{"id":3715630,"url":"https://alion.io/job/aerovironment-principal-hardware-in-the-loop-engineer","title":"Principal Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer","company":{"id":176366,"name":"AeroVironment","domain":"avinc.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/aerovironment","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":33,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.788,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":36,"computed_at":"2026-11-12T10:38:37Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"remote","remote_scope":"stated_countries","remote_scope_basis":"board_field","remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":["US"],"hiring_countries_total":1,"salary":{"min":137500,"max":234000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":234000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":12,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"Verification & Validation","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-03T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-03","last_verified_at":"2026-11-13T14:46:29Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":10,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":10},"description":"Worker Type\nRegularJob Description\nPrincipal Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer\nThe Principal Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) Engineer will be responsible for the architecture, development, integration, and deployment of NGCM HWIL systems supporting Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), avionics, and missile subsystem validation. This role owns the full lifecycle of HWIL system development from requirements definition through integration, test, and customer deployment.\nThis individual will lead a small multidisciplinary team and serve as the technical interface between GNC, systems engineering, propulsion, and program management.\nKey Responsibilities:\nHWIL Architecture & System Design\nDefine HWIL system architecture for NGCM baseline and future variants\nDraft hardware and software requirements for HWIL drawers and subsystems\nDevelop Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Functional Block Diagrams (FBDs), Wiring Diagrams (WDs), and Test Procedures\nEnsure configuration control of all HWIL technical data packages (TDPs)\nIntegration & Test\nDesign, build, test, and deploy complete HWIL systems\nLead integration of avionics, GEU, seeker, CAS, and propulsion interfaces into HWIL environment\nSupport TRR, ATP, and QTP events\nDevelop validation and verification (V&V) strategies for GNC algorithms\nProgram & Technical Leadership\nLead and manage HWIL engineering team (electrical, software, integration)\nDevelop Basis of Estimate (BOE) for new scope and IRAD efforts\nSupport Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) planning and execution\nCoordinate staffing and resource planning for HWIL activities\nCustomer & Capture Support\nInterface with Army, RCCTO, and industry partners\nSupport OTA proposals and technical white papers\nProvide technical inputs for future NGCM derivative capture efforts\nTravel to partner sites for HWIL deployment and integration support\nRequired Qualifications\nBachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering (Master's preferred)\n12+ years’ experience in electrical hardware design and avionics integration\nDirect experience designing, building, and deploying HWIL or system test systems\nExperience leading small engineering teams\nBackground in missile or hypersonic systems preferred\nExperience with:\nAvionics hardware lifecycle management\nConfiguration Management (ECO, DCO, NCR, MRB, ERB processes\nEnvironmental qualification testing (ATP/QTP)\nOTA proposals and technical capture efforts\nStrong working knowledge of:\nControls systems and GNC integration\nElectrical system design & hardware integration\nTechnical data package development\nDesired Qualifications\nExperience developing HWIL systems for missile flight hardware\nFamiliarity with trajectory analysis, radar modeling, or MATLAB-based analysis tools\nPrior hiring manager or section lead experience\nClearance Level\nSecretThe salary range for this role is:\n$137,500 - $234,000AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.\nITAR Requirement:\nThis position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.\nBenefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.\nWe also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.\nPrincipals only need apply. NO agencies please.\nAbout AV:\nAV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.\nWe don’t just build defense technology-we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.\nFounded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.\nIf you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there’s no better place to do it than AV.\nWe are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.\nITAR\nU.S. Citizenship is required. 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