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:

Pay Range:

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.