Senior Hardware Engineer / Technical Lead – RF & Avionics

Embark on a journey with QDSS at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek talented Engineers to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity.  What we do matters. 

We are seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer / Hardware Technical Lead to lead development, integration, verification, qualification, and production transition of hardware supporting TCAS, transponder, and airborne surveillance systems. This hands-on role spans RF, digital/mixed-signal electronics, FPGA, verification, manufacturing, and certification.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona.  On-site preferred, 3+ days/week

Citizenship: U.S. Person 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hardware development from requirements and architecture through design, integration, verification, qualification, and production.
• Coordinate RF, digital/mixed-signal, FPGA, mechanical, safety, verification, manufacturing, and certification activities.
• Develop and manage hardware requirements, traceability, plans, milestones, risks, and technical dependencies using IBM DOORS or comparable tools.
• Lead hardware verification plans, procedures, test environments, execution, and anomaly resolution.
• Develop/review RF, digital, and mixed-signal designs supporting TCAS, transponder, and surveillance systems.
• Lead hardware/software/FPGA integration and troubleshoot complex system issues across laboratory, qualification, aircraft, and flight-test environments.
• Support RF/antenna integration, including placement, performance, radiation patterns, interference, and aircraft installation.
• Support manufacturing, production testing, engineering-to-production transition, and corrective actions.
• Support DO-254, DO-160, TSO, and FAA certification activities and documentation.
• Lead technical reviews, customer interactions, issue resolution, and closure of technical actions.
• Provide technical direction and mentoring to hardware engineers.

Required Qualifications

• 5–15 years of relevant hardware engineering experience, preferably in airborne avionics, RF, or high-reliability electronics.
• Hands-on experience developing RF, digital, and/or mixed-signal hardware.
• Experience leading or coordinating multidisciplinary hardware development teams.
• Experience taking hardware from requirements through design, integration, verification, qualification, and production.
• Experience with hardware requirements, decomposition, allocation, validation, traceability, and IBM DOORS or comparable tools.
• Experience developing and executing hardware verification plans, procedures, and testing.
• Strong hardware integration, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis skills, including hardware/FPGA/software/system interfaces.
• Experience transitioning engineering hardware into manufacturing and production.
• Strong technical leadership, communication, mentoring, and problem-solving skills.
• Direct experience with TCAS, transponder, ADS-B, or airborne surveillance hardware.
• Working knowledge of DO-254, including requirements, design, implementation, verification, configuration management, process assurance, traceability, and design assurance.
• Familiarity with DO-160, including EMI/EMC, environmental, lightning, and aircraft installation qualification.
• Experience supporting TSO authorization and FAA certification programs.
• Must meet U.S. Person requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Mode C and Mode S interrogation and reply systems.
• Knowledge of TCAS/surveillance antenna systems, including antenna design, placement, radiation patterns, RF coverage, surveillance performance, interference, and EMI.
• Experience designing RF transmit/receive hardware and digital/mixed-signal electronics.
• Experience with certification documentation and formal certification reviews.
• Experience supporting laboratory, aircraft ground-test, and flight-test activities.
• Experience troubleshooting RF or hardware performance issues during aircraft testing.
• Experience with aerospace manufacturing and production hardware.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based hardware architectures and FPGA/hardware/software interfaces.
• Experience with aircraft OEMs, avionics suppliers, certification authorities, or external customers.

The QDSS Advantage 

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.  

• What You’ll Find Here  
• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.  
• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.  
• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.  

Benefits Include  

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.