Senior Staff Engineer

Trillium Professional Staffing is now hiring a Senior Staff Engineer for a direct-hire opportunity!

Our company is seeking a highly experienced and technically authoritative Senior Staff Engineer to provide expert leadership and drive innovation within the Space & Defense business in Gilbert, AZ. This key role involves steering the design, development, and optimization of cutting‑edge aerospace systems, delivering advanced technical solutions, and mentoring the next generation of engineers. The successful candidate will also influence engineering best practices across multiple programs.

This position is not limited to a single program; it is a high‑impact, cross‑program role that demands deep hands‑on technical expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a strong passion for tackling complex challenges in real‑time environments. If you are the engineer everyone relies on when the stakes are highest, this is your opportunity to take a central role and make a significant impact.

The salary range for this position is &130K-195K/year.

• Serve as the technical authority for space hardware, providing expert support across complex avionics electronics, embedded systems, power systems, and digital design technologies.
• Lead and mentor engineering teams in conducting root cause investigations, failure analysis, and implementing design improvements for company space products.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Test Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to address production challenges and resolve issues with fielded products.
• Act as a trusted technical liaison with key customers, including prime contractors and government agencies, translating complex technical challenges into clear, actionable solutions.
• Review and provide guidance on technical design artifacts, including drawings, models, and analytical reports related to both active and legacy programs.
• Identify potential risk areas within designs and recommend robust, scalable solutions suitable for production.
• Promote engineering knowledge continuity by documenting best practices and delivering training on hardware design, testing, and sustainment processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related technical field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience in avionics systems, digital electronics, power systems, or embedded development, demonstrating progressively increasing technical responsibility.
• Proven deep technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Embedded system architectures
  • Digital system design and FPGA development
  • Avionics electronics and power conversion
• Exceptional diagnostic, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, particularly in fast‑paced or resource‑constrained production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, influence, and provide technical leadership without formal authority.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in engaging customers in technical discussions.

• Experience supporting space‑grade or military‑grade avionics systems.
• Strong systems‑level design mindset with a comprehensive understanding of electrical, mechanical, and software integration.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity and work independently within matrixed, cross‑functional teams.
• Hands‑on experience with software integration and verification processes.
• Proficiency in CAD tools for designing electrical and mechanical interfaces.

• Financial Rewards: great compensation package, annual profit sharing, matching 401k and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Work/Life Balance:
  Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program, relocation assistance
• Health & Welfare:
  Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages
• Professional Skills Development:
  Tuition Assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs
• Collaborative and Welcoming Workplace:
  Inclusive culture rooted in our values, enhanced by Employee Resource Groups, and team‑building activities.
• Additional site‑specific benefits may be offered.

Apply today!

Trillium has been recruiting and placing professionals for over 30 years. From Fortune 100 companies to small businesses, our philosophy remains the same: to achieve excellence by providing quality employees and an uncompromising level of service. We believe in honesty, integrity, and a simple philosophy of providing value to our customers and our employees. We strive to be unsurpassed in the recruitment and placement of quality and skilled professionals.

Trillium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.