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Component Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Level 3 * Twelve (12) or more years of relevant Hardware Design Engineering experience involving integrated circuit design, microelectronic component design, or reverse engineering. Technical ...

The Hardware Design Engineer would be part of an established team of dedicated signal integrity engineers and engineers of other disciplines who are responsible for both component development as well ...

Assembly Design Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Summary The Assembly Design Engineer will be responsible for creating and maintain a system of ... Research relevant component and technical resources in support of project objectives * Constantly ...

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Component Design Engineer information

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$5

$29

$43

How much do component design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for component design engineer in the United States is $29.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Component Design Engineers?

Component Design Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test individual parts or components used in larger mechanical or electronic systems. They work closely with other engineers to ensure that each component meets technical specifications, safety standards, and fits seamlessly within the overall product design. Their responsibilities often include creating detailed blueprints, selecting appropriate materials, and troubleshooting design issues throughout the development process. Component Design Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Component Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Component Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong analytical skills, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards are typically required, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies are essential for designing reliable, high-performance components and ensuring seamless collaboration throughout the product development process.

What are some common challenges faced by Component Design Engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Component Design Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing backgrounds. A common challenge is ensuring that their designs meet all cross-functional requirements, such as manufacturability, cost constraints, and performance standards. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities can shift and technical feedback from other team members may necessitate design changes. Developing strong project management and interpersonal skills helps overcome these challenges and ensures successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Component Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectComponent Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning individual electronic or mechanical componentsDesigning complete mechanical systems or assemblies
Required SkillsCAD, materials selection, component specificationsCAD, thermodynamics, structural analysis
Work EnvironmentElectronics manufacturing, product developmentMechanical engineering firms, manufacturing
CertificationsOften includes PE, EIT, or industry-specific certificationsOften includes PE, CAD certifications

The Component Design Engineer focuses on creating and optimizing individual components, often in electronics or mechanical parts, while the Mechanical Design Engineer works on entire mechanical systems and assemblies. Both roles require strong CAD skills and relevant certifications, but their scope and focus differ significantly.

More about Component Design Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Component Design Engineer jobs? For Component Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Component Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,781 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
Staff Component Engineer

Staff Component Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
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.
At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support you by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Staff Component Engineer based out of Linthicum, MD (BWI).
What You'll Get to Do:
The successful candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Components Management Team within the Design Life-Cycle Engineering Department. The selected candidate will work in a dynamic, customer-focused environment where he/she will interact with suppliers, internal and external customers and other design engineers.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Prepare and review all data necessary for Program Design Team and/or Configuration Control Board (CCB) review including generation/review of applicable screening and qualification test plans.
  • Analyze and select alternates for electronic components on Bills of Material (BOM) to resolve obsolescence, long lead time issues, and drive parts standardization.
  • Assist with DMS/EOL identification and notification.
  • Responsible for all components used on the program and document program specific part requirements.
  • Lead new Component Request, approvals, and Component Drawing development as appropriate to meet requesting program requirements.
  • Support Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) reports, failure analysis and problem resolution for any parts within the Commodity.
  • Gate keeper for commodity components ensuring environmental application, authenticity, and traceability.
  • Chair one of the Commodity Teams responsible for reviewing all components within the Commodity for production design use. Will include Commercial, Industry, Military, and Space grade components.
  • Utilize project management skills to manage multiple priorities; use cross-functional groups to meet part requirements and program deadlines.
  • Ability to lead/support across all programs when necessary.
  • Define and own component strategy and roadmaps for fiber optic, opto-electronic and optical components.
  • Be able to influence system architecture and performance budgets through component trade studies and design recommendations.
  • Participate in major program milestone such as Design Reviews.

This position is contingent upon the ability to obtain an active DoD Secret Clearance or the successful transfer of an active DoD Secret Clearance prior to start.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree with 12 years of experience, master's degree with 10 years of experience, Ph.D. with 8 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance prior to starting.
  • A current/active clearance is not required to be considered for the position, but a final clearance is required to start
  • 6 years minimum experience in fiber optic, opto-electronic and/or optical components and systems
  • 10 years of experience in developing and delivering technical presentations and leading small groups
  • 10 yrs of experience and ability to work with cross-functional teams such as:
    • Design Engineering
    • Manufacturing & Production Engineering
    • Quality Engineering
    • Supply Chain and Procurement

Preferred Qualifications
  • A current/active DoD Secret clearance
  • Have 8 years' experience in an Engineering role working with fiber optic, opto-electronic and optical components and systems.
  • Solid understanding of geometric and physical optics and fiber optic fundamentals
  • Experience establishing acceptance and qualification standards, validation methodologies, and best practices for fiber optic, opto-electronic and optical components.
  • Hands-on experience with advanced optical and fiber optic metrology and test and inspection equipment.
  • Experience defining engineering processes, standards and technical roadmaps.
  • Experience with supplier technical negotiation and evaluation.
  • Previous leadership & teamwork capabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities
  • Experience with Siemen's Team Center or similar PLM systems
  • Regulatory compliance (Specialty Metals, Counterfeit Part Prevention, Conflict Minerals)
  • Familiarity with industry standards (ISO, IEC, Telcordia, IPC, VITA, JEDEC, MIL-STD, NASA, etc.)
  • Strong system-level understanding of optical performance, tolerancing and integration tradeoffs

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.
Primary Level Salary Range: $153,600.00 - $230,400.00
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