Scientific Instrumentation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a talented Electronics Design Engineer who will play a critical role in designing, developing, and integrating electronic systems for cutting-edge projects. This position requires a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment and can oversee designs through the entire lifecycle—from concept to manufacturing, assembly, and testing. The ideal candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality solutions for flight missions.

• Design and develop electronic circuits from the component perspective, including power systems, amplifiers, DACs, high-speed digital, and mixed signal designs.
• Design and develop intra-system harnessing.
• Integrate cameras, lasers, data storage, computational systems, and science instrumentation into designs.
• Modify and adapt designs to meet specific mission requirements for computational camera systems.
• Utilize Altium Designer for circuit design and PSPICE for simulation.
• Collaborate with external vendors for PCB fabrication and perform board population as needed.
• Conduct functional testing, troubleshooting, and assembly of electronic systems.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including schematics, BOMs, and test procedures.
• Work closely with manufacturing and assembly teams to ensure seamless manufacturing and delivery.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, scientists, and engineers across avionics, software, thermal/structural, and mechanical design teams.
• Occasionally support overtime efforts to meet delivery deadlines for flight missions.
• Engage with scientists, project managers, and chief engineers to ensure mission success.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers from the Electronics Systems Branch, including avionics leads, FPGA designers, and electronic designers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in electronic design and development.
• Proficiency in Altium Designer and PSPICE simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of power electronics, EMI/EMC considerations, signal integrity, high-speed digital, and mixed signal circuit principles.
• Hands-on experience with circuit design, simulation, and integration.
• Familiarity with manufacturing and assembly processes for electronic systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Experience with electronic hardware design and parts selection.
• Familiarity with PCB fabrication processes and board population.
• Strong integration skills, particularly with cameras, lasers, data storage, computational systems, and science instrumentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot, test, and characterize electronic systems.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment, such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers.
• Prior experience with spaceflight hardware is a plus, but not required.
• Knowledge of Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume Surface Studies (SCALPSS) systems and their modifications for various missions is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

This position supports the Research, Science and Engineering Services (RSES) contract at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. The role requires onsite presence 5 days a week at NASA Langley.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hampton, VA.

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $140000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Hampton,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.