Research and Development Engineer - Electrical - 1654

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc.; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a defense R&D leader located in Cypress, CA. We seek a hands‑on R&D Engineer to drive experimental work, prototype hardware, and system testing within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s in engineering, strong problem‑solving, and comfort with lab environments, CAD tools, and MATLAB. On‑site role offering comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline; GPA 3.5+ required.
• 0 to 5 years applicable experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• US citizen with ability to obtain DoD Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Perform experiments and analyses; build proof‑of‑concept hardware.
• Design, fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test prototype systems.
• Support and work within small or large R&D teams.

Skills

Solid principles

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

MS Office

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering

GPA 3.5+

Tools

SolidWorks

OrCAD

MATLAB

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Research and Development Engineer - Electrical - 1654

Full Time Cypress, CA, US

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We are world leaders in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Signal Processing; partnering with our customers to address real world problems with cost effective solutions... that work.

The Artificial Perception and Threat Awareness (APTA) division at Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is making the future of Aerospace and Autonomy happen now, with a charter to create new and emerging sensor perception technologies for Commercial & Military markets. Our innovative technologies include RF, optical and acoustic sensors enabled with innovative embedded algorithms, machine learning and robust networking.

The APTA division is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Research and Development Engineer to support research & development (R&D) as well as product prototyping and low-rate production efforts in Cypress, CA. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with other talented engineers, software developers, physicists, and technicians on varied programs supporting government agencies, their contractors, and commercial entities. The selectee will have the freedom to exercise their initiative, adaptability, drive, and of course, engineering skills in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

The R&D Engineer will be a part of small R&D and/or product development teams – helping to bring ideas and theories to practice and then to physical reality. This is a hands‑on job that will have you in the lab or workshop as much as you are on the computer. As part of R&D efforts, you will perform experiments, analyses, and design/build proof of concept hardware to demonstrate feasibility in practice. On product development teams, you will design, fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test prototype or low-rate production systems to meet customer or business needs. In either capacity, the R&D Engineer will support and embrace the roles and responsibilities defined by program leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

• Creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation


• Using and continually developing technical skills


• Working with Functional Management to ensure continuity of training, tasking, and assignments


• Performing other related duties as assigned


• Solid knowledge of engineering principles


• Critical thinking and problem solving


• Strong analytical skills


• Good judgement


• Independence and self‑motivation


• Ability to work effectively within large and small teams

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline (i.e., mechanical, electrical, software, aerospace, etc.)
  
  
  
  • GPA 3.5 or higher
  
  
  
  


• 0 to 5 years applicable experience


• Physical ability to assemble and manipulate small electronic and mechanical assemblies, as appropriate


• Physical ability to work with laboratory and test equipment, as appropriate


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Experience with Microsoft Office tool suite


• US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance


• May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds


• Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well‑lighted, and well‑ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in an engineering discipline or physics
  
  
  
  • GPA 3.5 or higher
  
  
  
  


• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software


• Experience with OrCAD or similar electronic design tool


• MATLAB experience


• Conversant in some of the following subjects: Mechanical design, Electrical and Electronic design & operation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Signal Processing algorithms, Electromagnetic/Radio Frequency/Acoustic phenomenology

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs


• Discretionary Employee bonuses


• 401(k) match/profit sharing


• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on‑site, unless indicated otherwise.

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.