Hardware Engineering Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions is seeking an experienced Hardware Engineering Manager to lead a team of highly skilled hardware engineers responsible for the design, development, and production of advanced embedded computing and electronic systems for mission-critical defense applications.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and people management for multidisciplinary hardware engineering teams developing complex electronic solutions, including single board computers (SBC), FPGA, switch, and input/output cards in 3U and 6U VPX form factors; and custom form-factor systems incorporating software, firmware, and hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, and has a proven track record of solving complex technical challenges across design, testing, and production phases.

This role requires a strong technical leader with extensive experience in high-reliability defense electronics, the ability to guide complex hardware development programs, and a passion for mentoring engineers while delivering innovative solutions to demanding customer requirements.

Ashburn, VA

$144,100.00 - $195,000.00 per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

• Paid Time Off
• 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing
• Health and Wellness Benefits
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Referral Program
• Competitive Pay
• Recognition
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Inclusive & Supportive Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of hardware engineers responsible for the design and delivery of advanced defense electronics products.
• Provide technical direction and oversight for complex hardware development activities, including architecture, design, verification, qualification, and production support.
• Oversee the development of 3U and 6U VPX-based systems, including SBC, FPGA, switch, I/O, power, and high-speed digital/analog designs.
• Drive engineering execution by establishing priorities, managing resources, and ensuring programs meet technical, cost, quality, and schedule objectives.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineering, software/firmware, program management, manufacturing, quality, and customers to translate requirements into robust hardware solutions.
• Review and approve hardware architectures, schematics, PCB layouts, design documentation, and verification strategies.
• Promote engineering best practices, design standards, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support technical proposals, customer discussions, and new business opportunities by providing hardware expertise and technical solutions.
• Develop and maintain a strong engineering organization through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and talent development.
• Ensure compliance with defense industry standards, reliability requirements, and customer expectations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards up to 100 GHz); 20+ years preferred.
• 5+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience preferred.
• Extensive experience designing complex embedded electronic systems, including SBC, FPGA, switch, I/O, and VPX-based architectures.
• Strong background in mixed-signal, high-speed digital, analog, power electronics, and thermal management design.
• Experience with high-density PCB design, including 26+ layers HDI boards, Multilamination, blind/buried vias, and uVia structures.
• Hands‑on experience with Siemens Expedition DX Designer schematic and PCB tools.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, resolve complex engineering challenges, and deliver results in schedule‑driven environments.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Experience working with DoD programs and defense customers preferred.
• U.S. Citizenship required; active DoD security clearance preferred.

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Curtiss‑Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best‑in‑class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss‑Wright is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status.