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Lead Lab Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Lead Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

You work closely with the Architect as a technical authority on the lab floor, the technicians ask ... Serve as the engineering escalation point for physical/integration troubleshooting: Layer 1 ...

Leidos

Lead Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

You work closely with the Architect as a technical authority on the lab floor, the technicians ask ... Serve as the engineering escalation point for physical/integration troubleshooting: Layer 1 ...

Leidos

Lead Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

You work closely with the Architect as a technical authority on the lab floor, the technicians ask ... Serve as the engineering escalation point for physical/integration troubleshooting: Layer 1 ...

Devyantram

Lead Photonics Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Role Summary You will lead the design and development of Devyantram's photonic intelligence ... research lab or deep-tech startup experience. A Successful Candidate Will Be Measured By • ...

AeroVironment

Lead Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

Define system integration strategy and test approach across lab, field, and production environments ... engineering responsibility. * 2+ years in a technical lead, team lead, or equivalent role preferred.

AeroVironment

Lead Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

Define system integration strategy and test approach across lab, field, and production environments ... engineering responsibility. * 2+ years in a technical lead, team lead, or equivalent role preferred.

Accelint Holdings LLC

Lead DevSecOps Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Lead DevSecOps Engineer The Lead DevSecOps Engineer is a strategic and hands‑on technical leader ... Use container technologies to configure and deploy software to lab, integration, and customer site ...

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Lead Lab Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$43.9K

$128K

$186.6K

How much do lead lab engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead lab engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $127,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $139,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead lab engineer?

Lead Lab Engineers are professionals who oversee laboratory operations, manage technical staff, and ensure that experiments and testing procedures are conducted accurately and safely. They are responsible for maintaining lab equipment, developing protocols, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and upholding safety standards. Often, they collaborate with research teams, prepare reports, and contribute to the planning and execution of scientific projects. Their leadership ensures the lab runs efficiently and delivers reliable results.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lead lab engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Lab Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in laboratory processes, engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Experience with lab management software, data acquisition systems, and certifications like Six Sigma or ISO standards are often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and ensure effective project execution. These abilities are crucial for maintaining lab safety, ensuring accurate results, and driving innovation within technical environments.

How does a lead lab engineer collaborate with cross-functional teams?

As a Lead Lab Engineer, you will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as R&D scientists, quality assurance, production engineers, and project managers, to ensure that laboratory testing aligns with project goals and regulatory standards. You may be responsible for communicating technical results, coordinating test schedules, and troubleshooting equipment or process issues in partnership with other departments. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential, as you'll often act as a bridge between the lab and other key stakeholders to drive innovation and maintain product quality.

What is the difference between Lead Lab Engineer vs Lab Technician?

AspectLead Lab EngineerLab Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications in lab managementAssociate's or Bachelor's in related field, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and improve lab processes; lead projectsPerform routine tests, maintain equipment, support lab operations
Industry UsageUsed in engineering, manufacturing, R&D sectorsCommon in healthcare, quality control, manufacturing

The Lead Lab Engineer typically holds advanced degrees and manages lab projects, while the Lab Technician focuses on executing tests and maintaining equipment. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in responsibilities and seniority.

Infographic showing various Lead Lab Engineer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,966 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer I

Silver Spring, MD • On-site, Remote

Rocket Lab Corporation
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Rocket Lab Corporationexternal

$108K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

As a Mechanical Engineer at Rocket Lab's Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will lead development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from project concepting through production implementation on aggressive timelines. This facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms. Rocket Lab's commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard-working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge, and have each other's backs. Join a driven team that's tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Lead schedule-aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineer
  • Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEA
  • Lead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
  • Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans
  • Support constant incremental improvements to the development team's engineering approach and best practices
  • Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users
  • Own development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings
  • Mentor other engineers
  • Support business development proposals and custom SOWs
  • Support travel or off-site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field
  • 5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
  • CAD and FEA proficiency
  • Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
  • Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • MS in relevant engineering field
  • Proficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA software
  • Strong task management, communication and problem solving skills
  • Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)
$100,000—$137,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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