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Phd Electrical Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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.

Hardware Technologies PhD Internships

Washington, DC · On-site

$139K - $184K/yr

Pursuing a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, or related field of study.

Showing results 41-60

Phd Electrical Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$52.2K

$114.8K

$173.7K

How much do phd electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd electrical engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $114,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $136,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Phd Electrical Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Phd Electrical Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Electrical Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Electrical Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Phd Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Phd Electrical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Electrical Engineer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $114,843 per year, or $55.2 per hour.

Electrical Engineer Level 3/4 - Electrical Ground Support Equipment - Dulles

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As an Electrical Ground Support Equipment Engineer - Level 3 or Level 4 located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
In this role you will be responsible for developing hardware and software for automated ground support test equipment to validate flight hardware. You will work closely with expert hardware and software engineers to understand component and satellite designs and create test set solutions that effectively and efficiently test them. You will also interface with the subsystem engineers to obtain design requirements. Early on, there will software development work that requires scripting and automation of instruments to perform test sequences according to a test plan. The next phase will be spent in a lab performing integration with the UUT, and troubleshooting any problems with the automated test suites.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Working with the Cognizant Engineer and Test Engineer of the flight Hardware to obtain the Hardware Unit Under Test (UUT) Specification Requirements.
  • Developing requirements for testing of space vehicle components or UUT
  • Working closely with the spacecraft UUT Design Engineer to ensure the component test equipment (CTE)/ automated test equipment (ATE) system will validate the circuit cards and/or electronics box under all test environments
  • Work with the Test Engineer to develop the test plan for the UUT hardware environmental requirements.
  • Generate review material and support design reviews for the test equipment in development.
  • Hardware design of component test equipment (CTE) and automated test equipment (ATE) to test space vehicle components
  • Be responsible for ensuring that the technical requirements, cost, and schedule for the CTE/ATE system development is achieved
  • As part of a design team, be responsible for the end-to-end design, debug, test, and certification of CTE/ATE system
  • Have the responsibility for the documentation development and release of the CTE/ATE system
  • Generate Certification Test Procedures
  • Support of the test and debug for flight and non-flight spacecraft electronic circuit card assemblies (CCA) and boxes
  • To be successful in this role you should have:
  • Experience designing test hardware
  • Fundamental understanding of electrical circuit schematics
  • Working knowledge of Visio, CREO, and/or other mechanical design packages
  • Good communication skills
  • Experience working in a team
  • Experience leading junior engineers
  • Experience documenting and developing cable drawings/wiring diagrams
  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) as well as obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding prior to start date.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 5 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of professional experience.
  • No clearance required to start
  • US Citizenship
  • Proficiency in an industry standard Programming Language (LabVIEW, C/C++LabWindows CVI, etc.) Position will require being able to create/code projects independently.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience.
  • No clearance required to start
  • US Citizenship
  • Proficiency in an industry standard Programming Language (LabVIEW, C/C++LabWindows CVI, etc.) Position will require being able to create/code projects independently.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Experience developing instrument drivers and test scripts for use in ATE/CTE
  • Strong programming skills using LabVIEW, and LabWindows CVI and/or C/C++
  • Experience developing test application software to interface with test equipment COTS along with instrument drivers
  • Experience in the test and debug of hardware and software systems
  • A fundamental understanding of general and specialized test equipment to include Signal Generators, Logic Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, DMMs, switching matrices, loads and Power equipment.
  • Experience working in an AGILE/SCRUM environment and adherence with meeting schedule commitments

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939