Job Title: Senior Electrical EngineerJob Description
The Senior Electrical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and integration of advanced electrical systems supporting unmanned and autonomous platforms, including aerial and surface vehicles. This role leads the development of critical electrical subsystems such as power distribution, avionics integration, control systems, and communications hardware. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Senior Electrical Engineer ensures electrical systems meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives. The position collaborates closely with aerospace, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust electrical architectures that support rapid prototyping, scalable production, and mission readiness. This role serves as a technical leader and mentor, contributing to engineering best practices while helping advance next-generation unmanned and autonomous systems.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of electrical subsystems for UAVs and USVs, including power distribution, control systems, communications hardware, and sensor integration.
Contribute to electrical system architecture and integration across vehicle platforms.
Design and proto@type electrical components and assemblies, including PCBs, harnessing, and embedded control systems.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, aerospace, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless system integration.
Conduct electrical analysis, simulation, and testing to validate performance, reliability, and safety.
Support rapid prototyping and iterative design cycles to accelerate system development.
Troubleshoot electrical systems during bench testing, integration, and field operations.
Evaluate and select components to balance performance, cost, availability, and supply chain resilience.
Support development of manufacturing processes for electrical systems, including PCB fabrication, assembly, and testing.
Participate in design reviews, technical planning, and system integration efforts across multiple programs.
Mentor junior engineers and support development of electrical engineering standards and documentation.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on designing electrical systems for complex systems, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry.
Proven track record of successfully leading design and prototyping projects for electrical systems.
Strong understanding of power distribution, system shielding, antennas, radio links, control systems, communication protocols, and sensor integration.
Experience with CAD software for electrical design and simulation tools.
Familiarity with advanced manufacturing techniques, such as PCB manufacturing, electronic assembly, and testing.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to travel (domestic and internationally).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Solid Edge CAD software.
Experience in thermal loading analysis, determining the need for heat sinks or fans.
Strong skills in designing circuits for phasing and determining component specifications.
Work Environment
The work environment offers flexible work hours and a 9/80 work week schedule. The team consists of one Senior mechanical engineer, one mid-level mechanical engineer, and four engineers. Engineers are trusted with real technical ownership and creative freedom, operating outside of constant customer oversight. Teams have direct access to advanced tools and technology-such as in-house 3D printing-and can quickly secure the resources they need without supply-chain delays.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Rockville, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $84.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Rockville,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 22, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
