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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Designer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site +1

$30 - $50/hr

... advanced engineering and innovative solutions, supporting critical missions across defense ... We are currently seeking an Electrical Designer to support our Oak Ridge, TN office. As an ...

AS projects span the automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets. Recent ... Specify major electrical system components including substations, switchgear, distribution panels ...

AS projects span the automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets. Recent ... Specify major electrical system components including substations, switchgear, distribution panels ...

AS projects span the automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets. Recent ... Specify major electrical system components including substations, switchgear, distribution panels ...

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Early Career Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer - Hypersonics

BNH

Arnold Air Force Base, TN

$78K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Overview

Job Title: Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer

Locations: Arnold AFB, TN

Function/Branch: O-Engineering

Directorate: Test Operations

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Pay Type: Exempt

Sponsorship: Position Not Sponsored

Grade: L06 (OA0606) - L07 (OA0705)

Salary Range: Grade 06 - $78,000 - $100,000/ Grade 07 – $85,000 - $113,000 / year

Overview

Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer supporting TOS II, at Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Arnold AFB, TN 37389. The Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer will be operating and maintaining the critical infrastructure that makes groundbreaking ground testing possible. You will command a diverse array of powerful systems—from massive electric motors and compressors to sophisticated control and data acquisition technologies. While we don't design vehicles, we create the extreme conditions they must endure. Your work is essential to providing our customers with the vital data they need to validate design and ensure flightworthiness for the next generation of aerospace systems.

Open to internal and external candidates.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will play a vital role in advancing national security by enabling the ground testing of next-generation supersonic and hypersonic systems. You will be responsible for the performance and readiness of major electrical equipment and facility control systems, applying your engineering skills to oversee operations, maintenance, and upgrades. We are looking for a dedicated problem solver to help us meet critical customer requirements and drive the future of defense technology.

Job Duties:

Some of the specific duties of electrical systems and controls engineer include:

  • Developing system and subsystem requirements
  • Systems configuration design including conceptual and detailed sketches and layouts, specifications and design calculations
  • Instrumentation and Control System design, development, maintenance, and/or operations support
  • Respond when systems malfunction, troubleshooting and directing corrective maintenance activities (or calling in the appropriate systems engineer(s) for additional support) ensuring a timely return to service
  • System verification and validation in preparation for test execution
  • Update and maintain system documentation for systems of responsibility
  • Work with multiple organizations/stakeholders such as design engineering, fabrication shops, DoD client, and other contractors
  • Review design documents of equipment manufacturers or subcontractors and prepare comments and recommendations
  • Develop with Asset Health Assurance personnel advanced maintenance plans
  • Conduct and write up system safety hazard analyses and write clear work instructions for operation and maintenance
  • Assess and communicate risk to stakeholders
  • Develop estimates for improvement projects
  • Work with planners, schedulers, and craft supervisors to safely plan and execute projects including maintenance work, upgrades, and test projects
  • Assist craft personnel with troubleshooting and oversee their work; provide technical leadership and guidance
  • It is a condition of employment to wear company issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

  • Grade 06: BS degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited college or university
  • Grade 07: BS degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited college or university plus a minimum of 2 years’ relevant engineering experience. An MS degree in addition to the BS eliminates any required experience.

NOTE: This posting is specifically for those engineers with less than 5 years engineering experience

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret level security clearance and access to the AEDC local area network
  • Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

Preferred Qualifications

  • Relevant internship or co-op experience
  • Educational concentration and/or work experience in low, medium, or high voltage power distribution.
  • Educational and/or work experience in dealing with electrical systems or electrical components of mechanical systems.
  • Educational or work experience in the application of control system theory for process and/or motion control applications, closed-loop feedback control systems, control systems using PLCs, PID control systems, and/or developing ladder logic and HMI software.
  • Ability to perform in a dynamic working environment with flexibility to meet mission demands
  • Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate progress on projects
  • Demonstrated proactiveness and initiative to drive to results
  • Demonstrated experience successfully building relationships with team across engineering and craft workforce
  • Exhibits strong level of technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding
  • Strong communication skills (including verbal and written) including the ability to convey complex technical information effectively to a broad audience
  • Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance

What We Offer

  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.

We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC’s rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC’s Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC’s capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.

Join our Team!

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.