Temporary Digital Communication Jobs in Washington

The Principal Engineer will collaborate with software engineers to co-design systems, ensuring seamless integration between software and hardware. You will work alongside mechanical engineers to design sophisticated high-power thermal and interconnect solutions. This role involves leading project meetings and coordinating product development from inception to production handoff.

• Lead small digital engineering teams or work independently to define requirements and create technical documentation such as schematics and interface control documents.
• Analyze, simulate, and build prototypes, overseeing PCB layouts and loading firmware/software on prototype boards and radios.
• Perform verification testing, debugging, and optimization of digital circuit designs at the circuit, card, and product levels.
• Implement complex digital designs using microprocessors, DSPs, memory systems, FPGAs, displays, and power supplies for SIGINT and EW products.
• Utilize on-board high-speed data buses and control external RF amplifiers through high-speed interfaces.
• Conduct technical trade studies and analyses to select digital architecture and key components.
• Develop and implement design specifications, test plans, and procedures, while troubleshooting and solving technical issues efficiently.
• Collaborate with PCB Layout Designers for layout activities and provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Manage technical requirements, scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables from concept to full-rate production.
• Generate documentation for programming components, loading firmware, and performing root cause analysis on field failures.
• Support R&D efforts and continuous process improvements, while ensuring quality and timely task completion with minimal supervision.

• Proficiency in schematic and electrical engineering.
• Expertise in digital electronics and hardware design.
• Experience in designing high-speed digital circuitry and embedded C.
• 8+ years of electrical design experience.
• In-depth knowledge of digital circuit design for communication products.

• BSEE/MSEE or equivalent; an advanced degree is desirable.
• Knowledge of Software Defined Radio circuitry is a plus.
• Experience as a technical lead for high-complexity digital designs.
• Hands-on lab experience with advanced engineering test equipment.
• Experience with industry standards for EMI/EMC, environmental, and certification tests.

The position is within a heavy engineering design and manufacturing environment, fully onsite. The team consists of 7 members primarily focused on digital hardware design for secure communications and SIGINT radio lines. The company designs and manufactures all products in-house.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Germantown, MD.

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $96.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Germantown,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.