Electrical Engineer
Hardware | Columbia, MD | Full Time

Position: Electrical Engineer
Location: Columbia, MD
Category: Hardware
Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday–Friday
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret security clearance (required)
Experience Requirement: 3-7 years
Compensation Range: $105,000 – $145,000 (based on experience)

Position Overview

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of advanced electronic hardware systems in a mission-focused environment. This role involves full-cycle PCB development—from requirements definition and schematic design through layout, board bring-up, testing, debugging, and system integration.

The ideal candidate has practical experience in mixed-signal hardware design and is comfortable supporting multiple programs in a fast-paced environment. This position requires sound engineering judgment, the ability to work independently on well-defined assignments, and close collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable hardware solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design and develop advanced electronic hardware products
• Perform full-cycle PCB development, including requirements analysis, schematic capture, component selection, layout execution or oversight, board bring-up, testing, debugging, and system integration
• Support product maturation through rapid prototyping, design verification, and qualification activities
• Apply established design standards and engineering practices to support product reliability, manufacturability, and testability
• Design and integrate mixed-signal circuits, which may include high-speed digital, precision analog, RF, and power electronics
• Apply design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles during PCB development
• Participate in peer and cross-disciplinary design reviews
• Develop or modify low-level firmware and test software to support board bring-up and troubleshooting
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions in support of development, production, and sustainment activities
• Coordinate priorities and deliverables across multiple projects with guidance from technical and program leadership
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, test procedures, and engineering reports

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in electronic hardware or product development
• Experience with PCB development, including schematic capture, component selection, layout, board bring-up, and debugging
• Working knowledge of PCB layout techniques used to meet mechanical, electrical, signal-integrity, and manufacturing requirements
• Ability to read, interpret, develop, and review electrical schematics using established engineering practices
• Familiarity with common interfaces and communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, I2C, SPI, PCIe, and USB
• Experience working with one or more of the following: MCUs, CPUs, FPGAs, or similar programmable devices
• Solid foundation in analog and digital electronics
• Experience using Altium Designer or a comparable electronic design automation tool
• Ability to independently manage assigned tasks, identify technical issues, and seek guidance when appropriate
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, RF, or power-electronics hardware
• Familiarity with signal-integrity, power-integrity, or electromagnetic compatibility principles
• Experience supporting environmental, electromagnetic compatibility, or qualification testing
• Experience transitioning hardware designs from prototype development into production
• Familiarity with configuration management, revision control, and formal engineering documentation processes
• Experience supporting products developed for defense, aerospace, or other high-reliability applications

Benefits Overview

TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)
• Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing
• Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
• Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
• Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework
• Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support
• Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses

Clearance Requirement

This position requires an active Secret security clearance. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.

Additional Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.

TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 status protected by law.