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Contract Electronics Design Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Saalex

Junior Electrical Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$88K - $115K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Junior Electrical Engineer in Ridgecrest/China Lake, CA to support the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of electrical and electronic systems. The ...

Saalex

Junior Electrical Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA

$88K - $115K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Junior Electrical Engineer in Ridgecrest/China Lake, CA to support the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of electrical and electronic systems. The ...

Saalex

Junior Electrical Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$88 - $115/hr

Saalex is seeking a Junior Electrical Engineer in Ridgecrest/China Lake, CA to support the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of electrical and electronic systems. The ...

Saalex

Junior Electrical Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$88K - $115K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Junior Electrical Engineer in Ridgecrest/China Lake, CA to support the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of electrical and electronic systems. The ...

JT4, LLC

Video Engineer - China Lake CA

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$96K - $111K/yr

Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as ... Ability to investigate, troubleshoot, and design solutions to problems in operational hardware and ...

DCS CORPORATION

AEW flight Test Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Salary Range: $84,137 - $90,000 Airborne Electronic Warfare (AEW) Flight Test Engineer supporting ... Design Test Programs to assess the performance of various systems and system concepts. Produce ...

DCS Corp

AEW flight Test Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Salary Range: $84,137 - $90,000 Airborne Electronic Warfare (AEW) Flight Test Engineer supporting ... Design Test Programs to assess the performance of various systems and system concepts. Produce ...

DCS Corporation

AEW flight Test Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Salary Range: $84,137 - $90,000 Airborne Electronic Warfare (AEW) Flight Test Engineer supporting ... Design Test Programs to assess the performance of various systems and system concepts. Produce ...

EXPANSIA

E01-T07 Anti-Tamper Engineer

China Lake, CA · On-site

Apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, design, develop, implement, test or ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

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All JobsContract Electronics Design Engineer JobsContract Electronics Design Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Contract Electronics Design Engineer information

See Ridgecrest, CA salary details

$33.8K

$103.8K

$146K

How much do contract electronics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract electronics design engineer in Ridgecrest, CA is $103,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $120,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract electronics design engineer?

Contract Electronics Design Engineers are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and test electronic systems or components for a variety of industries. They typically work with clients to create custom electronic solutions, such as circuit boards, embedded systems, or control systems, and may be involved in all stages from concept through to prototype and production. Their roles often require expertise in electronic hardware, software integration, and compliance with industry standards. These engineers provide flexibility for companies needing specialized skills without committing to permanent hires.

What are some common challenges faced by contract electronics design engineers when working with new clients or projects?

Contract Electronics Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new team dynamics, understanding unique client requirements, and integrating into existing development processes. Since project scopes and expectations can vary widely, effective communication and thorough documentation are essential to clarify deliverables and timelines. Additionally, engineers must be proactive in staying current with industry standards and technologies to ensure seamless collaboration and meet project specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract electronics design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Electronics Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electronic circuit design, PCB layout, and proficiency with industry standards, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD tools such as Altium Designer or Eagle, and an understanding of regulatory compliance like IPC standards, are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you efficiently deliver client-focused solutions and work in diverse teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for meeting project deadlines, ensuring product reliability, and maintaining high client satisfaction in a competitive, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Contract Electronics Design Engineer vs Electronics Design Engineer?

AspectContract Electronics Design EngineerElectronics Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electronics or electrical engineering; certifications varySame as contract role, often with additional professional certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often freelance or temporary contractsFull-time employment in companies or organizations
Industry UsageCommon in consulting, freelance projects, or short-term assignmentsStandard role within electronics and tech companies

The main difference is that Contract Electronics Design Engineers work on temporary, project-specific assignments, often freelance, while Electronics Design Engineers are typically employed full-time by companies. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but their work arrangements and employment status differ.

Contract Electronics Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Electronics Design Engineer job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,769 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Junior Electrical Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA • On-site

Saalex
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Saalexexternal

$88K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Saalex is seeking a Junior Electrical Engineer in Ridgecrest/China Lake, CA to support the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of electrical and electronic systems. The selected candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team supporting government and commercial projects involving system design, analysis, testing, and technical documentation
.Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $88k-$115k annually (depending upon experience)
Work Location: Onsite.
Essential Functions:
  • Assist with the design, development, and integration of electrical and electronic systems and components.
  • Support system testing, troubleshooting, and validation activities.
  • Prepare engineering drawings, schematics, technical reports, and other project documentation.
  • Perform electrical analysis, calculations, and evaluations under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Support hardware installation, integration, and configuration efforts.
  • Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, and customer briefings.
  • Assist in the development of engineering specifications and test procedures.
  • Conduct research and evaluate emerging technologies to support project requirements.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams.
  • Support compliance with applicable industry, military, and regulatory standards.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements
Required:
  • 3-5 years of professional engineering experience.
  • Experience supporting electrical design, testing, integration, or troubleshooting activities.
  • Familiarity with engineering principles, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.
  • Ability to interpret technical requirements and engineering specifications.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Desired:
  • Familiarity with electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, OrCAD, Altium, or similar tools.
  • Experience with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and signal analyzers.
  • Knowledge of system integration and verification processes.
  • Familiarity with military standards and engineering documentation practices.

Education:
HS diploma or GED required, Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline desired.
Security Clearance:
Active Secret clearance required. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.
Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Wellness Resources
  • Stock Option Plan

Apply