Contractual Aerospace Programmer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Location: Irvine, United States of AmericaThales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world's largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Principal Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA (Onsite)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer to serve as the recognized technical authority for the hardware design, development, testing, and qualification of IFEC head-end Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) products, ensuring that all deliverables set industry benchmarks for size, weight, power, performance, reliability, maintainability, and reparability. You act as the principal hardware engineering leader, steering complex embedded solutions from concept to production, orchestrating multidisciplinary co-engineering activities in collaboration with PCB, Mechanical, Software, and Systems Engineering teams.

In this position, you will leverage your deep domain knowledge and a holistic understanding of customer needs and the full product life cycle, you drive innovative methodologies-including advanced simulations, modeling, prototyping, and rigorous empirical studies-to transform mission and functional requirements into robust architectural designs. You meticulously integrate solution elements, rigorously validate system interactions and operational performance, and ensure that every design aspect is traceable to the original requirements, culminating in a product data package that is production- and operations-ready.

Your strategic influence extends beyond technical execution; you optimize work scope, contractual delivery timelines, and budget adherence, consistently achieving program objectives. You serve as a key technical liaison within the hardware development team (Electrical, Mechanical, Test Engineering, PCB), actively collaborating with Program Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and other stakeholders to communicate technical status, mitigate risks, identify innovation opportunities, and drive resolution action plans.

You interface proactively with both internal and external collaborators, including Product Management, Software and IVVQ Engineering, Industrial Operations, Procurement, NPI teams, development partners, contract manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors-ensuring seamless integration, alignment, and delivery throughout all phases of development.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead the design, development, test, and qualification of advanced embedded digital, analog, high-speed, and mixed-signal communication circuits from concept through production, ensuring strong system integration, performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Drive hardware engineering execution to deliver on schedule and within cost, proactively identifying risks, leading failure analysis, and resolving issues across the full product lifecycle.
• Act as the primary technical interface for customers, subcontractors, and internal teams, providing guidance on complex challenges and representing the organization in customer engagements and industry forums.
• Lead cross-functional design reviews and ensure alignment with performance, cost, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, and regulatory requirements; develop and validate technical specifications, test procedures, and documentation with full traceability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices, while contributing to technology roadmaps and strategic planning aligned with business objectives and market needs.
• Mentor engineers, foster a culture of technical excellence, and support milestone reviews by reporting on performance, root cause analysis, and mitigation strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master's or certifications preferred) with 10+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in advanced embedded hardware design, including high-speed digital and analog communication systems.
• Demonstrated mastery in architecting and implementing complex embedded circuit designs, with deep expertise in high-speed data transmission, signal integrity, and mixed-signal communication.
• Extensive experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools (e.g., ORCAD, Cadence, Mentor Graphics, PCAD), including reviewing and approving designs for manufacturability, performance, and quality.
• Deep knowledge of embedded microprocessors (32/64-bit), Ethernet switching technologies, and FPGA-based design, with strong system integration, troubleshooting, and hands-on use of advanced test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, emulators, debuggers).
• Advanced experience in Linux environments and scripting for test automation and diagnostics, combined with technical mentoring, code/design reviews, and cross-functional engineering leadership.
• Results-driven self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to manage multiple initiatives end-to-end; excels in cross-functional and global collaboration, continuous improvement, and communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences using tools such as Excel, Project, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core business hours 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday. 9/80 schedule may be available.
• Physical Environment: Office/cubical/ open space, R&D lab, manufacturing/production area. Some work may be done remotely.
• Physical Demands: Lift weight: up to 15lb.
• Travel: Some domestic travel for external LABs or vendors may be required.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements: None.

Why Join Us?

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 151,154.25 - 251,923.75 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including - but not limited to - the employee's career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company's annual salary budget, the customer's program requirements, and the company's internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please raise HR request through MyThales)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program