Electrical Engineer II

Hardware | Columbia, MD | Full Time

Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday-Friday
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret security clearance
Experience Requirement: 7+ years
Compensation Range: $135,000 - $210,000 (based on experience)

Position Overview
We are seeking an Electrical Engineer II 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 capture and schematic design through layout oversight, bring-up, testing, debugging, and system integration.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in mixed-signal hardware design and thrives in a fast-paced environment supporting multiple concurrent programs. This position requires strong technical leadership, sound engineering judgment, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-reliability hardware solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design and develop advanced hardware products
• Perform full-cycle PCB design, including requirements definition, schematic capture, component selection, layout supervision or execution, bring-up, test, debug, and system integration
• Drive product maturity through rapid prototyping, design verification, and qualification activities
• Apply modern design standards to ensure high reliability and manufacturability
• Design and integrate high-speed digital, precision analog, RF, and high-power circuits
• Establish and promote internal best practices for design for manufacturing (DFM) and quality fabrication and assembly
• Conduct peer-level and cross-discipline design reviews
• Support low-level firmware development for board bring-up and testing
• Perform root cause analysis to support production and sustainment operations
• Manage multiple priorities across concurrent projects and customer requirements

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance
• 7+ years of professional experience in hardware product development
• Strong understanding of PCB layout techniques to meet mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing requirements
• Ability to read, interpret, and review schematics using industry best practices
• Familiarity with standard interfaces such as Ethernet, CAN, I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB, and similar protocols
• Experience working with MCUs, CPUs, FPGAs, and related technologies
• Solid foundation in modern analog and digital electronics
• Experience using Altium Designer or equivalent E-CAD tools
• Ability to prioritize work based on high-level direction from leadership
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting hardware qualification, verification, and production readiness
• Background working on defense or mission-critical hardware programs

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.