Embedded Linux Contract Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

Description:
Patton designs and manufactures innovative communications, networking, industrial, and connectivity products used worldwide. We are seeking a Senior Electrical / Electronic Design Engineer to drive the development of complex hardware platforms from concept through production.
In this role, you will perform system- and board-level hardware architecture, design, development, verification, and product support for Patton's portfolio of networking, telecommunications, industrial control, and embedded systems products. You will work closely with software, mechanical, manufacturing, quality, and product management teams to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions.
The ideal candidate combines strong analog and digital circuit design expertise with practical experience bringing products from concept through production release. This position requires a highly motivated engineer capable of leading technical efforts, mentoring less experienced engineers, and independently solving complex engineering challenges.
Responsibilities
Product Architecture & Design
• Develop hardware architectures for embedded networking, communications, industrial, and connectivity products.
• Translate product requirements into detailed electrical and system specifications.
• Design complex digital, analog, mixed-signal, and power-management circuits.
• Select processors, SoCs, FPGAs, memories, power components, communication interfaces, and other key technologies.
• Perform schematic capture using advanced EDA tools.
• Develop designs that meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and regulatory requirements.
Hardware Development
• Design and bring up microprocessor- and SoC-based systems running Embedded Linux or RTOS-based software.
• Design high-speed digital interfaces including DDR memory, Ethernet, USB, PCIe, SERDES, SPI, I²C, UART, and related interfaces.
• Design communication-specific circuits including Ethernet, DSL, fiber, RF, and industrial networking interfaces as applicable.
• Design and debug switching power supplies, point-of-load regulators, battery-powered circuits, and power distribution systems.
• Conduct signal integrity, power integrity, thermal, and timing analysis.
Product Realization
• Lead hardware development activities from concept through production release.
• Collaborate with PCB designers to establish stack-ups, controlled impedance requirements, placement strategies, and routing constraints.
• Support prototype builds, engineering validation, pilot production, and manufacturing release.
• Investigate and resolve design, manufacturing, and field reliability issues.
• Drive cost optimization, component lifecycle management, and alternate component qualification.
Verification & Compliance
• Develop design verification and validation plans.
• Perform hardware characterization, system integration, and design verification testing.
• Analyze failures through structured root-cause investigation and corrective action.
• Design for compliance with UL, CE, FCC, EMC, environmental, and industry-specific standards.
• Support third-party regulatory and compliance testing.
Technical Leadership
• Lead technical aspects of projects and serve as the primary engineering owner when assigned.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers.
• Participate in design reviews and establish engineering best practices.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and future product architectures.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering processes, documentation, and development methodologies.
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of hands-on electronic hardware design experience.
• Proven experience developing products from concept through production release.
• Strong expertise in digital and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Experience with microprocessor, SoC, or embedded computing platforms.
• Experience with DDR memory interfaces and high-speed digital design.
• Experience with Ethernet networking hardware design.
• Experience designing switching power supplies and power management systems.
• Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience using modern schematic capture and PCB design tools.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple technical projects and priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferred
• Experience with telecommunications, networking, industrial, or embedded products.
• Experience with FPGA-based designs.
• Experience with Embedded Linux, BSP development, or low-level device drivers.
• Familiarity with signal integrity and power integrity simulation tools.
• Experience working directly with contract manufacturers and component suppliers.
• Knowledge of UL, CE, FCC, EMC, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience mentoring engineers or serving in a technical leadership role.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.