Principal Electrical Engineer

Since its inception in 2004, Geost has been committed to solving mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. As we grow our operations in Tucson, AZ and Chantilly, VA, we remain dedicated to the collaborative and innovative culture that is the foundation of our business. Geost is an operating unit of LightRidge Solutions.

Position Summary

Geost is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Electrical Engineer (internal level "5") to lead and advance complex electrical hardware efforts across the product lifecycle-from architecture through production. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority in circuit architecture, schematic design, and system implementation. The role involves developing high-performance electronics for space-grade, rugged, and mission-critical applications, including spacecraft, mobile platforms, and ground systems. This engineer will mentor others, make independent technical decisions, and ensure the highest standards of performance, compliance, and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in electrical specifications, design best practices, and implementation methods.
• Make independent technical decisions and lead problem-solving initiatives across cross-functional teams.
• Architect and execute electrical system designs, including circuit card assemblies, FPGA logic (VHDL/Verilog), and system integration.
• Evaluate and interpret customer needs and convert them into actionable requirements and design architectures.
• Support design execution from concept through system integration and test.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff and lead by example in technical execution.
• Lead and support technical reviews, peer design inspections, and milestone gate reviews.
• Communicate effectively across engineering, program management, and customer communities.
• Participate in and lead failure analysis, root cause investigations, and resolution plans.
• Collaborate with vendors, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure successful fabrication and production.
• Strong communication, leadership, and documentation skills.
• Actively mentor and coach junior and mid-level engineers in design, troubleshooting, and career development.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and design excellence.
• Operates with a high level of autonomy; receives minimal supervision except for setting high-level objectives and program goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and a minimum of 9 yrs of experience
• Active or eligible for U.S. Government Security Clearance (SSBI preferred).
• Demonstrated experience designing and testing electronics for imaging systems, sensors, optics, and embedded processors.
• Strong track record with high-speed digital, low-noise analog, power electronics, and RF experience is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of military, NASA, or space electronics standards is a plus.
• Expert-level technical knowledge in analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Proven ability to evaluate and interpret complex customer requirements.
• Skilled in the use of modern electrical design tools (e.g., Altium, PADS) and simulation environments.
• Deep understanding of DFM, DFT, EMI/EMC considerations, and ruggedization for high-reliability environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in roles involving leadership or mentorship of engineering teams, including presenting to upper-level leadership and/or customers.
• Desired experience as a supervisor or in roles with personnel management responsibilities.
• Experience leading design teams or acting as a technical lead across multiple programs.
• Exposure to ISO/AS design environments and space-qualification processes.
• Hands-on experience with FPGA development, signal integrity analysis, and environmental test campaigns.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

• Health benefits
  1. Medical
  2. Dental
  3. Vision
  4. Basic life with AD&D
  5. Short term disability
  6. Long term disability
  7. Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  8. Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• 401(k) (including automatic company contribution)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leaves (Parental, pregnancy, and military)
• Potential annual bonus

Geost is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Geost is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@geost.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)