Electrical Engineer | 4-days onsite in Sterling, VA | 150k - 180k/yr | 12-month contract-to-hire
Job Description
We are seeking multiple Electrical Engineers to support the custom design of advanced electronic systems as they transition from early proto@types into manufacturable products. This role is ideal for engineers with a strong hands-on foundation who want to expand their technical ownership, work on more complex designs, and grow within a fast-paced hardware development environment. You will help evolve systems that began as proof-of-concept or COTS-heavy designs into tightly integrated, custom electronic solutions that support U.S. and international defense and security initiatives, with a strong emphasis on reliability, performance, and production readiness.
Responsibilities
Contribute to the custom electrical design and redesign of complex digital, power, and mixed-signal systems.
Support the transition of proto@type hardware into manufacturable, production-ready designs.
Develop and modify schematics under the guidance of experienced engineers, taking on increasing ownership of subsystems over time.
Assist with COTS component evaluation and integration, and support redesign efforts to replace external modules with custom hardware.
Participate in PCB design activities, including stack-up reviews, signal integrity considerations, and power integrity analysis.
Support power electronics design efforts, including DC-DC and AC-DC conversion circuits.
Assist with hardware bring-up, debugging, and lab testing using standard electronic instrumentation.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and program teams to ensure cohesive system development.
Document designs, test results, and engineering changes clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
Contribute to creating cutting-edge counter-UAS systems that support military, state, and local security operations worldwide.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
5+ years of electrical engineering experience in hardware product development.
Experience supporting custom board-level designs rather than strictly system integration roles.
Working knowledge of schematic capture for digital, analog, and power circuits.
Exposure to FPGA-based systems (such as Xilinx or similar), particularly at the interface level.
Foundational understanding of PCB stack-ups and layout considerations.
Foundational understanding of signal integrity and power integrity principles.
Foundational understanding of EMI/EMC fundamentals.
Hands-on experience with PCB design and schematic capture tools.
Ability to perform board-level debugging and support system bring-up in a lab environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with power electronics, including buck, boost, and LDO regulators.
Experience with low to mid-power DC-DC conversion and familiarity with higher-power AC-DC systems.
Experience debugging board-level issues and supporting system integration efforts.
Experience in defense, aerospace, ISR, sensors, communications, or advanced R&D environments.
Experience working on products that successfully moved from proto@type to production.
Familiarity with ruggedized or regulated hardware environments.
Comfort working in environments with changing requirements and evolving designs.
Interest in developing counter-UAS systems that enhance safety at large-scale events and support global security initiatives.
Work Environment
During the contracting phase, you may work remotely, with occasional travel to the primary engineering site for several days every one to two months. Upon conversion to a permanent role, you will relocate to the Washington, DC area and work on-site full time, with relocation costs covered. You will operate in a fast-paced hardware development environment focused on advanced electronic systems, including PCB design, schematic capture, FPGA-based interfaces, and power electronics such as DC-DC and AC-DC conversion. The work centers on developing rugged, production-ready counter-UAS hardware used by military, state, and local agencies, as well as in major international events and challenging operational environments. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and hands-on lab work with standard electronic test equipment are integral parts of the day-to-day environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $90.00/hr.
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.
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 hybrid position in Sterling,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
