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Digital System Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

SAIC

Radar System Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The Radar System Design Engineer will support advanced space-based ISR and ground radar mission systems by performing radar architecture definition, system-level design, and radar signal processing ...

SAIC

Radar System Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Radar System Design Engineer will support advanced space-based ISR and ground radar mission systems by performing radar architecture definition, system-level design, and radar signal processing ...

SAIC

Radar System Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Radar System Design Engineer will support advanced space-based ISR and ground radar mission systems by performing radar architecture definition, system-level design, and radar signal processing ...

Geologics

Digital Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$67/hr

Digital Design Engineer Client: Defense-Aerospace Hourly Rate: up to $67/hr W2, non-benefited ... Determines architecture, system simulation, and detailed design approach * Defines module ...

Geologics

Digital Design Engineer

Manassas, VA

$67/hr

Digital Design Engineer Client: Defense-Aerospace Hourly Rate: up to $67/hr W2, non-benefited ... Determines architecture, system simulation, and detailed design approach * Defines module ...

Acquisition NexGen

Digital Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$136K/yr

Digital Design Engineer Location: Manassas, VA (On-Site) Clearance Required: Active Department of ... Determines architecture, system simulation, and detailed design approach. * Defines module ...

Prolim Global

Engineer Digital 3

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Engineer Digital 3 * Job ID: 1668 * Location: Linthicum (Baltimore), MD 21090 (100% Onsite ... Develop high-speed SERDES interfaces (10G/40G) and support system-level testing. * Prepare design ...

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All JobsDigital System Design Engineer JobsDigital System Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Digital System Design Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56.1K

$134.3K

$196.5K

How much do digital system design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital system design engineer in Washington, DC is $134,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $155,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Digital System Design Engineer vs Digital Hardware Engineer?

AspectDigital System Design EngineerDigital Hardware Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing digital systems and architecturesDesigning digital hardware components and circuits
Skills & CertificationsDigital logic, FPGA/ASIC design, VHDL/Verilog, embedded systemsDigital circuit design, PCB layout, FPGA/ASIC, VHDL/Verilog
Work EnvironmentElectronics design firms, semiconductor companies, tech industriesElectronics manufacturing, semiconductor, embedded systems
Common UsageFocuses on system-level design and integrationFocuses on hardware implementation and circuit design

While both roles involve digital design and similar skills, Digital System Design Engineers focus on creating complete digital systems and architectures, whereas Digital Hardware Engineers concentrate on designing specific hardware components and circuits. Both roles are essential in electronics and semiconductor industries, often collaborating on projects.

What is a digital system design engineer?

Digital System Design Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test digital circuits and systems, such as microprocessors, embedded systems, and digital communication devices. They use hardware description languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog to create and simulate digital logic. Their work often involves collaborating with software engineers and hardware teams to ensure that digital systems function efficiently and reliably. These engineers play a crucial role in industries like electronics, telecommunications, and computing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital system design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital System Design Engineer, you need a strong background in digital electronics, logic design, and hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard EDA tools like Xilinx Vivado, Altera Quartus, or ModelSim, along with knowledge of FPGA and ASIC design flows, is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring reliable, efficient, and innovative digital systems that meet complex project requirements.

What are some common challenges digital system design engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Digital System Design Engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing complex system requirements, ensuring interoperability between various hardware and software components, and meeting strict deadlines. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as software developers, hardware engineers, and verification specialists—is crucial for resolving integration issues and maintaining project alignment. Staying up-to-date with evolving technology standards and tools also plays a significant role in overcoming these challenges and delivering robust digital systems.
What are popular job titles related to Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Digital System Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digital System Design Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,314 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Radar System Design Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614459

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-10

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

Position Summary:

The Radar System Design Engineer will support advanced space-based ISR and ground radar mission systems by performing radar architecture definition, system-level design, and radar signal processing development. This role aligns with the requirement for Radar system design or radar signal processing expertise in Chantilly-based roles.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead radar system architecture development, deriving functional and performance requirements from mission needs.
  • Develop radar waveform designs, radar modes, and associated signal processing algorithms.
  • Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis of radar system performance under operational conditions.
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, sensor integration, and validation of radar subsystems.
  • Develop technical documentation, design artifacts, performance briefs, trade studies, and algorithm specifications.
  • Collaborate with systems, integration, MBSE, payload, and ISR engineering teams to ensure interface compatibility and mission alignment.
  • Support customer technical interchange meetings, milestone reviews, and engineering working groups.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field; Master’s preferred.· With min. 9 years of overall experience.
  • 8–12+ years of experience in radar system design, radar architecture, or radar signal processing. 
  • Expertise in RF hardware design, payload architectures, and test methodologies.
  • Experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Must have a TS/SCI, and be willing to obtain a poly.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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