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Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer Jobs in Virginia

The engineer will lead analysis and test activities related to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electronic warfare (EW) survivability, and Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO ...

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Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$19

$48

$107

How much do electromagnetic compatibility engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for electromagnetic compatibility engineer in Virginia is $48.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.98 and $49.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electromagnetic compatibility engineer do?

An Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineer is responsible for ensuring that electronic devices and systems operate without causing or being affected by unwanted electromagnetic interference. They design, test, and troubleshoot products to comply with regulatory standards, often using specialized equipment to measure electromagnetic emissions and immunity. EMC Engineers work closely with design, testing, and compliance teams to resolve issues and help products successfully pass certification processes before reaching the market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electromagnetic compatibility engineer?

To thrive as an Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, understanding of electromagnetic theory, and familiarity with relevant standards such as CISPR and MIL-STD, often supported by a bachelor's degree or higher. Proficiency with EMC test equipment (like spectrum analyzers and signal generators) and certification such as iNARTE EMC Engineer can be highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and addressing complex compliance issues. These capabilities are essential to ensure products meet regulatory requirements and perform reliably in environments with electromagnetic interference.

What are some common challenges faced by electromagnetic compatibility engineers during product development?

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying and mitigating unintended electromagnetic interference early in the design process, ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards, and balancing cost-effective solutions with robust EMC performance. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including design, testing, and manufacturing, is crucial to address these issues effectively. Additionally, EMC Engineers must stay updated on evolving standards and testing methodologies to ensure products pass certification on schedule.

What is the difference between Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectElectromagnetic Compatibility EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, certifications like CEM or EMC-specific trainingBachelor's or higher in Electrical or RF Engineering, certifications like RF Certification or related
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, manufacturing settings focused on EMC complianceResearch labs, testing facilities, and product development environments focused on RF performance
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, aerospace, consumer devices requiring EMC complianceWireless communication, telecommunications, radar, and RF product development

While both roles involve working with electromagnetic signals, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer primarily ensures products meet EMC standards to prevent interference, whereas the RF Engineer focuses on designing and optimizing radio frequency systems for performance. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their specific focus areas within the electromagnetic spectrum.

Infographic showing various Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,449 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer Level 2-3

Dulles, VA • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is seeking an EMI/EMC Engineer - Level 2 to join our team in Dulles, VA.

As an EMI/EMC Engineer you will perform EMI/EMC design, analysis, test, and compliance verification process from component to system level throughout the entire product lifecycle. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Understanding, decomposing, tailoring, and allocating system and component level EMI/EMC requirements including Radiated/Conducted Emissions and Susceptibility (RE/RS/CE/CS), Grounding, DC Bonding, and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) to meet system performance for all aspects of Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) compliance. Preparing and reviewing EMI/EMC documents including Control Plans, Test Plans and Procedures, and Qualification Test Reports.

Developing analytical and numerical models to quantify the E3 environment in support of the design and verification process, including models for shielding, circuit/cable isolation, interference coupling, charging, and ESD. Supporting EMI/EMC test planning and execution in a laboratory setting, using a variety of EMI, RF, and electronics test equipment. Troubleshooting EMI issues from board to system level, providing practical, workable solutions.

Participating in design reviews, customer acceptance reviews, test readiness reviews, and other program reviews. Review and approve EMI/EMC subcontractor deliverables. Occasional travel to assist in testing and reviews and occasional off-shift work, as required.

Basic Qualifications: For Level 2: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 2+ years of related experience; OR a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline. For Level 3: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 5+ years of related experience; OR a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 3+ years of related experience. Technical knowledge of and/or exposure to SMC-S-008, MIL-STD-461, DO-160 EMI/EMC requirements or similar.

Experience in electromagnetics and/or RF design, such as work with circuit design, cable shielding, interference coupling, antennas, or filters. Must be flexible, open to new challenges, willing and able to learn on the job, possess a strong work ethic, and the ability to complete tasks with limited oversight. Willing and able to obtain a U.S

Government Top Secret Clearance with SCI and polygraph. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialty in electromagnetics, RF, and/or analog circuitry. Working knowledge of relevant E3 and EMI/EMC standards such as MILSTD461, SMC-S-008, and MILSTD464, and familiarity with related aerospace and commercial EMC standards.

Experience working with cross-functional teams (Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Systems) to develop integrated EMI/EMC compliance solutions. Experience with EMI/EMC testing and analysis of space systems programs. Experience with EMI/EMC test equipment including EMI receivers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal/pulse generators, network analyzers, RF generators/amplifiers/monitors/antennas, current probes, LISNs, and EMI/EMC automated test software such as TILE or Nexio.

Experience building and running numerical models for EM, ESD, and/or RF characterization using tools such as HFSS, CST and/or EMA. Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI. #SpaceEngJobs #SpaceSysEngJobs #NoVASpace Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939