Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Work Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite (No Telework)
Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph and currently in access with MPO
15% 401(k) match

We are seeking a skilled Hardware Design Engineer (Level 2 or Level 3) to support a mission-critical customer in Annapolis Junction, MD. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to advanced hardware development efforts focused on integrated circuits, microelectronics, and printed circuit board (PCB) design.

The selected candidate will support near-term production deadlines and play a key role in completing PCB layouts for initial production releases, while also supporting ongoing hardware development initiatives. This is a fully onsite role supporting a highly technical customer environment.

• Design, develop, analyze, and support complex hardware systems and microelectronic components.
• Perform PCB layout activities for production and prototype hardware designs.
• Develop and maintain schematic capture documentation and associated design artifacts.
• Support high-density interconnect (HDI) PCB design and fabrication efforts.
• Conduct hardware analysis, troubleshooting, and design verification activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support system integration and deployment.
• Support reverse engineering efforts involving integrated circuits and microelectronic components.
• Assist with production readiness activities and hardware transition efforts.
• Ensure designs comply with customer requirements, industry standards, and manufacturing constraints.

Level 2

• Seven (7) years of experience as a Hardware Design Engineer involving integrated circuit design, microelectronic component design, or reverse engineering of integrated circuits and microelectronic components.

Level 3

• Twelve (12) or more years of relevant Hardware Design Engineering experience involving integrated circuit design, microelectronic component design, or reverse engineering.

• Experience with PCB layout design.
• Experience with schematic capture tools and processes.
• Experience supporting high-density interconnect (HDI) design and fabrication.
• Understanding of hardware development lifecycles and production processes.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced engineering environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university.

Substitution: Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• Must currently be in access with MPO.
• Candidates with CCAs may be considered pending customer approval.

• Must be available to work onsite in Annapolis Junction, MD.
• No telework is available for this position.
• Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week).
• Must support customer core hours of 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Salary Range: $193,000 - $215,000

The salary range provided is intended as a general guideline and may be adjusted based on a candidate's experience, education, skills, and overall alignment with the position. Final compensation decisions are made after a comprehensive review of each candidate's background and the responsibilities of the role.

• Benefits

  Our client offers a comprehensive, flexible benefits package supporting financial security, health, and work-life balance.

  Retirement

• 15% automatic company 401(k) contribution (3% safe harbor + 12% discretionary profit sharing)

• No vesting – 100% immediately vested

• Pre-tax and Roth options; contributions deposited every payroll

• Paid Time Off & Flexibility

• PTO accrued at 13% of hours worked (≈ 6 weeks / 30 days annually for full-time employees)

• Up to 240 hours carryover

• Flexible option to adjust PTO and/or 401(k) contributions in exchange for salary adjustments

• Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with significant company contribution

• CareFirst medical plans:

  • Platinum POS – $0 deductible

  • High Deductible POS – $1,600 / $3,200 deductible

    • Company contributes 25% of deductible to HSA quarterly

• HSA and FSA options available

• Insurance (Company-Paid)

• $50,000 Life Insurance

• $50,000 AD&D

• Short-Term Disability: 60% pay (up to $1,000/week)

• Long-Term Disability: 60% pay (up to $6,000/month)

• Flexible Schedule

• Hourly pay with flexible/alternate schedules (customer approval required)

• Education & Training

• Up to $5,000 annually for certifications, courses, conferences, books, and related expenses

• Additional Perks

• $100 annually toward company-branded apparel

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.