working in a professional engineering environment focused on mission-critical, real-time systems. The role involves extensive use of CAD tools (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, and Visio), Microsoft Office applications, configuration management software, and systems integration tools. Work centers on a long-term hardware modernization program that offers stability through at least 2028, with the potential for continued engagement beyond that. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and may coordinate with vendors and suppliers. While most work occurs during standard business hours, occasional extended hours or off-shift work may be required to support integration, testing, or deployment schedules. The environment emphasizes rigorous documentation, quality assurance, and adherence to formal configuration management and engineering change processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Gaithersburg, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Gaithersburg,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.