Electrical Engineer

Actalent; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Electrical Engineer to join a cutting-edge space and security systems team in Herndon, VA. You will design, test, and integrate digital and analog hardware for government customers, including small satellites, with hands-on lab work and collaboration across disciplines.

The role requires hardware development, I&T, RF/FPGA experience, and the ability to lead tasks while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master, or PhD in engineering from an accredited institution.
• Six+ years of progressive engineering experience with a bachelor's degree.
• Experience with satellite programs and satellite buses.
• Proficiency in the C programming language for embedded systems.
• FPGA development and RF knowledge are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test digital and analog hardware including PCB layout and board-level testing.
• Create and debug high-density circuitry for sensing, data manipulation, and electro-mechanical control.
• Perform hands-on I&T of electronics hardware and embedded systems with lab tools.
• Design, develop, and test RF electronics and FPGA firmware as required.
• Plan for engineering solutions and ensure proper documentation, testing, and safety standards.

Skills

PCB layout

I&T experience

Logic analyzers

High-density PCBs

Embedded systems

RF electronics

FPGA development

C programming

Linux

Education

Bachelors/Master/PhD in engineering

Job description

Job Title: Electrical Engineer Space and Security Systems

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for an Electrical Engineer to join a cutting-edge group focused on delivering innovative security and space-based solutions for government customers. You will design, develop, and test advanced digital and analog hardware, including small, high-density circuit boards used in spacecraft payloads, unique systems, and embedded applications. The position involves hands-on work in a laboratory environment, contributing to highly integrated, power-constrained electronics for small satellite and national security systems, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic, startup-like setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement digital and analog hardware, including schematic design, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and board-level functional testing.
• Create and debug small, high-density circuitry that performs sensing, digital data manipulation, and electro-mechanical control functions.
• Conduct hands-on integration and test (I&T) of electronics hardware and embedded systems, using schematics, logic analyzers, and other laboratory tools as primary debugging aids.
• Design, develop, implement, and test RF electronics and/or FPGA firmware as required by project needs.
• Formulate long-term plans for engineering solutions, including development, documentation, deployment, and adherence to applicable compliance, reporting, and safety standards.
• Evaluate the integration of engineering solutions within broader system architectures, ensuring proper documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates are completed.
• Determine technical objectives and approaches for advanced engineering problems, providing sound technical judgment and innovative solutions.
• Plan for future applications of solutions by tracking and leveraging new developments in engineering technologies and methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams working on spacecraft payloads, satellite systems, ground control, embedded software, and cyber capabilities to deliver integrated solutions.
• Represent the organization as a prime technical contact with internal stakeholders, customers, and government representatives, providing clear technical communication and presentations.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to less experienced engineers to support project execution and professional development.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and classified information in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Work safely and consistently follow established operating procedures, laboratory practices, and safety guidelines.
• Perform other engineering duties as assigned to support evolving program and customer requirements.

Essential Skills

• Comfort and proficiency with PCB layout and the design, development, and debugging of small circuitry used for sensing, digital data manipulation, and electro-mechanical control.
• Hands-on integration and test (I&T) experience, including strong proficiency working with schematics and laboratory testing of electronics hardware and embedded systems.
• Experience using logic analyzers and associated laboratory tools as primary debugging aids for electronic circuits and embedded platforms.
• At least 3 years of professional, hands-on engineering experience (excluding internships or academic projects), with a maximum of approximately 710 years of experience for this role.
• Experience with high-density circuit board design and implementation.
• Demonstrated detailed and extensive technical expertise in applying engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice to complex systems.
• Ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate engineering workloads to meet established deadlines and milestones.
• Experience providing some level of project leadership, including coordinating tasks and contributing to technical direction.
• Ability to quickly understand new concepts and technologies and apply them effectively in an evolving environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with other departments, customers, government representatives, and technical professionals.
• Capability to represent the organization as a primary technical contact on projects and programs.
• Ability to provide technical leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Strict adherence to handling sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree, masters degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Typical experience guidelines: six or more years of progressive engineering experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD; equivalent engineering experience may substitute for formal education.
• Experience with satellite programs, including exposure to the design, integration, and test of satellite buses.
• Basic understanding of launch and flight operations of space vehicles.
• Experience designing, developing, and debugging small circuitry for sensing, digital data manipulation, and electro-mechanical control in space or defense-related applications.
• Proficiency in the C programming language is highly desired for working with embedded systems.
• Experience with RF circuitry and RF engineering principles is a plus.
• Strongly desired experience with FPGA development, including firmware design, implementation, and verification.
• Experience with software development in a Linux operating system environment is desired.
• Familiarity with small satellite electronics, including power-constrained and highly integrated systems, is advantageous.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-focused environment that emphasizes creative problem solving and non-traditional engineering approaches.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Herndon, VA, five days per week, within a 9/80 work schedule that provides every other Friday off. The role is embedded in a highly innovative group that operates with a startup-like culture while supporting large, complex defense and space programs. You will work in a laboratory-centric environment with regular hands-on interaction with electronics hardware, test equipment, and embedded systems, including logic analyzers and other diagnostic tools. The team focuses on small satellite electronics, spacecraft payloads, and advanced security systems, offering exposure to cutting-edge technologies in digital, analog, RF, and FPGA-based designs. The environment encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, creative problem solving, and rapid iteration, allowing engineers to see the direct impact of their work rather than being a small part of a large, segmented process. Standard professional attire suitable for an engineering office and laboratory setting is expected, with additional safety-related attire or equipment used as required by specific lab activities and procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Herndon, VA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $99500.00 - $170750.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Herndon, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Herndon, VA.

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 [e-mail] 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.