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Low Observable Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Export Integration Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$159K - $230K/yr

Demonstrated knowledge of Low Observable / Counter-Low Observable (LO/CLO) LO/CLO aircraft programs and systems * Experience must include support to Special Access Program and Sensitive Compartmented ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Export Integration Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$159.60 - $266.50/hr

Demonstrated knowledge of Low Observable / Counter-Low Observable (LO/CLO) LO/CLO aircraft programs and systems * Experience must include support to Special Access Program and Sensitive Compartmented ...

Armada Ltd

Export Integration Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

Demonstrated knowledge of Low Observable / Counter-Low Observable (LO/CLO) LO/CLO aircraft programs and systemsOther duties as assigned Minimum/General Experience:At least 10 years of relevant work ...

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All JobsLow Observable JobsLow Observable Jobs in Reston, VA

Low Observable information

What is a low observable?

A Low Observable (LO) job involves the design, maintenance, and application of stealth technology to reduce an aircraft or vehicle's radar, infrared, and acoustic signature. Professionals in this field work with specialized coatings, materials, and shaping techniques to improve survivability and mission effectiveness. They may perform inspections, repairs, and upgrades to ensure stealth capabilities remain intact. LO specialists often work in aerospace or defense industries, supporting military aircraft like the F-22, F-35, and B-2 bomber.

What are the typical responsibilities of a low observable technician or engineer?

Low Observable professionals are primarily responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining stealth surfaces and structures on aircraft, using specialized tools and processes to minimize radar signatures. A typical day may involve performing hands-on composite repairs, applying radar-absorbent materials, conducting surface inspections, or verifying LO performance metrics. These roles require close collaboration with engineers, maintenance teams, and quality assurance personnel to ensure mission-readiness and compliance with strict security protocols. This environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented, offering opportunities to work with advanced technology and contribute to the cutting edge of aerospace defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the low observable position?

Excelling as a Low Observable (LO) technician or engineer requires a strong background in materials science, physics, or aerospace engineering, along with hands-on experience in composite fabrication and radar-absorbing materials. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, non-destructive inspection equipment, and certifications like NDT Level II or certifications specific to LO technologies are often essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work collaboratively in classified or team-based environments are highly valued soft skills. These qualifications and skills are crucial for ensuring the integrity and performance of stealth technology on advanced military aircraft and assets.

What job categories do people searching Low Observable jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Low Observable jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Low Observable jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Low Observable job openings:

Low Observable jobs near you
Infographic showing various Low Observable job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Staff Engineer, Survivability Materials

Shield AI

Washington, DC • On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we are building intelligent autonomous aircraft designed to operate and survive in highly contested environments. We are seeking a Survivability Materials Engineer to lead the selection, qualification, specification, and production implementation of low-observable and signature-control materials for next-generation autonomous aircraft.


This role is ideal for an engineer with experience in radar-absorbing materials, specialty coatings, electromagnetic material characterization, and aerospace manufacturing processes. You will work across survivability analysis, design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and sustainment teams to ensure material solutions meet signature-performance requirements while remaining producible, inspectable, durable, and supportable throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

What you'll do:
  • Conduct material surveys and evaluate radar-absorbing materials, conductive materials, dielectric materials, specialty coatings, adhesives, sealants, and other survivability-related material systems.
  • Develop and maintain a survivability materials database containing performance, cost, supplier, part-number, availability, application, and sustainment information.
  • Partner with survivability analysis, design, manufacturing, and program teams to down-select materials based on signature performance, durability, producibility, weight, cost, and supply-chain risk.
  •  Develop material qualification plans and oversee electromagnetic, electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental testing.
  • Establish and maintain laboratory capabilities for material characterization, process development, receiving inspection, and production verification.
  • Provide hands-on production support for material application, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, supplier coordination, and sustainment.
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering, low-observable materials, electromagnetic materials, specialty coatings, or a related field.
  • Working knowledge of radar-absorbing materials, conductive coatings, dielectric materials, adhesives, sealants, or specialty surface treatments.
  • Understanding of how complex permittivity, complex permeability, conductivity, and thickness affect electromagnetic and radar-signature performance.
  • Experience with material characterization, laboratory testing, production inspection, or supplier qualification.
  • U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience developing or qualifying radar-absorbing materials, low-observable coatings, structural RAM, conductive treatments, or signature-control appliques.
  • Experience measuring electromagnetic material properties using free-space, waveguide, coaxial, resonant-cavity, or reflectivity-based test methods.
  • Familiarity with vector network analyzers, free-space measurement systems, conductivity equipment, coating-thickness instruments, environmental chambers, and mechanical test equipment.
  •  Active Secret, Top Secret, or SCI security clearance.
$170,000 - $250,000 a year
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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