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Darpa Engineering Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Electronics Engineer

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Minimum Qualifications - BS/MS/PhD degree in Electrical Engineering. - 15-20 years in hardware ... DARPA awards, has developed several disruptive sensor technologies for a broad range of high-value ...

Embedded Electronics Engineer

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Minimum Qualifications - BS/MS/PhD degree in Electrical Engineering. - 15-20 years in hardware ... DARPA awards, has developed several disruptive sensor technologies for a broad range of high-value ...

Darpa Engineering information

See Florida salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do darpa engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for darpa engineering in Florida is $23.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is DARPA engineering?

DARPA engineering refers to the work performed by engineers at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense. These engineers work on groundbreaking projects in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and advanced materials, often with the goal of enhancing national security and technological innovation. DARPA engineers collaborate with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions, frequently leading to technological advancements that benefit both military and civilian sectors.

What types of engineering projects and challenges can I expect to work on as a DARPA engineer?

As a DARPA engineer, you'll typically work on cutting-edge, high-impact projects that push the boundaries of current technology in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials. The work environment is highly collaborative, with interdisciplinary teams tackling complex problems that often require innovative thinking and rapid prototyping. You may face challenges like adapting to evolving project scopes, protecting sensitive information, and meeting ambitious deadlines. This role offers unique opportunities for professional growth by allowing you to contribute to groundbreaking research and interact with leading experts from academia, industry, and government.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DARPA engineer?

To thrive as a DARPA Engineer, you need advanced expertise in engineering or computer science, typically supported by a relevant graduate degree and a track record of innovative research. Familiarity with emerging technologies, secure communication systems, and government project management tools, as well as security clearance, are often required. Strong analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving groundbreaking technological advancements in high-stakes, mission-critical environments.

What is the difference between Darpa Engineering vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDarpa EngineeringSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, security clearance, specialized trainingEngineering or related degree, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government agencies, defense projectsCorporate, government, or defense sectors, project-based
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government agencies like Darpa, defense contractorsTechnology firms, defense, aerospace, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Darpa Engineering focuses on advanced research and development for defense projects, often requiring security clearances and specialized skills. Systems Engineers design, analyze, and manage complex systems across various industries, including defense. While both roles involve engineering expertise, Darpa Engineers are more research-oriented within government projects, whereas Systems Engineers have broader applications in system design and integration across sectors.

Does DARPA hire mechanical engineers?

DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, hires mechanical engineers for research and development projects involving robotics, materials, and systems engineering. Candidates typically need a strong background in engineering principles, relevant technical skills, and security clearances. Mechanical engineers at DARPA work on innovative technologies often requiring advanced degrees and specialized expertise.
Infographic showing various Darpa Engineering job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,040 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Embedded Electronics Engineer

Detect-ION

Tampa, FL โ€ข On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Embedded Electronics Engineer

Tampa, FL

Company Overview

Detect-ION is a deep-tech startup founded in 2021 and develops next generation sensors for enhanced CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) awareness for a broad range of applications including, but not limited to, environmental monitoring, biomedical/health sciences, warfighter protection, situational awareness, and national defense/security. The Detect-ION team has a collective 75+ years of contract research and development experience, and through several recent prestigious DTRA, IARPA, DARPA awards, has developed several disruptive sensor technologies for a broad range of high-value chemical/biological sensing applications.

Detect-ION develops sensors and systems in a dedicated 4000 sqft laboratory space located in Tampa, FL. We thrive in solving hard, high-value detection problems that require a multidisciplinary effort at the intersection of organic chemistry, biochemistry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, vacuum technology, data analytics, system engineering and AI/ML algorithms to produce the most pioneering sensing capability driven by mission-specific requirements from the US government and the industry.

As a recent startup, Detect-ION is built on an agile and enthusiastic sponsored research and development model to continue to serve our US government stakeholders and clients, while we explore commercial markets for our maturing technologies. We thrive on efficient project execution through astute scientific problem-solving experience and diligent program management and risk mitigation ensuring the highest ROI to our clients.

Position Overview

Detect-Ion is seeking a seasoned Embedded Electronics Engineer (EEE) to join our scientific and system engineering team to support the development of next generation chemical-biological detection technologies. The position will be part of a highly coordinated technical team of research scientists, engineers and program managers working on innovative R&D projects for the US government and commercial stakeholders. The projects range from conceptual benchtop testbeds to prove the viability of a scientific concept to optimizing a fully integrated sensor prototype; to characterizing the repeatability and durability of the prototype system over prolonged periods of operation; to deploy our sensors/systems in operational environments for testing and validation.

The EEE will interface with the scientists, system engineers (SEs), mechanical engineers (MEs) and program managers (PMs), and occasionally with subject matter expert contractors, to understand the envisioned system requirements and develop the control electronics requirements, electronic designs/circuit schematics, board layout and outsource the board fabrication and build up. Upon receiving these boards, the EEE will independently test and validate the board functionalities, troubleshoot issues, optimize circuit/layout designs, and support SEs and MEs in system-level integration, testing and optimization. This will require the EEE to be fully independent and accountable across embedded circuit design, layout, testing and firmware development to get to a working brassboard or prototype. Equally important, the candidate will provide compelling technical inputs to support program reviews, proposals, and business development activities for US Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers, as well as commercial clients, to expand our portfolio into innovative technologies and application base. The candidate will have the room to display their initiatives and passion with the potential to lead current and incoming projects/tasks. The right candidate will also have the opportunity to lead the system engineering team with the growth of the company and as we transition into the commercial markets. The candidate will report directly to the Founder/CEO of the company.

Minimum Qualifications

– BS/MS/PhD degree in Electrical Engineering.

– 15-20 years in hardware design, testing and optimization.

– Extremely proficient in Electronic Circuit Design: Analog, Digital, Embedded Control System Design utilizing Microcontrollers / DSP (8, 16, 32 bit), FPGA and CPLD, Motor Control, Communication Standards (RS485 / RS-422, RS-232, CAN, USB 2.0, LIN, SPI, I2C, JTAG), Power Supply Design (Linear and DC/DC Switching Regulator)

– Proficient in Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics Schematic Capture, OrCAD Schematic Capture and PSpice, Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, Project, Visio, Mathcad.

– Programming ability: C, VHDL, Intel 8051, Motorola 6800 and Microchip Assembly, Pascal, Basic.

– Proficient with benchtop electronics lab instruments (such as oscilloscopes, LCR meters, and logic analyzers) to conduct early testing and validation.

Desirables Experience

– Design, development, testing and certification (such as IEC 60601-1) of biomedical devices.

– Familiarity with FDA regulatory strategies.

– Design for manufacturing.

– Environmental testing to meet ruggedization standards (such as MIL-STD-810H).

– Knowledge of analytical instrumentation design such as air samplers, gas chromatograph, mass spectrometers, electron multipliers, switching high-voltage waveforms, vacuum component and integration, high-speed DC motor drivers, and RF electronics.

– Critical and independent thinker with a keen sense of accountability about their design and performance.

– Ability to work in an agile team environment.

– Strong project management skills within budget and schedule.

– Capability to work under pressure and with a sense of urgency.

– Excellent verbal and written communication skills

– Ability and passion to lead a system engineering team.

Employment Status

Full Time

Other Requirements

U.S. Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen

EOE/AA

Detect-Ion 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.

Background Check

Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be subject to a background check.

Company Description

Detect-ION is a deep-tech startup founded in 2021 and develops next generation sensors for enhanced CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) awareness for a broad range of applications including, but not limited to, environmental monitoring, biomedical/health sciences, warfighter protection, situational awareness, and national defense/security. The Detect-ION team has a collective 75+ years of contract research and development experience, and through several recent prestigious DTRA, IARPA, DARPA awards, has developed several disruptive sensor technologies for a broad range of high-value chemical/biological sensing applications.
Detect-ION develops sensors and systems in a dedicated 4000 sqft laboratory space located in Tampa, FL. We thrive in solving hard, high-value detection problems that require a multidisciplinary effort at the intersection of organic chemistry, biochemistry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, vacuum technology, data analytics, system engineering and AI/ML algorithms to produce the most pioneering sensing capability driven by mission-specific requirements from the US government and the industry.
As a recent startup, Detect-ION is built on an agile and enthusiastic sponsored research and development model to continue to serve our US government stakeholders and clients, while we explore commercial markets for our maturing technologies. We thrive on efficient project execution through astute scientific problem-solving experience and diligent program management and risk mitigation ensuring the highest ROI to our clients.