Engineering Associate

Socket.dev; Purcellville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Technology in Purcellville, VA is seeking an Engineering Associate to build and test hardware deployed on missions, learning how designs translate into working systems and troubleshooting issues on the fly.

You will work with senior engineers to develop robust manufacturing processes, documenting and improving build procedures. A BS in EE/Mech and hands-on assembly experience are required; ability to obtain Secret clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with electrical or mechanical assembly - coursework labs, internships, or personal projects count.
• Comfort reading schematics, drawings, or assembly documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to be corrected - mentorship-focused role.

Responsibilities

• Assemble electrical and/or mechanical subsystems per work instructions and drawings.
• Perform functional testing and troubleshoot defects, escalate design issues.
• Support development/refinement of work instructions, test procedures, and fixtures.
• Document build issues, deviations, and non-conformances accurately.

Skills

Hands-on assembly

Reading schematics/drawings

Attention to detail

Education

BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Engineering Associate

Company: Defense-technology company (name shared under NDA) Location: Purcellville, Virginia Type: Full-time Compensation: $90,000 to $110,000 annually (includes excellent benefits, profit sharing, and potential equity) Clearance: Ability to obtain Secret Citizenship/Work Authorization: U.S. Person

Confidential Search · Defense Technology

Confidential search. The hiring company's identity is shared with candidates under NDA.

About the Client

A defense-technology company building mission-ready sensor and edge hardware, where every system that reaches the field starts on an assembly bench.

About the Role

As an Associate Engineer, you'll work hands‑on building and testing the hardware that gets deployed for operations - learning how designs translate into working systems, troubleshooting build issues in real time, and developing the fundamentals that senior engineers build their careers on. This is a role for someone who wants to learn by building, not just by reading a datasheet.

Responsibilities

• Assemble electrical and/or mechanical subsystems (harnesses, PCBAs, enclosures, fixtures) according to work instructions and engineering drawings
• Perform functional testing and troubleshoot assembly-level defects, escalating design‑related issues to senior engineers
• Support development and refinement of work instructions, test procedures, and assembly fixtures as products evolve
• Document build issues, deviations, and non‑conformances accurately and consistently
• Work directly with senior engineers to understand root cause on recurring build issues, building toward independent judgment over time
• Support small‑batch builds across multiple product lines as production schedules require

Requirements

Must-Haves

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (new grads welcome)
• Hands‑on experience with electrical or mechanical assembly - coursework labs, internships, or personal projects count
• Comfort reading schematics, drawings, or assembly documentation
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to be corrected - this role is built around active mentorship, not solo work

Nice-to-Haves

• Internship or co‑op experience in a hardware/manufacturing environment
• Experience with hand tools, soldering, crimping, or mechanical fixturing
• Exposure to defense, aerospace, or other regulated hardware industries

Compensation & Benefits

• Health coverage, fully covered - premiums paid 100% for you and your dependents
• 401(k) with company contribution - a 4% contribution on your behalf regardless of your own contribution level
• Unlimited PTO - average employee takes 3-4 weeks
• Annual profit sharing - when the company wins, you share in it directly

Process

• This is a confidential search. An NDA is required before the company's identity and full role details are shared. We screen for interest at a high level first, then read candidates in once an NDA is in place.

This position supports U.S. Government‑related work. Applicants must be U.S. persons. The hiring company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.