Senior Staff Electrical Engineer

Herndon, Virginia
Job TypeDirect Hire

Confidential Opportunity

Senior Staff Electrical Engineer

Top Engineer

Senior Staff Electrical Engineer opportunity in Herndon, Virginia, with a confidential employer at the forefront of defense and aerospace technology. Work on electro-optical systems that support critical NASA and DoD missions while collaborating with a supportive, expert team. This role is designed for a hands-on engineer ready to drive innovation from concept to field testing.

Role Snapshot

CompanyConfidential Employer
LocationHerndon, Virginia, USA
IndustryDefense
CompensationDOE
Employment TypeFull Time/Direct Hire
Remote StatusNo Remote
Total Openings1
Work Experience10 - 20 years

Opportunity

This is a rare chance to join a dynamic R&D team that is pushing the boundaries of laser technology. Your work will directly support critical missions in aerospace and defense, with projects that vary from quick-turn developments to long-term strategic initiatives. Every day will bring new technical challenges and the satisfaction of seeing your designs come to life in the lab and in the field.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, verifying, and upgrading the electronics that power advanced electro-optical systems. From circuit board development and firmware programming to cable design and full system integration, your contributions will be essential. You will work with state-of-the-art lab equipment and collaborate with a cross-functional team to solve complex problems that have real-world impact.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with 10 to 20 years of experience and a BSEE degree. You bring deep expertise in circuit board design, integration, and troubleshooting, and you are equally comfortable with firmware development and embedded systems. You thrive in an environment where you can own both the big picture and the smallest technical details, and you are eager to contribute to projects that demand innovation and reliability.

If you are looking for a role where your work makes a visible difference, and where you can collaborate with senior leadership while maintaining autonomy, this is the place for you. The team culture values work-life balance and provides the support you need to succeed. Step into a position where your engineering skills will shape the future of aerospace laser systems. Apply today and start the conversation about how you can be part of this exciting journey.

Non-Negotiables

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or be clearable for security clearance
  • You hold a BSEE degree and have 10 to 20 years of applicable work experience
  • You have extensive, proven experience with circuit board design, integration, and troubleshooting
  • You are comfortable working hands-on and are willing to participate in field tests and experiments
  • You are proficient with electrical lab equipment as part of embedded system development

What's In It For You

  • Work on groundbreaking laser technology that serves NASA and DoD missions
  • Join a collaborative team where your expertise is valued and your autonomy is encouraged
  • Enjoy a manageable workload with the support of both your team and senior leadership
  • Tackle a variety of projects, from quick-turn to long-term, keeping your work fresh and engaging
  • Grow your skills with hands-on involvement in the full development lifecycle, from design to field testing
  • Be part of a company culture that emphasizes work-life balance and professional growth
  • Make a tangible impact on the aerospace industry by bringing uncharted research to life

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop circuit boards, firmware (FPGA and CPU), and cable/harness systems for electro-optical products
  • Integrate and test electronics at the board and system level, troubleshooting any issues that arise
  • Upgrade existing electronics in electro-optical systems to meet new requirements and improve performance
  • Use electrical lab equipment to support embedded system development and verification
  • Work on multiple concurrent projects, balancing short-term, quick-turn tasks with long-term strategic developments
  • Document design processes, test results, and technical specifications thoroughly
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team and leverage senior leadership support to achieve project goals

Preferred Qualifications

  • An MSEE degree is highly valued for this role
  • Experience developing hi-rel military and/or space-flight electronics gives you a competitive edge
  • You have a strong background in FPGA/CPLD design, simulation, and troubleshooting
  • Embedded CPU/Microcontroller firmware development, integration, and troubleshooting experience is a plus
  • Familiarity with LIDAR systems will set you apart as a top candidate
  • You are comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment with shifting priorities
  • You bring a proactive mindset and are eager to take ownership of technical decisions

From Hire Perspectives

Understand the signals behind engineering hiring.

Hire Perspectives helps engineers and engineering employers understand the hidden signals behind hiring, career movement, technical credibility, and talent decisions.

Explore Hire Perspectives →

Ready for the Next Step?

Apply Today if this role fits your background and the kind of engineering work you want to own next.

Top Engineer

Drag & Drop Resume

(PNG, JPEG, PDF, DOC, TXT)

Yes
No
Do you consent to receiving text messages related to employment opportunities from Top Engineer at this number?

Message & data rates may apply to all numbers allowed to receive messages

Message frequency varies. Text STOP to opt-out or HELP for assistance