Job Title:

Electrical Engineer / Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) Lead

Type of Position:

This position will begin as a 12-month contract, with strong potential for long-term employment. While the contract is initially set for 12 months, there is no fixed end date, and extensions beyond the initial term are possible. Although direct hire is not guaranteed, it is a common outcome for high-performing team members, and most contractors in this role do transition to permanent positions over time.

Candidate Requirements:

This role is ONLY open to US Citizens. Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) and any other work authorizations are NOT permitted here as this role requires eligibility to obtain a secret clearance (a secret clearance is only open to US Citizens). To be clear, a clearance isn’t required to start (but all candidates must be eligible to obtain one eventually). Due to the nature of this role (working for a defense contractor tied to the federal government) – candidates may need to pass a drug screen (which would include cannabis). There would be no exceptions to this (eg: a medical card).

Job Location:

Madison Heights, MI (on site role)

Compensation:

We are generally targeting $50.00/hr to $60.00/hr in this role (but there may be some flexibility for well-qualified candidates). Overtime will be paid at 1.5x over 40 hours.

Benefits:

• Available (health insurance, dental, vision, 401k, etc) – benefit eligibility begins the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.
• This role will have 7 paid holidays and 10 days PTO (PTO accrues over time). In going direct hire, there will be significantly more PTO.

Job Description:

HRU Technical Resources has partnered with a woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned defense contractor specializing in R&D, reverse engineering, system integration, and manufacturing for military applications. Mettle Ops is an innovative, collaborative, and outside the box thinking company – and we’d love you to join our team! We’re seeking to hire an Electrical Engineer / SIL Lead to serve as the technical leader for the Systems Integration Laboratory, responsible for electrical system design, integration, and testing of ground combat system components. This role combines hands-on electrical engineering design with systems integration leadership, managing the technical execution of component build and bench testing activities while ensuring electrical systems meet performance requirements and interface specifications. This role will be connected to our Project Proteus initiative – an Army-funded R&D effort focused on next-generation turret design for combat vehicles.

Primary Responsibilities:

Systems Integration Laboratory Leadership:

• Lead technical execution of SIL build and bench testing activities for ground combat systems
• Manage integration testing of turret controls, lethality systems, fire control, power management, and survivability systems
• Coordinate electrical system integration across multiple concurrent subsystems and components
• Establish and maintain test procedures, documentation, and quality standards for SIL operations
• Interface with program management on technical status, cost, and schedule performance
• Lead technical reviews and contribute to internal/external design reviews
• Manage SIL resources, schedules, and deliverables to meet program milestones

Systems Integration & Testing:

• Lead integration activities for electrical systems within mechanical and software environments
• Develop test procedures for component and system-level verification
• Manage bench testing activities and validate system performance against requirements
• Coordinate electrical system interfaces with mechanical, software, and control system teams
• Troubleshoot complex electrical system integration issues

Electrical System Design & Engineering:

• Complete detailed design tasks for electrical components and systems/subsystems including:
• Battery systems and power storage solutions
• Power generation and distribution systems
• Wiring layouts and harness design
• Power and data control systems
• Vehicle electrical schematics and system architecture
• Create comprehensive component specifications for electrical systems
• Prepare and approve engineering drawings using industry-standard CAD tools
• Perform complex electrical calculations and create engineering models supporting product development
• Develop hardware designs with interface coordination to software development teams

Component Specification & Vendor Management:

• Develop detailed technical specifications for electrical components including:
• Connectors, crimping tools, and cable management systems
• Hall Effect sensors for position feedback systems
• Resolvers for gearbox output monitoring
• Motor brake systems with electrical disengagement capability
• Camera systems for internal turret monitoring
• CAN-to-Ethernet converters and communication interfaces
• Fiber optic transceivers and communication systems
• Interface with vendors, suppliers, and technical colleagues on component selection and procurement
• Manage vendor technical requirements and coordinate component integration

Technical Documentation & Interface Control:

• Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for complex systems
• Create and update technical drawings using Visio and Altium Designer
• Transition technical documentation between different design platforms
• Maintain configuration control of electrical system documentation
• Ensure compliance with military and electrical specifications and standards

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
• 8-12 years of electrical engineering experience in defense/aerospace industry
• 3-5 years of experience in systems integration laboratory or similar technical leadership role
• Experience with ground combat systems, military vehicles, or similar defense applications
• Demonstrated experience managing technical teams and laboratory operations

Defense Industry Experience:

• Experience with defense acquisition programs and military electrical standards (MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, etc.)
• Knowledge of ground combat vehicle electrical systems and integration requirements
• Familiarity with ITAR compliance and export control requirements
• Experience with defense contractor engineering processes and government oversight
• Understanding of military environmental requirements and testing standards
• Demonstrated experience managing technical teams and laboratory operations

Technical Requirements:

• Proficiency in electrical system design tools including:
• Altium Designer for PCB and schematic design
• Microsoft Visio for system documentation
• MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and analysis
• AutoCAD or similar CAD tools for mechanical interfaces
• Strong understanding of power systems, control systems, and data communication protocols
• Experience with CAN bus, Ethernet, fiber optic communications, and military communication standards
• Knowledge of sensor systems (Hall Effect, resolvers, encoders) and motor control systems
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC requirements and mitigation techniques
• Experience with electrical testing equipment and laboratory instrumentation

Component & Systems Experience:

• Experience specifying and integrating electrical components for military applications
• Knowledge of connector systems, cable assemblies, and environmental protection requirements
• Understanding of power distribution, circuit protection, and electrical safety systems
• Experience with motor control systems, braking systems, and actuator control
• Familiarity with camera systems, imaging equipment, and surveillance system integration
• Knowledge of network communication equipment and protocol converters

Leadership & Management Skills:

• Experience managing technical teams in laboratory or engineering development environments
• Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple concurrent activities
• Excellent communication skills for interfacing with vendors, customers, and management
• Ability to work independently and as part of small, focused technical teams
• Experience with cost and schedule management for technical development programs
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for complex system integration challenges

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Systems Engineering
• Experience with turret systems, weapon system integration, or fire control systems
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience with DO-160, MIL-STD-810, and other military environmental standards
• Background in prototype development and production transition activities
• Experience with cybersecurity compliance requirements for defense systems
• Active Secret security clearance

Work Environment / Other Info:

• 1st (day) shift role (Monday to Friday).
• There will be occasional overtime in this role. Any OT will be paid at 1.5x.
• Due to the complexity of the work and processes, this position requires onsite presence in Madison Heights, MI. No remote work.
• Offer may be contingent upon a drug screen (which would include cannabis) and a background check.
• EOE (including Disability/Veterans)

How to Apply for This Job:

To apply for this position, please follow these steps: Apply for this job with your current resume. We’ll get back to you the same day with some feedback on your application. Next you’ll be invited to an online screening conversation so we can go over the job requirements together and you can ask questions. After this stage we’ll give you more feedback on your application and select the candidates to move forward in the process. Typically steps 1 to 4 takes less than 24 hours.

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