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

Karman Space & Defense

Electrical Engineer III

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... As an Electrical Engineer III, you will lead the design, development, testing, and production of ...

New

Starcloud

Lead Electrical Engineer

Redmond, WA

$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 Company

Electrical Engineer III

Lynnwood, WA

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 ...

Blue Origin, LLC

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 ...

Blue Origin

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 ...

Crane Company

Electrical Engineer II

Lynnwood, WA

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 Company

Electrical Engineer II

Lynnwood, WA

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 ...

Starcloud

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 Company

Electrical Engineer III

Lynnwood, WA

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 ...

Blue Origin

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 ...

Blue Origin, LLC

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 ...

Sigma Design

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.

Sigma Design

Senior Electrical Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$138K - $207K/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.

Sigma Design

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.

Blue Origin, LLC

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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All JobsDefense Electrical Engineer JobsDefense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

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 17, 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Defense Electrical Engineer job openings:

Defense Electrical Engineer jobs near you
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 III

Karman Space & Defense

Mukilteo, WA • On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Karman Space & Defense rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies

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 III, you will lead the design, development, testing, and production of advanced electronic systems that support mission‑critical spaceflight and launch hardware. You will integrate electrical and mechanical systems, guide product development through requirements and architecture phases, and support manufacturing, testing, and verification activities from concept through delivery. You will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and engage directly with customers and suppliers to ensure robust, high‑quality electronic designs.

Responsibilities

  • Leads analog and digital circuit design activities in alignment with customer requirements and industry standards.
  • Creates and reviews electrical engineering drawings, manufacturing requirements, and inspection and quality assurance specifications.
  • Evaluates electrical designs for functionality, manufacturability, cost, and quality.
  • Participates heavily in system architecture and requirements reviews to ensure alignment between program requirements and proposed design elements.
  • Leads test and analysis activities across the product development lifecycle.
  • Writes test procedures, test reports, and analysis documentation.
  • Verifies calculations, test results, and analysis completed by peers and junior engineers.
  • Supports manufacturing, quality, and assembly teams throughout the development and production cycle.
  • Supports management of electrical libraries and departmental engineering resources.
  • Interacts professionally with customers through presentations and technical reviews.
  • Manages supplier and vendor activities related to electrical hardware.
  • Mentors and serves as a technical resource for junior engineers.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Typically five or more years of aerospace, defense, or avionics experience.
  • Proficiency in schematic capture, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and simulation tools such as Altium and PSPICE/LTSPICE.
  • Experience leading the design and development of robust electronic hardware.
  • Detailed knowledge of military specifications and industry standards, including IPC.
  • Experience with testing, troubleshooting, and failure analysis techniques.
  • Experience using serial communication protocols such as RS‑422, RS‑485, and MIL‑STD‑1553 and developing related hardware or software.
  • Knowledge of designing for electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMI/EMC) to meet MIL‑STD‑461 requirements.
  • Proficiency with electrical test equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMM), power supplies, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.

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.

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