Senior Staff Electrical Engineer

Confidential Opportunity
Senior Staff Electrical Engineer
Senior Staff Electrical Engineer opportunity in Herndon, Virginia, with a confidential employer, offers hands-on leadership in electro-optical systems for critical government programs. This direct-hire role comes with a generous salary range, comprehensive benefits, and relocation support. You will drive hardware design from concept through field testing, working in a collaborative R&D environment.
Role Snapshot
CompanyConfidential Employer
LocationHerndon, Virginia, USA
IndustryDefense
Compensation$150,000 - $190,000 per year
Employment TypeFull Time/Direct Hire
Remote StatusNo Remote
Total Openings1
Work Experience10 - 20 years
Opportunity
This role represents a rare chance to shape the future of laser and electro-optical technology from a hands-on engineering leadership position. In the heart of northern Virginia's tech corridor, you'll join a team where your expertise directly influences systems that NASA and the Department of Defense count on. Every day, your work will bridge the gap between theoretical research and field-ready hardware, making your contributions both tangible and strategically important.
You will own the complete electronics design cycle, from circuit board development and FPGA programming to system integration and field testing. Your designs will power LIDAR and other advanced electro-optical payloads that support space exploration and national security. The variety of projects-from rapid prototypes to multi-year developments-keeps the work stimulating, while the on-site, lab-based environment ensures you remain closely connected to the physical behavior of the hardware.
The engineer who excels here brings a BSEE, over a decade of relevant experience, and a genuine curiosity for analog and digital circuitry. You are equally at home debugging a PCB in the lab as you are verifying firmware for an embedded controller. You value autonomy but also appreciate a strong support network of seasoned colleagues and senior leaders who are invested in your success. U.S. citizenship is required, and you're ready to contribute to programs that demand the highest standards of reliability.
This is a direct-hire position offering a salary of $150,000 to $190,000, full benefits, and paid relocation to the Herndon area. The workload is intentionally manageable so you can focus on doing great engineering rather than just meeting endless deadlines. If you're ready to apply your senior-level skills to projects that matter, and to grow your expertise in an R&D environment that encourages curiosity and ownership, we invite you to take the next step. Apply today to start a conversation about how your experience can elevate the next generation of electro-optical systems.
Non-Negotiables

• You must hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with at least 10 to 20 years of applicable professional experience
• You must have demonstrated expertise in circuit board design, integration, and troubleshooting in a lab or production setting
• You must be comfortable with hands-on work, willing to participate in field tests and experiments, and familiar with electrical lab equipment
• You must be a U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain any required security clearances for defense programs
• You must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work autonomously while supporting team goals

What's In It For You

• You will earn a competitive annual salary between $150,000 and $190,000, reflecting your experience and impact
• A top-tier benefits package including health, retirement, and paid time off ensures your well-being and financial security
• Relocation assistance is provided to help you seamlessly transition to the Herndon, Virginia, area
• You will contribute to groundbreaking projects that directly support NASA and Department of Defense missions, advancing space exploration and national security
• You will enjoy a collaborative, supportive team culture where your decisions are respected and senior leadership actively backs technical innovation
• You will benefit from a manageable workload that promotes high-quality output and continuous learning in electro-optical and laser technologies

Responsibilities

• You will design and develop electro-optical systems from initial concept through hardware realization and field deployment
• You will lead circuit board development, including schematic capture, layout, board-level integration, and comprehensive testing
• You will develop, verify, and troubleshoot firmware for FPGAs and embedded CPUs to drive system performance
• You will design cable and harness assemblies and produce thorough engineering documentation to support product lifecycle
• You will perform system-level integration and validation in the lab, and participate in field experiments to prove out technologies
• You will manage multiple concurrent projects, balancing quick-turn prototyping with long-term research initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) or a related field is highly desirable
• Experience developing high-reliability electronics for military, aerospace, or space-flight applications is a strong plus
• Hands-on skills with FPGA or CPLD design, simulation, and troubleshooting will set you apart
• Experience with embedded CPU or microcontroller firmware development and integration is advantageous
• Familiarity with LIDAR systems or similar electro-optical sensing technology is a notable bonus

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