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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sigma Design

Electrical Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$60 - $89/hr

Electrical Engineer (6 month Contract) Sigma Design has collaborated with a leading defense technology company seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join their facility in Costa Mesa, CA.

New

Sigma Design

Electrical Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$83 - $123/hr

Electrical Engineer (6 month Contract) Sigma Design has collaborated with a leading defense technology company seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join their facility in Costa Mesa, CA.

New

ThinKom Solutions, Inc

Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our ... POSITION SUMMARY As an Electrical Engineer, you will design, develop, integrate and test complex ...

ThinKom Solutions, Inc

Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our ... POSITION SUMMARY As an Electrical Engineer, you will design, develop, integrate and test complex ...

Scout AI

Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI ... The Role We're looking for an Electrical Engineer who is excited about working on a variety of ...

ThinKom Solutions

Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our ... POSITION SUMMARY As an Electrical Engineer, you will design, develop, integrate and test complex ...

Singularity Defense Corp.

Electrical Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team ... As an electrical engineer you will own the design, manufacturing, and integration of the embedded ...

Salient Motion

Electrical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... Defense. If you're excited about disrupting legacy industries, and passionate about building next ... Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering degree * 3+ years of ...

Salient Motion

Electrical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... Defense. If you're excited about disrupting legacy industries, and passionate about building next ... Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering degree * 3+ years of ...

RUMZTECH GLOBAL LLC

electrical engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Electrical Engineer Location: United States Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary We are seeking ... Experience in aerospace, defense, industrial, or manufacturing environments. * Understanding ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Electrical Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

Electrical Engineer The Opportunity: As an Electrical Engineer on our team, you'llwork on ... Take on exciting challenges in defense and warfighting with us as we support advanced technologies ...

GITAI

Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Who We Are GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation ... Your Mission As an Electrical Engineer at GITAI, you will own board-level electrical hardware ...

Pyramid Consulting, Inc.

Electrical Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

We are looking for a self-starter with deep technical experience in defense or aerospace hardware ... Electrical engineering, PCB, Propulsion, Electronics * Education & Experience: Bachelor s Degree in ...

General Atomics

Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

... defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. We are hiring an Electrical Engineer to ... join our team in Rancho Bernardo. This position is responsible for supporting the Electrical ...

GITAI

Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Who We Are GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation ... Your Mission As an Electrical Engineer at GITAI, you will own board-level electrical hardware ...

Trident LLC

Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Electrical Engineer FLSA : Exempt RESPONSIBILITIES Provide Electrical Engineering support to ... Desire marine industry (commercial or defense) experience * Ability to make interference control ...

Legence

Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Spanning a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, government, defense, and technology ... Position Summary We are seeking an Electrical Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in ...

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All JobsDefense Electrical Engineer JobsDefense Electrical Engineer Jobs in California

Defense Electrical Engineer information

What is a defense electrical engineer?

Defense Electrical Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacturing of electrical equipment used in military and defense applications. Their work often involves creating advanced electronic systems for communication, surveillance, navigation, and weapons systems that must meet rigorous safety and reliability standards. These engineers collaborate with other defense professionals and must stay up-to-date with evolving technologies and security requirements. Their expertise is critical to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of defense systems in challenging environments.

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

To thrive as a Defense Electrical Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and systems analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, and industry-specific standards, as well as security clearance and certifications like PE (Professional Engineer), are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, secure, and innovative defense solutions that meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by defense electrical engineers when working on military projects?

Defense Electrical Engineers often navigate complex challenges such as adhering to strict security protocols, meeting rigorous performance and reliability standards, and integrating cutting-edge technologies within legacy defense systems. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers—is essential for ensuring that designs meet project specifications and regulatory compliance. Additionally, they may face tight deadlines and the need to rapidly adapt to evolving defense requirements, making strong problem-solving and communication skills crucial.

What is the difference between Defense Electrical Engineer vs Defense Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense Electrical EngineerDefense Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, security clearance often requiredBachelor's or higher in Systems Engineering, security clearance often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning electrical components, circuits, and systems for defense applicationsIntegrating and managing complex defense systems, including electrical and software components
Industry UsagePrimarily in electrical hardware development for defense projectsInvolved in system-level integration across multiple engineering disciplines

Defense Electrical Engineers focus on designing and developing electrical hardware and systems for defense applications, while Defense Systems Engineers oversee the integration of various subsystems, including electrical, software, and mechanical components. Both roles require security clearances and collaborate closely in defense projects, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Can defense electrical engineers work in the defense industry?

Yes, defense electrical engineers typically work in the defense industry, designing and developing electronic systems for military applications. They often work on projects involving radar, communication systems, and weapon control, requiring knowledge of military standards and security clearances.

How much do defense electrical engineers make?

Defense electrical engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Salaries can vary based on location, industry sector, and specialized skills such as circuit design or systems integration.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in California?

For Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Defense Electrical Engineer job openings:

Defense Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Engineer

Sigma Design

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$60 - $89/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Electrical Engineer
(6 month Contract)
Sigma Design has collaborated with a leading defense technology company seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join their facility in Costa Mesa, CA. This company specializes in autonomous systems and next-generation defense technologies. This position is a 6-month contract with possibility of extension or hire and fully In-Office.
While on contract you are eligible for:
  • Multiple options for medical insurance and dental insurance including some with FSA and HSA
  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match
  • 15-days of accrued PTO and 9 company paid holidays
  • Quarterly bonus program
  • Voluntary benefits: vision, long-term disability, and life insurance
  • Monday - Friday, day shift
  • $60.00 - $89.00 an hour. The hourly range for this role is an estimate based on multiple factors, including experience, education, training, skills, and business considerations. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and alignment with the role

Primary Function:
The Electrical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, troubleshooting, and integration of complex electrical and electronic hardware. This role owns electrical hardware development throughout the product lifecycle, including schematic capture, PCB design and layout, component selection, circuit analysis, board bring-up, qualification, debugging, and system integration. The Electrical Engineer will work cross-functionally to design and deliver robust, reliable hardware capable of performing in demanding environments.
Essential Job Functions - Responsibilities:
  • Own the full-cycle electrical hardware development process, translating system-level requirements into robust electrical designs from architecture through production.
  • Perform schematic capture, component selection, and high-density PCB design and layout, with a strong preference for Altium Designer.
  • Design and optimize power distribution and power supply circuits, motor controller circuits, actuator circuits, and embedded control electronics.
  • Apply strong engineering fundamentals across analog, digital, and power electronics to develop reliable hardware.
  • Perform circuit simulations, worst-case analysis (WCA), thermal analysis, DFMEA, and component derating to evaluate design performance and reliability.
  • Conduct peer-level and cross-functional electrical design reviews, incorporating feedback from mechanical, thermal, software, test, quality, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams.
  • Lead board bring-up, Design Verification Testing (DVT), qualification testing, functional testing, and hardware troubleshooting.
  • Develop electrical test setups and utilize laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, thermal chambers, spectrum analyzers, function generators, DMMs, electronic loads, power supplies, and automated test equipment.
  • Troubleshoot hardware using standard communication interfaces and protocols, including CAN, I2C, SPI, and Ethernet.
  • Perform root cause and failure analysis for issues identified during development, testing, manufacturing, and field operations.
  • Investigate electrical architectures and develop technical solutions for new and evolving product requirements.
  • Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to identify and resolve production-related electrical failures and improve hardware manufacturability and reliability.
  • Drive assigned electrical engineering workstreams from initial concept and architecture through prototype development, testing, integration, and production.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, design specifications, test procedures, and engineering reports.
  • Demonstrate strong ownership and initiative while independently driving technical work in a fast-paced engineering environment.
  • Collaborate effectively across multiple engineering disciplines to deliver high-quality hardware solutions.
  • Follow Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrences.
Education and Experience: (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent technical discipline required; Master's degree in Electrical Engineering preferred.
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience designing, testing, troubleshooting, and integrating complex electrical and PCB-based hardware.
  • Strong technical background in analog, digital, and power electronics.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design PCBs, including schematic capture, component selection, layout, bring-up, debugging, and system integration.
  • Deep proficiency with Altium Designer or an equivalent electrical schematic and PCB layout tool.
  • Experience with LTSpice or equivalent circuit simulation software.
  • Experience performing circuit simulations, worst-case analysis, thermal analysis, DFMEA, and component derating.
  • Experience developing and executing electrical test setups, DVT, qualification testing, and functional testing.
  • Proficiency using laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, thermal chambers, spectrum analyzers, function generators, DMMs, electronic loads, power supplies, and automated test equipment.
  • Familiarity with CAN, I2C, SPI, Ethernet, and common MCU/CPU architectures.
  • Experience with EMC/EMI considerations and electrical hardware designed for challenging environmental conditions, including vibration and temperature extremes.
  • Experience performing root cause and failure analysis on manufacturing, test, and field failures.
  • Experience with power electronics, motor control, pumps, motor drivers, or actuator systems preferred.
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for data analysis, control-loop modeling, or system simulation preferred.
  • Strong technical writing, analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ownership, initiative, and a proactive, go-getter approach to engineering challenges.
  • Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment.
  • Compliance (background check, ITAR, vaccine, etc.)
    • ITAR - Permanent resident of the United States ("U.S. person" as defined by ITAR)
    • Background - Pass a post-offer background verification.
    • Security Clearance: Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance.
Work Environment
Standard office environment with normal amounts of office related conditions. Occasionally may be required to work in environmental conditions that emulate typical user environments in order to facilitate design testing and validation. Occasionally may be required to travel as required to other facilities, clients, or suppliers.
SigmaDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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