Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Quest Defense Systems & Solutions develops aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical engineering solutions. The Electronic Hardware Engineer will support the development of next-generation control systems for small modular nuclear reactors, owning PCB design and hardware development across the lifecycle from schematic capture and layout through validation and production support. The role also involves board testing, troubleshooting, manufacturing readiness, mechanical integration, and cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Own full lifecycle PCB design and development from concept through production and sustaining support
- Define design approach, including requirements interpretation, architecture, and component selection
- Develop schematic capture, PCB layout, routing, and placement using tools such as Altium
- Establish board-level design considerations including signal integrity, power distribution, EMI, and thermal performance
- Perform and support board bring-up, debugging, and hardware validation activities
- Develop and execute integration and system-level testing, documenting results and resolving issues
- Create manufacturing test procedures and support production readiness, including DFM/DFA considerations
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues across development and production environments
- Support mechanical integration, including enclosure, packaging, and thermal constraints
- Provide production and sustaining engineering support, including issue resolution and design updates
- Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful delivery
- Engage with customers and internal stakeholders to define scope, review designs, and assess technical risks
Skills
- All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience in electronic hardware / PCB design
- Proven experience owning full lifecycle PCB development (architecture, schematic capture, layout, validation, and production)
- Strong experience with component selection and BOM development, including lifecycle and availability considerations
- Proficiency with PCB design tools (Altium preferred or equivalent ECAD tools)
- Hands-on experience with board bring-up, debugging, and hardware validation
- Experience using AutoCAD for drawing wiring diagrams
- Solid understanding of: Signal integrity, Power integrity, EMI/EMC considerations, Thermal design considerations
- Experience designing for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA) and working with fabrication/assembly vendors
- Experience supporting production and sustaining engineering efforts
- Ability to work across electrical and mechanical interfaces (enclosures, packaging, thermal constraints)
- Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical/regulated environments
- Altium preferred
- Background in instrumentation & controls (I&C) or control systems hardware
- Exposure to DFM/DFA or working with manufacturing teams
- Experience supporting integration or system-level testing
- Familiarity with design documentation and engineering processes
- Experience working on complex or multi-board systems
Benefits
- Employer-matched 401(k)
- Certification assistance
- Clear opportunities for advancement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, life and disability coverage
- 401(k) with employer match
- Professional development support
- A flexible, friendly workplace
- Remote work, though onsite/hybrid is preferred in Wilmington, NC
Company Overview