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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Nwis

Electrical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Nightwing is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and implementation ...

Nightwing

Electrical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Nightwing is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and implementation ...

Kform

Electrical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$72.12 - $96.15/hr

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer helping leading defense and dual-use startups turn ... You should have one strong engineering discipline, such as mechanical engineering or electrical ...

NVT Staffing

Be Seen First

Senior Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Department of Defense . As an Electrical Engineer, you will contribute to both near-term and long-term projects involving advanced laser and electro-optical technologies. You'll work in a ...

NVT Staffing

Be Seen First

Senior Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Department of Defense . As an Electrical Engineer, you will contribute to both near-term and long-term projects involving advanced laser and electro-optical technologies. You'll work in a ...

Markon

Electrical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Description Markon is building a talent pool of Electrical Engineers to support future Intelligence ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Nightwing Group

Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Nightwing is seeking an Electrical Engineer to support this critical customer mission.The ...

New

Markon

Electrical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Markon is building a talent pool of Electrical Engineers to support future Intelligence Community ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Electrical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Description Markon is building a talent pool of Electrical Engineers to support future Intelligence ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Nightwing

Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Nightwing is seeking an Electrical Engineer to support this critical customer mission. The ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

ARA is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to support the design, integration, and controls development for large-scale industrial machinery and equipment on advanced manufacturing and defense ...

LRS Federal LLC

PE Electrical Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Electrical PE Company: LRS Federal Location: Corporate / Remote Position Type: Full-Time, Senior ... federal and defense sectors to join our corporate engineering team. This is not a purely ...

Actalent

Electrical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Electrical Engineer We are seeking multiple Electrical Engineers to support the custom design of ... S. and international defense and security initiatives, with a strong emphasis on reliability ...

Actalent

Electrical Engineer

Sterling, VA

$75 - $90/hr

Electrical Engineer We are seeking multiple Electrical Engineers to support the custom design of ... S. and international defense and security initiatives, with a strong emphasis on reliability ...

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All JobsDefense Electrical Engineer JobsDefense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Defense Electrical Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$57.2K

$125.8K

$190.3K

How much do defense electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense electrical engineer in Washington, DC is $125,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $149,500.00 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 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Defense Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,821 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Staff Electrical Engineer

Aventra Defense Systems Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About AventraAventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.
 
We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.
Position Overview & Key Responsibilities
Position Overview

Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Electrical Engineer to support the broader electrical engineering team across Piranha subsystems — power distribution, sensor integration, wiring harnesses, and bench-level testing. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who wants broad exposure across the electrical stack rather than deep specialization in one subsystem, working alongside the team's senior/staff EEs on day-to-day design, build, and test tasks.

Key ResponsibilitiesElectrical Design & Support

- Support electrical design tasks across multiple Piranha subsystems under the guidance of senior/staff engineers

- Build and test breadboard/prototype circuits; assist with PCB layout reviews

- Assist with wiring harness design, connector selection, and cable routing

- Support bench-level electrical testing and basic environmental testing

Integration & Test

- Support integration of electrical subsystems with mechanical and software teams

- Assist with flight test instrumentation setup and post-test data collection

- Help maintain test equipment, fixtures, and lab organization

Documentation & Process

- Maintain accurate schematics, BOMs, and design documentation

- Support design review processes and component sourcing research

- Assist with failure analysis on field returns under senior engineer direction

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field

- 4-6 years of industry experience in electrical design, test, or integration

- Working knowledge of analog/digital circuit fundamentals and PCB design tools (Altium, KiCad, or equivalent)

- Comfortable in a hands-on lab/bench environment

- US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries

- Exposure to embedded systems or sensor integration

- Startup or small-company experience

Compensation Package 

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience

- Generous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered

- 4% 401k match

- PTO and Sick Leave

Travel & Work Environment Travel Requirements

- Travel up to 25% to customer sites and field test locations

- Ability to work in austere field conditions and military operational environments

- Flexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changes

Work Environment 

- In-person role based in Herndon, VA 

- Collaborative environment supporting critical national security missions

- Direct support to warfighter capabilities and mission success

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.