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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Build the team: hire, manage, and mentor the electrical engineering team, and set the standards ... robotics, aviation, or defense. * Hands-on PCB development, harness fabrication, connector ...

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense ... The Electrical Engineer III works with minimal supervision and uses originality, ingenuity and ...

Electrical Engineer III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

In this role, you will serve as an electrical engineer to design mission hardware from concept ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Electrical Engineer III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

In this role, you will serve as an electrical engineer to design mission hardware from concept ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Build the team: hire, manage, and mentor the electrical engineering team, and set the standards ... robotics, aviation, or defense. * Hands-on PCB development, harness fabrication, connector ...

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense ... The Electrical Engineer II contributes to new product designs, modernization efforts, and upgrades ...

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense ... The Electrical Engineer II contributes to new product designs, modernization efforts, and upgrades ...

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense ... Education/Certification: BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Master's or PhD preferred. Working ...

In this role, you will serve as an electrical engineer to design mission hardware from concept ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$145K - $203K/yr

In this role, you will serve as an electrical engineer to design mission hardware from concept ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

... defense applications. * Translate high-level requirements into architectural concepts and ... S. in Electrical Engineering or M.S in Engineering fields or Science. * 5+ years of experience.

Senior Electrical Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

... defense applications. * Translate high-level requirements into architectural concepts and ... S. in Electrical Engineering or M.S in Engineering fields or Science. * 5+ years of experience.

Electrical Engineer II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$107K - $149K/yr

As part of a hardworking team of spacecraft development engineers, you will focus on the electrical ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Electrical Engineer II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$107K - $149K/yr

As part of a hardworking team of spacecraft development engineers, you will focus on the electrical ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

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Defense Electrical Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$57.5K

$126.4K

$191.2K

How much do defense electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense electrical engineer in Seattle, WA is $126,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Defense Electrical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,425 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Electrical Engineer II

AMRO Fabricating Corporation

Mukilteo, WA • On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

As an Electrical Engineer II, you will design, develop, analyze, and support electronic systems that power Karman’s space and defense products. You will collaborate closely with mechanical and electromechanical engineering teammates to create robust circuit designs, generate engineering documentation, support testing activities, and ensure manufacturability. Your work strengthens system reliability, supports production readiness, and contributes to the successful development of mission-critical hardware.

Responsibilities

  • Designs and develops analog and digital circuits that meet customer requirements and industry standards.
  • Creates electrical engineering documentation, including schematics, printed circuit board (PCB) layouts, harness designs, and bills of materials.
  • Reviews electrical designs for manufacturability, cost efficiency, and quality considerations.
  • Supports test and analysis activities throughout the development lifecycle, including drafting test procedures and preparing test reports.
  • Conducts circuit analyses such as de-rating and reliability assessments to ensure design robustness.
  • Identifies and selects suitable components and specifies alternates to mitigate obsolescence or long lead times.
  • Coordinates with cross-functional teams to advance procurement, manufacturing, assembly, and testing activities.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
  • Typically 2 to 5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or avionics engineering.
  • Experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation tools such as Altium and PSPICE/LTSPICE.
  • Experience with surface mount and through-hole soldering and de-soldering.
  • Experience with harness building.
  • Familiarity with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMMs), power supplies, signal generators, and data acquisition systems (DAQs).
  • Experience designing and developing automated test equipment.
  • Familiarity with serial communication protocols including RS‑422, RS‑485, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter‑Integrated Circuit (I2C), and related hardware and software.
  • Familiarity with programming languages including C, C++, C#, Python, and Matlab; Verilog and VHDL preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of military specifications and industry standards.
  • Familiarity with field-programmable gate array (FPGA) design, development, and test.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company‑paid life and AD &D insurance
  • Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.