Electrical​/Hardware Engineer

Overview

Bowhead seeks an Electrical/Hardware Engineer to join our team supporting NIWC Atlantic. The engineer will play a critical role in the research, development, and rapid prototyping of the Agnostic Mission Message Orchestrator (AMMO) project. This position is strictly focused on the tangible, physical product, ensuring the successful mechanical design, power distribution, and physical integration of a ruggedized C5

ISR node housed within a standard military ammo can. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment, transforming conceptual designs into a durable, physically assembled hardware platform ready for software and network configuration.

This position is 100% onsite. No hybrid/flex or remote work schedules are permitted for this effort.

• Lead the mechanical layout, physical mounting, and structural integration of all internal components within the highly constrained ammo can enclosure.
• Design, iterate, and implement power distribution architectures, battery management systems, and thermal dissipation solutions to ensure hardware survivability.
• Handle the physical wiring, cabling, and structural mounting of compute boards, radio chassis, and antenna hardware.
• Oversee component procurement, fabrication, assembly, and Bill of Materials (BOM) management for the physical prototypes.
• Conduct physical durability, thermal load, and power‑draw testing to verify ruggedization against tactical environmental standards.
• Receive antenna placement and shielding requirements from the RF team and execute the mechanical implementation of those requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in hardware engineering, focused on rapid prototyping, mechanical assembly, and physical systems integration.
• Proven experience designing power and thermal solutions for ruggedized, enclosed hardware (preferably military systems).
• Familiarity with CAD software for hardware layout, physical enclosure design, and spatial management.
• Ability to work effectively in an agile, rapid‑production environment.
• Proficient in tactical data networks, radio frequency (RF) systems, and satellite communications.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and COMSEC procedures.
• Excellent leadership, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Must currently hold a Secret clearance.

• Requires physical dexterity to assemble hardware, solder, manage tight wiring, and construct enclosures.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs of raw materials, chassis components, and fully assembled ruggedized nodes short distances on even or uneven terrain or warehouse spaces.
• Must be able to lift, move, and position equipment in both indoor and outdoor environments, including on uneven or natural surfaces.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to lean, crouch, twist, bend, and squat as needed to inspect or analyze equipment.
• Must be able to work outdoors in deployed environments and perform duties in adverse weather conditions, including cold, rain, snow, and heat.