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Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$157K - $164K/yr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107.90 - $195.05/hr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$157K - $164K/yr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$157K - $164K/yr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$157K - $164K/yr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Description The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions ...

Electrical Engineer

Rockaway, NJ · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

As an Electrical Engineer at ApolloTech MSI, you will design, develop, and test electrical systems and components for defense and robotics applications. You will collaborate closely with mechanical ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Electrical Engineer information

See salary details

$50.5K

$111.1K

$168K

How much do defense electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense electrical engineer in the United States is $111,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $132,000.00 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.
More about Defense Electrical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Defense Electrical Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Defense Electrical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Electrical Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Defense Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,091 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$157K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Job Description
Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Your greatest work is ahead!
The Leidos Defense Electrical Systems Department is seeking a talented Lead Electrical Engineer to join an experienced, high performing, multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex engineering challenges in our Huntsville, AL location. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group specializing in advanced hardware products. The individual selected for this position will be an electrical engineer with project engineering, design engineering, and production skillsets. The individual must be a self-starter with experience working with inter-disciplinary teams to solve challenging technical problems. The engineer will work closely with hardware integrated into a diverse range of aerospace and military systems including manned/unmanned ground/air vehicles, missiles, radars, and space systems.
The selected candidate will be expected to execute in a fast-paced, small team environment through all phases of the hardware life cycle from conceptual development and detailed design through manufacturing, qualification testing, and post-delivery support. With a product focus, the individual is also expected to actively partner with other engineers, project managers, technicians, and customers to develop solutions that adhere to a diverse set of requirements. The ideal candidate will thrive in a learning environment that encourages leadership and technical growth.
If you are up for the challenge of joining this team, then apply today to be considered.
Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions. To explore and learn more, click here!
Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!
Primary Responsibilities
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams (electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, systems, software, etc.) to transition low-rate initial production LRUs to full-scale production
  • Serving as IPT Lead, coordinating between System IPT and Production IPT to ensure seamless integration as LRUs transition from production/test line to system installation
  • Leading and providing technical direction to a team of engineers throughout all phases of the product lifecycle
  • Translating low-level engineering tasks into program Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) deliverables
  • Ensuring engineering tasks are completed on time or ahead of schedule to support production and manufacturing requirements
  • Reviewing designs and test data and providing direction/feedback to other engineers
  • Overseeing the development and integration of Special Test Equipment (STE) into a production environment
  • Contributing to proposals by providing estimates and written artifacts
  • Managing obsolescence of electrical components throughout product life cycle
  • Supporting validation & verification testing and assembling compliance artifacts
  • Facilitating the closure of test failures and non-conformances with engineering staff and manufacturing
  • Resolving defects and errors identified during manufacturing processes
  • Supporting test and troubleshooting of RF, digital, and power electronics
  • Leading Failure Review and Corrective Action committees for critical component failures
  • Presenting to program leadership and customers in weekly meetings, quarterly IPRs, and CDRs
  • Integrating LRUs into larger systems by collaborating with system design teams on design updates
  • Coordinating with line management and program management to identify staffing opportunities and accelerate schedules

Basic Qualifications
  • Candidate must possess a Bachelor's of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or equivalent degree from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Candidate must have at least twelve (12) years of experience in the design and test of electronics or ten (10) years with MS degree.
  • Candidate must demonstrate experience in the design, test, and manufacture of analog/mixed-signal PCBs or integrated RF/microwave assemblies.
  • Candidate must have demonstrated experience leading engineering teams through production transitions from LRIP to full-rate production
  • Candidate must demonstrate proficiency in engineering leadership and team management
  • Candidate must have hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation, test equipment, and debug/test methods including use of network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.
  • Position requires candidates to be capable of performing in a collaborative engineering environment working closely with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Candidate must have demonstrated experience effectively communicating within a team environment.
  • Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.
  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Preference shown to candidates who possess a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent degree from an ABET-accredited institution
  • Preference shown to candidates who have experience and/or working knowledge of:
  • RF electronics design and high-speed digital design
  • Radar/Comms Experience
  • IPT Lead experience in defense or aerospace programs
  • PCB fabrication & assembly processes
  • MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461 testing
  • Windchill PLM
  • MATLAB
  • Project planning and resource management

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 12, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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