Laboratory Instrumentation Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

Amentum is seeking an experienced candidate for a mid to senior-level Electronics Technician position in Springfield, VA. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, fabricating, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining custom electronic systems used in operational and laboratory environments. This position works closely with engineers, developers, and government stakeholders to evaluate new technologies, perform laboratory testing, and develop innovative hardware solutions. You will support the full hardware development lifecycle, from concept and prototype fabrication through testing, deployment, and field sustainment. The ideal candidate possesses excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills and is capable of managing multiple technical projects in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment. Job Responsibilities: * Design, fabricate, assemble, test, and troubleshoot custom RF and electronic systems for laboratory and operational use. * Design custom RF antennas for specialized frequency bands and operational requirements using industry-standard design principles and test equipment. * Design schematic diagrams and multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs) using CAD tools such as Altium Designer. * Program and debug embedded microcontrollers and circuit board controllers using C/C++, Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or similar embedded platforms. * Perform precision micro-miniature soldering and rework of surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole electronic assemblies in accordance with IPC standards. * Fabricate, modify, repair, and test prototype electronic assemblies and RF circuits. * Tune, characterize, and optimize RF antennas, filters, amplifiers, and transceivers using spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNA), signal generators, oscilloscopes, and other laboratory instrumentation. * Conduct circuit board troubleshooting to the component level, identifying and replacing failed components and validating repairs. * Develop and integrate RF subsystems, miniature transceivers, embedded sensors, power management circuits, and supporting electronic hardware. * Support new capability development by evaluating engineering requirements, building prototypes, conducting testing, documenting results, and recommending design improvements. * Manage and maintain an electronics laboratory, including calibration, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and laboratory safety. * Develop technical documentation including schematics, wiring diagrams, assembly instructions, test procedures, and engineering reports. * Support system integration, field testing, operational deployment, and sustainment activities. * Collaborate with mechanical designers and fabrication specialists to ensure proper electronic integration, packaging, and manufacturability. Minimum Requirements: * Must have an Active Secret US Government Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility. Note: US Citizenship is required to maintain a Top Secret Clearance. * Minimum of four (4) years of experience in electronics, RF systems, or electrical engineering support. * Extensive experience designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting RF electronic systems. * Experience designing custom RF antennas and matching networks for specialized applications, including use of antenna design software. * Experience designing printed circuit boards (PCB) using Altium Designer or equivalent electronic CAD software. * Experience programming embedded microcontrollers and developing firmware for electronic control systems. * Proficiency performing precision micro-miniature soldering, PCB rework, and component-level repairs. * Experience operating electronic laboratory equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNA), oscilloscopes, signal generators, multimeters, and power supplies. * Experience tuning, testing, and optimizing RF antennas, filters, and wireless communication systems. * Knowledge of RF propagation, impedance matching, transmission lines, electromagnetic principles, and antenna performance measurements. * Experience integrating sensors, embedded controllers, power management systems, and RF communications hardware. * Familiarity with SolidWorks, FeatureCam, or similar mechanical CAD software for enclosure and hardware integration. * Experience supporting prototype fabrication, engineering testing, and product validation activities. * Ability to interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications. * Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to diagnose hardware failures to the component level. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare detailed technical documentation and communicate effectively with engineers and government customers. * Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications. * Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team. Preferred Skills and Experience: * Associate's degree or higher in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related field. * Six (6) or more years of related experience. * Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, and related toolboxes. * Military and operational deployment experience. * SERE Level C training or equivalent. Other requirements: * This is a non-remote, full-time onsite position, located in Springfield, VA. * Standard work schedule is 40 hours per week/8 hours per day with occasional overtime or the need to flex hours based on customer support needs. * Some after-hours or short-term shift work may be required to support urgent customer needs, including weekends and holidays. * Regular travel is required (up to 25%). * Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time working in an office/lab environment, industrial space, or under various environmental conditions while conducting fieldwork. * Must be able to lift various sizes of materials and equipment (up to 50lbs). * Must be able to deploy for short durations (not to exceed 30 days) worldwide in potentially austere environments in support of operations, exercises, and test events. * Must pass requisite physical examinations, comply with applicable theater entry requirements (TERs), and maintain deployability status. (SCA non-exempt hourly) Hiring Hourly Range: $53 - $72.50/hr Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits: This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits you select now and in the future. Compensation Details:
SCA $53 - $72.50/hr 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:
08/20/2026 - 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 .