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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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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 Minnesota are hiring for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Principal / Sr. Principal Specialty Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Plymouth, MN

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Test Engineer to support our Armament Systems site in Plymouth, MN. This can be filled at the principal (Level 3) or sr. principal (level 4) depending on experience.

This site develops and produces medium and large-caliber ammunition as well as precision capabilities for direct and indirect fire systems. Leading the industry, this team successfully completes lifecycle support for medium-caliber cannons, develops miniature, precision strike weapons for airborne platforms, creates survivability solutions for soldiers and the next generation tactical ammunition for a variety of combat platforms

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure product quality by creating production test equipment for military/aerospace products. Includes programming, debugging, and deploying into production equipment that adjusts, calibrates and certifies device specifications.
  • Design, develop, and implement cost-effective methods of testing for Design Verification (DVT).
  • Maintain and update test equipment supporting functional board level and final acceptance testers. Support production floor test equipment.
  • Understand the functionality of several products to reduce test time or suggest additional tests. Co-lead design reviews and design for testability.
  • Assist with fixture fabrication and ordering of parts and managing suppliers.
  • Prepare test and diagnostic programs, design test fixtures, instrument racks and equipment.
  • Compile data and define changes required in test equipment, test procedures, manufacturing processes, or test requirements.
  • Function as liaison between Design Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure that innovative new product designs can be manufactured cost effectively with high quality. Perform Design for Testability and coverage analysis.
  • Understand customer requirements documentation and translate to test cases for DVT and production test.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or equivalent discipline plus:
    • Principal (Level 3): 5 years of professional experience in building and maintaining automated test equipment, OR a Masters degree & 3 years of professional experience in building and maintaining automated test equipment
    • Sr. Principal Test Engineer (Level 4): 8 years of professional experience in building and maintaining automated test equipment (ATE). Or master's degree plus 6 years of experience; or PhD plus 4 yrs of experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain government secret clearance after starting employment (US citizenship required)
  • Experience as Electrical Engineer or Computer Engineer oriented to hardware.
  • Proven Experience in programming languages.. 1-2 years of experience in LabVIEW.
  • Read/understand schematics, understand embedded software and communication protocols.
  • Digital and Analog Electronics experience to design circuitry for signal conditioning and isolation.
  • Knowledge in Electrical and Functional Testers with: Interfaces, Pneumatic Systems, Communication protocols, PXI and GPIB instruments test platforms.
  • Work on-site with flexible work arrangement. Able to travel 10% of time (domestic).
  • Solid communication skills and ability to clearly establish verbal communication with remote audience.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, team-oriented, self-motivated, leadership.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional team members.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment that is fast paced, rapidly changing, short turn-around environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering is highly desired.
  • Experience with high-volume device assembly and PCB fabrication practices.
  • Experience designing test fixtures and product testing under high and low temperature extremes.
  • LabVIEW, Python or C++ and OOP experience.
  • Experience with ICT testing and fixture development is a plus (Keysight i3070 preferable).
  • Green belt or experience in the use of Six Sigma tools: DOE, R&R, MSE, DFSS is preferred.
  • PWB layout and design experience.
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman 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. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939