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Phd Electrical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead / Sr Digital Design Electrical Engineer II

Sterling, VA

$103K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's, Master's, pr PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field. * Proven experience in electrical design and system integration for complex hardware products-ideally in cUAS, Satcom, defense ...

Sr. Digital Design Electrical Engineer I

Sterling, VA · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's, Master's, pr PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field. * Proven experience in electrical design and system integration for complex hardware products-ideally in cUAS, Satcom, defense ...

Lead / Sr Digital Design Electrical Engineer II

Sterling, VA · On-site

$128K - $205K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's, Master's, pr PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field. * Proven experience in electrical design and system integration for complex hardware products-ideally in cUAS, Satcom, defense ...

Our client is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community ... electrical lab equipment as part of embedded system development. Bonus Areas: MSEE or PhD.

PhD Engineer (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is engaging PhD-level Engineers in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical disciplines to contribute to a ...

Showing results 41-60

Phd Electrical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$50.1K

$110.1K

$166.6K

How much do phd electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd electrical engineer in Virginia is $110,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a PhD electrical engineer do?

A PhD Electrical Engineer conducts advanced research, designs, and develops electrical systems or components, often pushing the boundaries of technology. They may work in academia, leading research projects and teaching, or in industry, developing innovative solutions for complex engineering problems. Their expertise is critical in areas like communications, power systems, electronics, and signal processing. PhD-level engineers also contribute to scientific publications and may secure patents for new inventions.

What is the difference between Phd Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectPhd Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsDesign, development, and testing in industry or construction
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, high-tech companiesManufacturers, utility companies, consulting firms

The main difference between a Phd Electrical Engineer and an Electrical Engineer lies in their education level and typical work environment. A Phd Electrical Engineer usually holds a doctoral degree and focuses on research, development, and advanced problem-solving, often in academia or R&D. In contrast, an Electrical Engineer typically has a bachelor's or master's degree and works on practical design, implementation, and maintenance in industry settings.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD electrical engineers when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

PhD Electrical Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, aligning research expertise with immediate business needs, and working within multidisciplinary teams. Unlike academic environments that may prioritize theoretical advances, industry roles usually focus on practical applications, product development, and measurable outcomes. Building strong communication skills and learning to collaborate with professionals from non-engineering backgrounds can help ease this transition and foster career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD electrical engineer?

To thrive as a PhD Electrical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in electrical engineering principles, research methodologies, and a doctoral degree in the field. Proficiency with simulation software (such as MATLAB or SPICE), programming languages, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with experience in publishing academic research. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you excel in both collaborative and independent research environments. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, advancing technology, and contributing valuable insights in both academic and industry settings.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Phd Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Phd Electrical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Electrical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $110,138 per year, or $53 per hour.

Lead / Sr Digital Design Electrical Engineer II

Axon

Sterling, VA

$103K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Axon rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Your Impact: 

Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting-edge of innovation.
Sr. Electrical Engineers at Dedrone have full design ownership over nextgeneration cUAS technology from conceptualization through production, and their work is highly visible to senior executives. Our passionate leadership and crossfunctional collaboration with product managers, mechanical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing teams is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come.
This role emphasizes electrical system architecture, schematic/circuit design, PCB design, RF and power systems design, and systemlevel test and verification. The ideal candidate will have strong handson experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, mixedsignal design, embedded firmware, and designing for rugged/regulated environments.

Location: Onsite at our offices in Sterling, VA

What You'll Do

  • Architect and design complex mixed signal electrical systems with a focus on modularity, performance, and ruggedized operation, supporting development of cUAS systems.
  • Lead end-to-end development of scalable hardware platforms integrating high-speed digital designs (including FPGA-based architectures), analog sensor interfaces, and high-integrity power delivery systems.
  • Lead schematic design, owning detailed component selection and schematic development from concept through implementation.
  • Oversee PCB layout to ensure proper implementation of design intent, with focus on signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC performance, for high-speed and power dense systems.
  • Own electrical analysis in an R&D-focused role, using simulation as needed to validate signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC performance, and thermal behavior to ensure robust first-pass hardware performance.
  • Collaborate regularly with domestic and international stakeholders across engineering, product, and program teams.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's, Master's, pr PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Proven experience in electrical design and system integration for complex hardware products-ideally in cUAS, Satcom, defense, robotics, or wireless systems.
  • Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium)
  • Expertise in digital, power, and RF Engineering, including software defined radios and mixed signal hardware development.
  • Solid understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC mitigation techniques, and relevant test/qualification methods.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Excellent communication skills to collaborate with crossfunctional teams and present technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fastpaced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity.

Work Location

This role is based out of our Sterling Office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.

Benefits that Benefit You 

  • Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
  • Discretionary paid time off
  • Paid parental leave for all
  • Medical, Dental, Vision plans
  • Fitness Programs
  • Emotional & Mental Wellness support
  • Learning & Development programs
  • And yes, we have snacks in our offices 

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