Freelance Sensor Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

The Junior Engineer will work on high-visibility, high-dollar national security programs focused on sensing and advanced systems. This role is built for engineers and scientists who are highly motivated, want to learn quickly, and are comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. You will not be confined to a single discipline-you will work across mechanical, aerospace, electrical/RF, physics, and materials domains to help design, evaluate, and field systems. Key Responsibilities * Support design, analysis, and evaluation of sensor systems (RF, optical, mechanical, embedded, or multi-modal) * Work with signal, data, and hardware teams to ensure sensors produce usable outputs * Participate in field experiments and aerospace facility testing * Support test planning, setup, execution, and data collection * Work in dynamic environments (ranges, labs, flight lines, test facilities) * Analyze results and determine whether systems actually work-not just whether they were built * Operate within large, multidisciplinary teams across government and industry * Coordinate with engineers, scientists, and program leadership to move efforts forward * Track technical progress and identify risks early * Help translate technical work into clear updates for decision-makers Required Qualifications * Bachelor's and Master's degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering (including RF), Physics, or Materials Science / Materials Physics * 2-7 years of experience (graduate research counts) * Demonstrated interest in learning and working outside your primary discipline * Strong motivation and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment * Experience working on or with sensor systems (design, integration, or testing) * Ability to work effectively on large, multidisciplinary teams * Strong analytical and communication skills * Must have an active Top Secret US Government Clearance (SCI eligible). Note: US Citizenship is required to maintain a secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Direct experience with sensor design (RF, optical, embedded, or multi-sensor systems) * Hands-on experience with testing, field work, or prototype development * Experience in production-level programs or R&D systems builds * Experience supporting demonstrations/tests * Familiarity with data analysis, signal processing, or modeling tools Compensation Details:
$120K-$140K The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws. Benefits Overview: Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include: * Health, dental, and vision insurance * Paid time off and holidays * Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching) * Educational reimbursement * Parental leave * Employee stock purchase plan * Tax-saving options * Disability and life insurance * Pet insurance Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits. Original Posting:
06/25/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs. Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters .