Hardware Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

Position Title: Senior Hardware Integration Engineer

Location: Onsite in Alexandria, VA

Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizenship; ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Employment Type: Full Time, Salaried Exempt

Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow, status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally changes and improves the world. We develop cutting-edge software for all levels of the government and military. Using agile development practices and user-centered design, we create innovative software solutions for complex real‑world problems.

Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is seeking a Senior Hardware Integration Engineer to join the Dragonfly hardware team. This is a hands‑on role supporting hardware integration, production, testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of RII’s next‑generation RF and electronic warfare product. Working closely with production technicians, the Lab Manager, and engineering teams, you will help turn engineering designs into reliable, repeatable production hardware. The ideal candidate is comfortable working directly on the production floor, solving problems in real time, improving processes, and taking ownership of getting hardware built, tested, and delivered.

• Provide daily hands‑on engineering support to the Dragonfly production line, including hardware integration, assembly, bring‑up, testing, troubleshooting, and rework.
• Work directly with production technicians to diagnose hardware issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support the Lab Manager with day‑to‑day laboratory, production, hardware integration, and test activities.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, test procedures, inspection criteria, and other production documentation.
• Establish repeatable and scalable processes for building, testing, troubleshooting, and inspecting Dragonfly hardware.
• Perform hardware bring‑up, functional testing, integration, and troubleshooting using electrical test equipment and laboratory tools.
• Investigate production defects and failures and drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Partner with engineering teams to identify and implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) improvements.
• Support the transition of prototypes and engineering builds into production‑ready hardware and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Document hardware issues, test results, configuration changes, non‑conformances, and production improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, quality, reliability, and repeatability.
• Support engineering changes, hardware modifications, production rework, and configuration updates.
• Help maintain a safe, organized, and effective hardware production and laboratory environment.
• Support hardware builds, fielding activities, and other engineering efforts as Dragonfly moves from development into scaled production.
• Operate and maintain shop and prototype equipment, including 3D printers, laser engravers, drilling equipment, and other fabrication tools as required.
• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of production and laboratory equipment, including drones, generators, and other supporting systems.

• 5+ years of experience in hardware engineering, electrical engineering, hardware integration, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience integrating, producing, testing, and troubleshooting complex electronic systems.
• Experience working directly with production or manufacturing teams in a laboratory, factory, or hardware development environment.
• Strong understanding of electronics, electrical systems, wiring, connectors, PCBs, and hardware integration.
• Experience using electrical test and diagnostic equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, or similar tools.
• Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, test procedures, inspection criteria, or other technical documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to systematically troubleshoot hardware problems and identify root causes.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting engineering builds, prototypes, production hardware, or hardware configuration changes.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
• Comfortable working onsite and being hands‑on with hardware on a daily basis.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

• Experience with RF, SIGINT, EW, communications, or other defense electronics systems.
• Experience transitioning hardware from prototype or development into production.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), or production process development.
• Experience creating and improving manufacturing processes and production test procedures.
• Experience developing or using automated hardware test systems, test fixtures, or production test equipment.
• Familiarity with PCB assembly, cable harnesses, RF components, connectors, and electromechanical integration.
• Experience performing root‑cause analysis using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced startup or small‑team environment where engineers are expected to wear multiple hats.
• Experience working in a controlled or secure production or laboratory environment.
• Experience supporting DoD programs or other mission‑critical hardware systems.
• Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting prototype and fabrication equipment such as 3D printers, laser engravers, and drilling equipment.
• Experience maintaining mechanical and electrical support equipment, including drones, generators, and other production or field‑support systems.

At RII, we believe that diversity in our workforce is critical to our success. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We work to help your intellectual passions and creativity thrive. It’s one of our core values: Let your geek flag fly.

We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.

It’s all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It’s why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It’s why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.

Research Innovations Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.