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Contract Electronics Design Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

EXPANSIA

E01-T07 Anti-Tamper Engineer

China Lake, CA

$190K - $195K/yr

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

EXPANSIA

E01-T07 Anti-Tamper Engineer

China Lake, CA

$190K - $195K/yr

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

RTL Networks

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

... term contracts. By providing a wide array of professional services and products, we help our ... Research, design, develop, and/or test embedded components for military avionics. Qualifications:

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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 Jul 17, 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 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 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 Contract Electronics Design Engineers?

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 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.

What cities near Ridgecrest, CA are hiring for Contract Electronics Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Ridgecrest, CA with the most Contract Electronics Design Engineer job openings:
Contract Electronics Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Electronics Design Engineer job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,769 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
E01-T07 Anti-Tamper Engineer

E01-T07 Anti-Tamper Engineer

EXPANSIA

China Lake, CA

$190K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Start Date: Immediate 
JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.     
 
The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. 
 
OVERVIEW 
Full-time/Permanent Employee  
Location: Candidates must be located within 50 miles of the following locations: Patuxent River, MD; Dahlgren, VA; Quantico, VA; Washington, DC; San Diego, CA; China Lake, CA; Crane, IN 

We are actively looking for an AT Engineer to provide Anti-Tamper, System Security Engineering, and acquisition support to the government team lead in support of Anti-Tamper efforts within a major acquisition program. 

 
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, design, develop, implement, test or evaluate military weapons systems.
  • Review and prepares engineering and technical analyses, reports, change proposals, and other technical documentation.
  • Apply engineering experience to perform functions such as system integration configuration management, quality assurance testing, or acquisition and resource management.
  • Perform technical analysis of anti-tamper capabilities.
  • Collect, complete, organize and interpret technical data relating to weapons system acquisition projects.
  • Engage with programs to assess performance-to-plan and technical risks.
  • Track program/project status and schedules.
  • Perform analysis of project status and generate high quality technical reports and presentations.
  • Communicate with Government team counterparts.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Clearance: Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance 

Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor's degree in an engineering/science field from an accredited university and 6 years of experience in a relevant Engineering/Science field. 

  • 5+ years of experience in Anti-Tamper engineering and implementation.
  • Knowledge of and experience with detailed development of Anti-Tamper capabilities.
  • Must have reverse engineering experience/knowledge.
  • Travel requirements: 50%
PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts associated with all program phases of product development.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic multiple security environment.
  • Experience with NAVAIR Acquisition Programs.
  • Experience with Microsoft office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
  • Experience with DoD Risk and Opportunity management process.
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. 
Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.Â