Job Title: Electrical Engineer Aerospace and DefenseJob DescriptionThis role designs, develops, analyzes, and documents complex electrical systems, subsystems, and components for aerospace and defense applications. You will work across the full product lifecyclefrom requirements and architecture through design, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainmentwhile collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to mission-critical technologies that support national security and real-world defense operations.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, analyze, and document electrical systems, subsystems, and components for aerospace and defense applications.
- Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable and harness designs, interface control documents, and engineering drawings.
- Develop and evaluate analog and digital circuits, embedded hardware, and electronic assemblies.
- Support power distribution, signal integrity, grounding, and EMI/EMC design considerations throughout the design process.
- Perform electrical calculations, component selection, trade studies, and design assessments to optimize performance, cost, and reliability.
- Contribute to system architecture development and perform requirements analysis for electrical and electronic systems.
- Support hardware integration activities and participate in technical design reviews.
- Develop engineering test procedures, verification plans, and related technical documentation.
- Conduct laboratory testing, hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure investigations.
- Support prototype builds, qualification testing, and transition of designs into production.
- Assist with corrective actions to resolve design, integration, or production issues.
- Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Program teams to ensure cohesive system designs.
- Ensure electrical designs comply with customer specifications, military standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Prepare technical reports, engineering analyses, design documentation, and technical presentations.
- Provide engineering support during production, field installations, and customer demonstrations.
- Assist with proposal development, including preparation of technical volumes and engineering estimates.
- Support continuous process improvement initiatives and contribute to engineering best practices.
- Perform other engineering-related duties as assigned to support program and organizational objectives.
Essential Skills
- At least 3 years of professional electrical engineering experience.
- At least 3 years of electrical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, military, or closely related industries.
- At least 3 years of experience designing electrical hardware and electronic systems.
- Professional experience using electrical testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, and spectrum analyzers.
- Proficiency (at least intermediate level) with electrical CAD or schematic capture tools such as Altium Designer, AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, or equivalent.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications accurately.
- Professional knowledge of analog and digital electronics, power systems, and embedded interfaces.
- Demonstrated experience in electrical design, electrical testing, and overall electrical engineering practices.
- Strong critical thinking skills and sound engineering judgment in evaluating design trade-offs and solving technical problems.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple engineering tasks simultaneously.
- Excellent documentation and technical writing abilities for reports, procedures, and design records.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills for working effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to refine processes and design practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.
- U.S. citizenship (including dual citizenship) as required for work on defense-related programs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
- Knowledge of military standards such as MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-704, and relevant IPC standards.
- Experience with FPGA-based systems and embedded hardware design.
- Experience with power electronics, including power conversion and distribution systems.
- Experience with motor controls and related drive electronics.
- Experience with RF systems and communications equipment.
- Experience working with electro-mechanical systems in integrated platforms.
- Familiarity with Systems Engineering principles and lifecycle processes.
- Experience with requirements management tools for capturing, tracing, and validating requirements.
- Knowledge of configuration management and change control processes.
- Experience supporting manufacturing and production engineering activities, including design-for-manufacturability considerations.
- Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required by programs.
- Experience with C5ISR, Counter-UAS, border surveillance, secure communications, radar, EO/IR sensor integration, or hybrid power solutions is beneficial.
- Interest in working across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and design through integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
- Motivation to build long-term technical expertise and grow a career within the aerospace and defense industry.
Work EnvironmentThis is a full-time, onsite role working five days per week. Typical work hours are either 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing some flexibility within a standard daytime schedule. You will work in a collaborative engineering environment alongside mechanical, systems, software, manufacturing, quality, and program teams. The work involves hands-on use of laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, and spectrum analyzers, as well as regular use of electrical CAD and schematic capture tools. The environment is fast-paced and mission-focused, centered on the development and integration of advanced aerospace and defense systems that support national security operations. Engineers have the opportunity to engage with complex, real-world challenges and to contribute visibly to program success across the full product lifecycle. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gilbert, AZ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $53.00 - $75.00/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gilbert, AZ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Gilbert,AZ.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.
