Hardware Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Reston, VA

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and fielding of advanced integrated networking and computing systems for tactical (military) applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused on leveraging commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) networking and wireless communication technologies to create rugged, high-performance systems suitable for challenging operational environments.

The ideal candidate is a proven technical leader with deep expertise in modern hardware design who can guide a multidisciplinary team from concept through deployment.

Company Description

At Nokia Federal Solutions Inc. (Nokia Federal), we are committed to building scalable, secure, and resilient networks that enhance government operations. Our team helps solve complex challenges for U.S. civil, defense, and intelligence sectors by providing leading end-to-end mission-critical network solutions. With a legacy backed by over 100 years of technology innovation, we are pioneers in the field. Nokia Federal is a dedicated Nokia U.S. entity focused on delivering mission-critical solutions to the U.S. Government. Join us today and contribute to helping support the mission!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the hardware architecture, design, development, integration, testing, and field support of tactical networking and computing systems built on commercial technologies.
• Stay current with the latest networking and wireless communication chipsets (including 4G/5G, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and related RF components) and evaluate their suitability for tactical applications.
• Define system architecture and hardware requirements to meet performance, size, weight, power (SWaP), thermal, and environmental constraints typical of military use.
• Develop schematics, select components, define PCB stack-ups, oversee PCB layout, and manage signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management/cooling solutions.
• Lead hands-on hardware bring-up, debug, integration with software/firmware, and system-level testing in both lab and field environments.
• Collaborate closely with software engineers, RF engineers, mechanical engineers, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration and overall system performance.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and technical trade studies to drive technical decisions.
• Mentor and guide a team of hardware engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence and accountability.
• Support production transition efforts, including design for manufacturability (DFM) and coordination with contract manufacturers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in hardware design and development, with a strong focus on embedded systems, networking hardware, or wireless communication platforms.
• Proven experience as a technical leader or lead hardware engineer managing and mentoring a development team.
• Deep knowledge of current-generation networking and wireless communication chipsets and modules.
• Strong expertise in board-level design including schematic capture, PCB stack-up definition, high-speed signal routing, power integrity, and thermal/cooling design.
• Experience with full product development lifecycle — from architecture definition through schematic design, layout, bring-up, verification, and fielding.
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing hardware for tactical, military, or rugged environments (MIL-STD, environmental qualification, SWaP optimization).
• Background in 4G/5G, IP networking hardware, or RF subsystem integration.
• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, SerDes, etc.) and associated signal integrity challenges.
• Prior work transitioning hardware designs to production with contract manufacturers.
• Experience with thermal analysis, cooling solutions, and ruggedization techniques for deployed systems.

What We Offer You

• An opportunity to be a part of something bigger; a mission with real impact.
• A chance to be a part of a people-first team.
• A comprehensive range of benefits that are fair, equitable, and competitive that include the following:
• Company-paid, full coverage inclusive health care (Medical, Dental Vision), for you and your family.
• Life/Disability: Employer-paid life insurance, in addition to short-term and long-term disability.
• 401(k) Retirement Account, 6% employer contribution.
• Professional Development
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Nokia Federal Solutions Inc. is an equal opportunity employer & provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and will make hiring decisions without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, protected genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.