Senior Electrical Engineer – Ruggedized Computer & Networking Systems

Saronic Saronic · Defense · Austin, TX · Engineering

Senior Electrical Engineer focused on ruggedized computing and networking systems for autonomous vessel platforms. Responsibilities include R&D, design, evaluation, integration, and validation of embedded systems and network infrastructures for harsh marine environments, supporting both technology evaluation and fleet deployment.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead R&D initiatives in ruggedized computing and networking architectures for autonomous surface vessels.
  2. Design, evaluate, and integrate embedded computing systems, data acquisition units, and network infrastructures optimized for high performance in harsh marine environments.
  3. Conduct benchmarking and trade studies on ruggedized COTS and custom computing solutions (edge computers, network switches, routers, storage units, etc.).
  4. Develop and validate system architectures for high-availability networks supporting autonomy, sensing, and control subsystems.
  5. Collaborate with software, autonomy, and mechanical engineering teams to ensure reliable data throughput and system resilience across vessel networks.

Skills

Required

  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 7+ years of experience in electrical or systems engineering focused on computing and networking technologies in ruggedized or mission-critical environments.
  • Expertise in embedded computing platforms, network design, and hardware integration.
  • Experience with Ethernet, CAN, serial, and fiber-optic communication protocols and their implementation in distributed systems.
  • Proven track record of benchmarking and trade study development for hardware performance and reliability.
  • Familiarity with marine, aerospace, automotive or defense environmental standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, IEC 60945, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of power distribution, grounding, and thermal management in dense electronics enclosures.
  • Excellent communication skills and experience producing clear technical documentation and reports.
  • Hands-on experience with system integration and environmental testing.

Nice to have

  • Experience developing or integrating ruggedized computing solutions for maritime or defense systems.
  • Familiarity with network security, IEEE 1588/PTP Protocol, VLAN management, and deterministic networking for real-time systems.
  • Knowledge of data logging, storage, and redundancy architectures in distributed sensor networks.
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and hardware-software co-simulation environments.
  • Background in autonomous or remote vehicle platforms.
  • Understanding of cybersecurity standards and secure network design principles.
  • Experience using 3D CAD tools to communicate with other engineering groups (e.g. Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks)
  • Experience utilizing ECAD tools to define/draw single line diagrams and schematics (e.g. Altium, Zuken, AutoCAD, Siemens Capital)

What the JD emphasized

  • ruggedized
  • mission-critical
  • harsh marine environments
  • high-reliability
  • autonomous vessel platforms