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Hardware/Software Design Engineer (Mid-Level or Lead)

Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; Albuquerque, New Mexico Job ID JR2026510101 Category Engineering - Electronic and Electrical Role Type Onsite Post Date May 12, 2026 Security Clearance Required
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Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for a Mid-Level or Lead Hardware/Software Design Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We are seeking a highly skilled individual with experience in software design for hardware integration, controls, and digital signal processing. This position will support the hardware, firmware, and software development of electro-optical systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology using cutting-edge equipment at a historically significant site.

This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities.  The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the development, optimization, and maintenance of embedded electro-mechanical pointing and tracking control systems.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team.  Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, quantum systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:   

  • Support hardware and software research development projects.
  • Work in a team environment to develop specifications of firmware and software architectures
  • Research required algorithms and implementation approach
  • Design and validate implementation of all hardware components
  • Develop and maintain software code. Integrate software into a fully functional software system
  • Troubleshoot basic hardware and software issues
  • Assist with test procedures and documenting test results to ensure system requirements are met
  • Interface custom and COTS hardware with a variety of computer platforms
  • Design and implement precision motion control systems for precision pointing and tracking
  • Develop custom GUIs on networked systems to provide control and telemetry
  • Troubleshoot and debug complex electromechanical systems and software issues

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
  • 3+ years of experience integrating and communicating with hardware
  • 1+ years of experience working with Windows and FPGA development tools
  • 1+ years of experience programming in C, C++, Java, LabVIEW, or other high-level programming languages
  • 1+ years of experience with performance analysis with tools such as MATLAB or Mathematica
  • Must be willing to work variable shifts; including day, evening, night, and weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Active U.S Top Secret clearance
  • Experience with developing code for Microcontrollers, Single Board Computers (PC104), and Systems On a Chip (SOC)
  • Experience integrating hardware and software components into a functional system
  • Experience working with programming languages (VHDL, LabVIEW, Scheme/Lisp/Racket, C,  C++, Java, & MATLAB)
  • Experience working with National Instruments PCIe, PXIe, and Data Acquisition Hardware
  • Experience working with lightweight Linux distros
  • Experience with standard communication protocols, including GPIO, QSPI, UART, RS-422, RS-485, and Ethernet
  • Experience with developing code for sensor acquisition and processing
  • Experience with developing code for servo control applications
  • Experience working with mixed signal oscilloscopes, function generators, and other common test and evaluation equipment
  • Experience working with telescopes and electro-optics system
  • Experience with OS driver development

Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range:

  • Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems.
  • You’ll assume ownership for the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application.
  • You’ll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields.
  • We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This position is for Variable shift.

Pay and Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Mid-Level (Level 3) Summary pay range: $96,050 - $129,950

Lead (Level 4) Summary pay range: $119,850 – $162,150


Applications for this position will be accepted until May. 27, 2026


Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for variable shift


Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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Your Benefits

No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.

  • Generous company match to your 401(k).
  • Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
  • Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
  • Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
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These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.

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