General Dynamics Mission Systems is a leading provider of high technology solutions for defense and scientific applications. They are seeking an Entry Level Electrical Engineer to design printed circuit boards and schematics for Special Test Equipment supporting advanced space payloads, collaborating closely with other engineers to ensure production-ready designs.
Responsibilities
- Design printed circuit boards and schematics for Special Test Equipment supporting a next-generation space payload
- Create VPX adapter boards that route VPX backplane signals to bench-top test interfaces (SMA, banana, ribbon connectors)
- Develop test interface boards for module and unit-level testing, power distribution boards with OVP/fusing, and digital I/O interface cards for STE FPGA drawers
- Work closely with RF, digital, and mechanical engineers to translate test requirements into production-ready PCB designs
Skills
- Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related Science or Mathematics field
- Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is preferred at time of hire
- Candidates must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance within a reasonable amount of time from date of hire
- Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information
- Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required
- Proficiency in electrical schematic/board layout software (Mentor, Cadence, Eagle, KiCad)
- Strong understanding of PCB design fundamentals: stackup, impedance control, power/ground planes, DRC/LVS
- Basic knowledge of digital interfaces (SPI, JTAG, JESD204B, LVDS, RS422, 10GbE)
- Familiarity with DC power distribution and protection circuits (OVP, fusing, current limiting)
- Proficiency with general test equipment: power supplies, multimeters, signal generators, signal/logic analyzers, oscilloscopes
- Ability to capture schematics, perform design rule checks, generate Gerber outputs, and create BOMs
- Proficiency with Microsoft tools suite
- Experience with high-speed digital PCB design (JESD204B, 10GbE, multi-gigabit SerDes)
- Knowledge of RF PCB design and SMA/2.92mm connector footprints for frequencies up to 18 GHz
- Familiarity with VPX/OpenVPX backplane standards (VITA 46/65)
- Experience with Linux (RHEL/Ubuntu) and Windows (Win11) operating systems
- Understanding of IPC standards for PCB fabrication and assembly
- Ability to design power distribution boards with fused leads, OVP circuits, current sense shunts (0.01Ω), and status LED indicators
- Experience designing VPX adapter PCBs for routing high-speed serial signals (up to 12.5 Gbps), SPI/JTAG control, analog power rails (+5VD/+6VA/-6VA), and RF signals to various test interfaces (SMA, banana, ribbon)
- Capability to design FMC mezzanine adapter cards (e.g., FMC-SMA-LVDS, FMC-4R45) for STE FPGA drawers
- Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation
Benefits
- Highly competitive benefits
- Flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded
Company Overview
General Dynamics is a defense industry contractor for shipbuilding, marine, combat and defense systems and, munitions. It was founded in 1899, and is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is https://www.gd.com.