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Hardware Development Lead Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You'll lead hardware engineering that enables secure, reliable network integration of M-LIDS and FS ... Hardware development for fielded tactical systems (M-LIDS/FS-LIDS). * Microelectronics design for ...

You'll lead hardware engineering that enables secure, reliable network integration of MLIDS and ... Hardware development for fielded tactical systems (MLIDS/FSLIDS). * Microelectronics design for ...

You'll lead hardware engineering that enables secure, reliable network integration of MLIDS and ... Hardware development for fielded tactical systems (MLIDS/FSLIDS). * Microelectronics design for ...

You'll lead hardware engineering that enables secure, reliable network integration of MLIDS and ... Hardware development for fielded tactical systems (MLIDS/FSLIDS). * Microelectronics design for ...

Hardware Development Engineer I

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Propulsion Hardware Development Engineers are responsible for taking the Aeon-R engine from paper ... Participate in design reviews and lead design for manufacturing (DFM) initiatives * Design test set ...

The Hardware Development Engineer will design, implement, test, and validate complex circuit card assemblies incorporating digital, RF, power, and programmable logic technologies. The engineer will ...

The Hardware Development Engineer will design, implement, test, and validate complex circuit card assemblies incorporating digital, RF, power, and programmable logic technologies. The engineer will ...

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Hardware Development Lead Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do hardware development lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware development lead engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware development lead engineer do?

A Hardware Development Lead Engineer oversees the design, development, and testing of electronic hardware components and systems. They lead a team of engineers, manage project timelines, and ensure that hardware products meet technical specifications and quality standards. Their responsibilities also include collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting complex issues, and staying up-to-date with technological advancements in hardware engineering. Ultimately, they play a key role in turning product concepts into reliable, manufacturable hardware solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware development lead engineer?

To thrive as a Hardware Development Lead Engineer, you need a deep understanding of electronic circuit design, hardware architecture, and embedded systems, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Expertise in CAD tools like Altium Designer or Cadence, along with familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as IPC or ISO, is commonly required. Strong project management, leadership, and effective communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and deliver complex hardware projects. These skills ensure innovative, reliable hardware solutions are developed efficiently and meet both technical and business objectives.

What are the main challenges a hardware development lead engineer faces when managing cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Hardware Development Lead Engineer, one of the main challenges is coordinating effective communication and collaboration between electrical, mechanical, and software teams. Balancing project timelines with technical feasibility requires strong leadership and negotiation skills, especially when unforeseen issues arise. Additionally, ensuring that all team members adhere to design specifications and regulatory standards is critical for successful product delivery. Navigating these complexities while fostering a collaborative team environment is essential for project success.

What is the difference between Hardware Development Lead Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectHardware Development Lead EngineerHardware Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like PMP are commonBachelor's or Master's in Electrical or Computer Engineering, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentLeads cross-functional teams, manages project timelines, collaborates with manufacturingFocuses on designing and testing hardware components, works primarily in design labs
Industry UsageUsed in product development, R&D, and engineering management rolesPrimarily in hardware product design, prototyping, and testing

The Hardware Development Lead Engineer oversees entire hardware projects, managing teams and ensuring project delivery, while the Hardware Design Engineer concentrates on creating and testing hardware components. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Lead Engineer has broader responsibilities in project management and coordination.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Development Lead Engineer jobs?

For Hardware Development Lead Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hardware Development Lead Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

C-UAS Hardware Development Lead

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Hardware Development Lead - C-UAS Network Communication System (NCS)
Clearance: Active Secret with Ability to obtain a Top-Secret security clearance.
Location: Huntsville Alabama, Alexandria Virginia. Telecommuting may be available .
This position is contingent upon contract award.
Leidos is seeking a Hardware Development Lead to drive microelectronics hardware design, prototyping, integration, and testing for the Army's Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Network Communication System (NCS). You'll lead hardware engineering that enables secure, reliable network integration of M-LIDS and FS-LIDS systems supporting Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) missions.
This role owns hardware architecture decisions, directs a team of engineers/technicians, and ensures hardware solutions meet performance, security, and military standards while integrating tightly with software, RF, and cybersecurity teams.
Key Duties
  • Lead hardware architecture, design, prototyping, and microelectronics upgrades for NCS.
  • Define hardware interfaces, components, and data flows aligned with secure system architecture.
  • Direct circuit/board-level design, component selection, and secure hardware/firmware integration.
  • Oversee hardware-software-network integration and support secure remote access/data transfer.
  • Lead hardware testing, qualification (environmental, EMI/EMC, reliability), and corrective actions.
  • Support RMF/ATO hardware requirements, patch assessments, and cybersecurity integration.
  • Present hardware technical approach at TIMs; maintain hardware sections of system documentation.
  • Manage and mentor hardware engineers and technicians within an Agile, cross-functional workflow.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's in EE/CE/Hardware Engineering + 10+ years hardware engineering (lead experience required).
  • Current Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Proven leadership in hardware design for networked/embedded/tactical microelectronics systems.
  • Experience with hardware-software integration, secure communication hardware, and qualification testing.
  • Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity requirements and RMF/ATO as applied to hardware.
  • Strong technical writing and ability to brief government stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with C-UAS/SHORAD/LIDS hardware programs.
  • Hardware development for fielded tactical systems (M-LIDS/FS-LIDS).
  • Microelectronics design for contested/DIL environments.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
September 9, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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