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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

... defense organizations. If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here. As a Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer ...

Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

... defense organizations. If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here. As a Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer ...

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, physical sciences, or related technical field * 0-7 years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or related high-reliability industries

Showing results 41-60

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 cities in Colorado are hiring for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer

LeoLabs, Inc.

Denver, CO • On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Why LeoLabs?
At LeoLabs, we're building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions.
We're not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space. As orbital activity accelerates and threats grow more complex, LeoLabs is a trusted partner for Space Domain Awareness, Space Traffic Management, and Satellite Operations for top-tier space operators and allied defense organizations.
If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here.
As a Sr. Staff Electrical Engineer, you will design and develop the electronics that power our next-generation radar systems. You will own complex board-level hardware from concept through production, working across mixed-signal, power, timing, and control electronics to deliver reliable, high-performance systems. This is a hands-on role for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving challenging technical problems and building hardware that moves quickly from the lab into the field.
This position is based in the Colorado Springs area and requires regular onsite collaboration with government stakeholders. You will work closely with LeoLabs' RF, mechanical, embedded software, manufacturing, and systems engineers to develop and integrate advanced radar hardware.
You will be responsible for:
  • Design and develop complex PCBAs and electrical subsystems for next-generation radar hardware
  • Own board-level hardware from requirements and schematic capture through layout, bring-up, validation, and production
  • Design mixed-signal, power, timing, and control electronics for demanding operating environments
  • Perform hardware bring-up, debugging, root-cause analysis, and electrical validation in the laboratory
  • Work closely with RF, mechanical, embedded software, manufacturing, and systems engineers to integrate complete hardware systems
  • Collaborate with government stakeholders and internal engineering teams to support program execution
  • Support prototype builds, design reviews, and manufacturing transition activities
  • Develop engineering tools, test software, and automation using Python where appropriate
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of electrical design practices and engineering documentation

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. security clearance
  • 7+ years of experience designing complex board-level electronics
  • Strong experience with Altium Designer or equivalent PCB design software
  • Experience developing hardware from concept through production
  • Strong mixed-signal design fundamentals, including power integrity, signal integrity, and EMI/EMC-aware layout
  • Hands-on experience with board bring-up, debugging, and electrical validation
  • Experience using LTspice for circuit simulation
  • Experience developing engineering tools or test automation using Python
  • Familiarity with Arena or another PLM system
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. personnel security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Active Top Secret security clearance; SCI eligibility is a plus
  • Experience designing electronics for radar, aerospace, defense, communications, or other mission-critical applications
  • Experience with FPGA, embedded processor, or high-speed digital hardware
  • Experience supporting hardware through manufacturing and deployment
  • Experience working directly with government customers or program offices
  • Familiarity with RF system integration

Within 1 month, you'll:
  • Complete onboarding and become familiar with LeoLabs' radar hardware, development process, and active programs
  • Build an understanding of current electrical designs, development tools, and laboratory workflows
  • Begin supporting ongoing hardware development and integration activities

Within 3 months, you'll:
  • Take ownership of a board or electrical subsystem under active development
  • Drive prototype bring-up, validation, and design iteration
  • Build strong working relationships with government stakeholders and cross-functional engineering teams

Within 6 months, you'll:
  • Lead the execution of multiple board-level hardware developments from design through prototype validation
  • Support hardware integration, manufacturing, and deployment activities
  • Become a trusted technical contributor across the Hardware Engineering organization

Within 12 months, you'll:
  • Deliver multiple electrical designs into production
  • Serve as the electrical engineering lead for major hardware development efforts
  • Help shape future radar hardware through thoughtful design, technical leadership, and strong execution

Compensation
Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The base salary range for this position $212,000 + bonus + stock options + benefits
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC's website