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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Hansoninc

Electrical Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

A Day in the Life of an Electrical Engineer at Hanson Here's a snapshot of what you would do in ... Defense, Fortune 500 private industry, and many other Federal, state, medical, commercial ...

Vensoft Inc

Senior Electrical Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... defense. The Senior Electrical Engineer will oversee all phases of project development, from conceptual design through construction support, ensuring technical accuracy, code compliance, and ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defense Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in Missouri as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Electrical Engineer (Defense Photonics)

6AM City, LLC

California, MO • On-site

$160 - $230/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for an Electrical Engineer with 5+ years of experience to own the electronics that drive, control, and read out photonic missile seekers at a fast-moving defense photonics startup. You'll be the sole EE on a small interdisciplinary team building chip-based LiDAR seekers for counter-UAS interceptors and precision-guided munitions. The ideal candidate has a broad electronics background with depth in at least one area, experience designing PCBs from scratch (0 to 1), and a sensor or sensor fusion background. Prior experience at companies like Anduril, SpaceX, or one of the defense primes is highly valued — especially candidates who understand rigid military standards (WOSA/SOSA) and can translate them into working hardware.

What will you be doing?

  • Designing drive circuitry for lasers and detectors, transimpedance amplifiers, and signal chains that convert optical signals into digital data for onboard compute
  • Designing custom PCBs from scratch — taking circuits from breadboard through brassboard to integrated units, optimizing for size, weight, and power at each step
  • Solving integration challenges including grounding, shielding, EMI/EMC, and ensuring electronics meet military standards (MIL-STD, WOSA, SOSA open architecture requirements)
  • Collaborating with optical and mechanical engineers on system integration for missile-grade environments (vibration, shock, thermal)
  • Building and debugging hardware on the bench, characterizing performance, and iterating rapidly in a design-build-test cadence
About The Company

Building the merchant manufacturing layer for the photonics industry — the TSMC of optical components. The company's mission is to create the large-scale nanophotonics fabrication infrastructure that doesn't yet exist, enabling the next generation of satellite communications, optical computing, AI data centers, and defense systems.

Founded as a research-first company, it takes venture capital funding, burns it into cutting-edge photonics research, and commercializes the results. Their initial products are chip-based LiDAR seekers for counter-UAS interceptors and precision-guided munitions, built around optical metasurfaces. The longer-term roadmap extends through photonic gyroscopes and complete guidance modules toward a full merchant photonics foundry serving defense, data center, and space markets.

Why candidates should join

Our client is building the TSMC of photonics — merchant manufacturing for optical components powering satellite comms, AI data centers, and defense systems. Their first products are chip-based LiDAR seekers for counter-UAS interceptors and precision-guided munitions.

You’ll own the electronics of a flagship product on a tiny team where your boards literally define the system — working alongside senior engineers with decades in defense photonics.

Electrical Engineer role in Hawthorne, CA. Comp range $160K–$230K + meaningful equity, full benefits, and all meals covered. 5+ years experience preferred.

You should be proficient in:
  • Electrical / Electronic Systems
  • National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP)
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