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Avionics Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This person will own full-cycle recruiting for complex hardware engineering functions with a particular emphasis on Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Avionics, and other highly specialized ...

In this role, you will contribute to the development of spacecraft avionics, communications, power ... This position is ideal for an early-career engineer who is eager to work hands-on with cutting-edge ...

Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, and software teams to ensure Design for Test (DFT) principles are incorporated into system architecture.Define and implement manufacturing requirements ...

Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, and software teams to ensure Design for Test (DFT) principles are incorporated into system architecture. * Define and implement manufacturing ...

Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, and software teams to ensure Design for Test (DFT) principles are incorporated into system architecture. * Define and implement manufacturing ...

Radiation Effects Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$99K - $138K/yr

Analyze impacts of space radiation on avionics and materials (SEE rates, testing requirements, and failure analysis) * Incorporate radiation effects test data and analysis results into avionics ...

New

Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, and software teams to ensure Design for Test (DFT) principles are incorporated into system architecture.Define and implement manufacturing requirements ...

Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, and software teams to ensure Design for Test (DFT) principles are incorporated into system architecture. * Define and implement manufacturing ...

Showing results 21-40

Avionics Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$55.5K

$126.1K

$192K

How much do avionics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for avionics engineer in Washington is $126,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $154,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Avionics Engineer vs Aerospace Technician?

AspectAvionics EngineerAerospace Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like FCC or FAAAssociate degree or technical certification in aerospace technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test avionics systems in labs or officesMaintain, repair, and troubleshoot aircraft systems on the ground or in hangars
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing, airlines, defenseAircraft maintenance, repair organizations, aerospace facilities

Avionics Engineers focus on designing and developing avionics systems, requiring higher-level engineering credentials, while Aerospace Technicians handle maintenance and repairs, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What is an avionics engineer?

An avionics engineer designs, programs, and implements electrical systems for aircraft and aerospace vehicles, such as satellites. These technical professionals specialize in providing computer system support for various onboard communication and navigation systems. As an avionics engineer, your job duties include developing navigation system specifications, designing electronic communication equipment, and troubleshooting systems after installation. You must also validate that the newly installed systems and any repaired equipment meet all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and manufacturer specifications.

What do avionics engineers do?

Avionics engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electronic systems used in aircraft, such as navigation, communication, and flight control systems. They work with hardware and software, often using tools like circuit schematics and simulation software, and must ensure systems meet safety and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an avionics engineer?

To thrive as an Avionics Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, avionics systems, and strong analytical skills, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry standards, simulation software (like MATLAB/Simulink), and certifications such as FAA or EASA regulations is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this position. These skills ensure the design, integration, and maintenance of reliable avionics systems critical for aircraft safety and compliance.

What are some common challenges avionics engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing aircraft systems?

Avionics Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems and meeting strict regulatory requirements. They must also coordinate closely with cross-functional teams, like software developers and systems engineers, to address issues like electromagnetic interference and data security. Staying up to date with rapid technological advancements while adhering to rigorous testing protocols is essential. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and collaborative communication to ensure successful and safe integration.
Infographic showing various Avionics Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,062 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Electrical Engineer Level 4 - Digital/Mixed Signal - Dulles

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Electrical Circuit Design Engineer - Level 4 to join our team in Dulles, VA. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
The Avionics Digital Hardware Development Group, responsible for the development of spacecraft avionics hardware, is seeking an experienced Electrical Circuit Design Engineer to perform detailed circuit design of hardware including flight part selection, schematic capture, and working with CAD personnel for part placement PCB layout planning and routing. Responsibilities also include performing detailed circuit design analyses and documentation of the design in accordance with program requirements and institutional processes.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
In this job, you will:
Design
  • Design electronic circuits with digital, mixed signal and some analog functionality for spacecraft applications
  • Select components with suitable radiation qualities
  • Interact with other team members and software group to determine interfaces and operating characteristics
  • Lead the effort to incorporate a wide range of technologies and design architectures into a variety of Northrop Grumman satellite systems
  • With general direction, plan, prepare and complete all design and development activities and provide technical oversight to junior engineers
  • Participate in or lead design reviews
  • Perform deep dive reviews for peers
  • Work with fabrication team on board layout and build. Define layout constraints and provide oversight to board layout personnel
  • Support board through manufacturing of breadboards, engineering models, and flight units
  • Select parts, identify alternate parts, and help resolve issues at the part level
  • Designs avionics systems in assigned area by utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles

Circuit Analysis
  • Based on specific stated objectives perform design analysis of complex avionics such as Worst-Case (WCA) (Spice simulation, mathematical and statistical analysis), Part Stress (PSA), Failure modes and Effects (FMEA), Signal Integrity (SI) and Timing analysis
  • Perform all detailed analysis and follow up to assure compliance with all technical, program and contractual requirements
  • Analyzes avionics systems in assigned area by utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles

Documentation
  • Generate documentation and review packages for flight boards
  • Develop performance specification
  • Without detailed direction, decompose system level requirements and related performance criteria to the avionics box, card and FPGA level

Test and Support
  • Support the development of a detailed test plan to evaluate avionics in accordance with stated requirements
  • Test and debug boards. Bench level verification of board functionality. Work either individually or as part of a team to develop test procedures and hardware to verify breadboards, engineering models, and flight units
  • Support delivery of board to box-level assembly, including testing and debug

Programmatic
  • Provide inputs for technical, cost and schedule performance
  • Participate in pre-proposal cost and technical assessments
  • Effectively operate within a multi-discipline engineering team
  • Able to communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches and findings

Mentoring
  • Mentor junior engineers to help them understand design practices & processes
  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Extensive technical expertise, including full knowledge of other related disciplines
  • Experience developing technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Able to perform work without appreciable direction. Comfortable exercising considerable latitude in determining technical objectives of assignment
  • Able to create and review designs taking into consideration long- term company objectives
  • Experience guiding the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role
  • Held roles where erroneous decisions or recommendations could result in failure to achieve major organizational objectives
  • Held roles representing a project as the prime technical including main contracts and subcontracts
  • Experience interacting with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations
  • Experience with Requirements Verification using DOORS
  • Schematic Entry
  • Circuit analysis (Worst Case (WCA), Part Stress (PSA), Failure modes and Effects (FMEA), Signal Integrity (SI), Timing, Radiation)
  • Lab experience that includes testing and working with test equipment
  • Solid background and understanding of digital design
  • Experience integrating Processors and FPGAs into designs
  • Understanding of mixed signal circuit design - Familiarity with spaceflight electronics development
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • A passion for space and space technology

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939