Defense Jobs

Lead Electrical Engineer – Aircraft Systems Integration | Aerospace & Defense | Waco, TX

Lead Electrical Engineer – Aircraft Systems Integration

📍 Waco, Texas (100% Onsite)
💰 $150,000 - $170,000 Base Salary
🚚 Relocation Assistance Available
🕒 9/80 Schedule – Every Other Friday Off
✈️ Aerospace, Defense & Aircraft Modification Programs

Design the Systems That Power Mission-Critical Aircraft

An industry-leading aerospace and defense organization is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to support advanced aircraft modification and systems integration programs.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced electrical engineer who enjoys hands-on engineering, solving complex integration challenges, and seeing their designs deployed on real-world aircraft platforms.

You'll play a key role in the design, integration, testing, and verification of aircraft electrical systems, supporting major avionics upgrades, mission system integrations, power distribution systems, and aircraft modernization initiatives.

Whether your experience comes from aerospace, transportation, automotive, military vehicles, rail, heavy equipment, industrial controls, or other complex electrical systems environments, this role offers the chance to apply your expertise to some of the most advanced airborne platforms in operation today.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This isn't a desk-only design role.

You'll be involved throughout the full engineering lifecycle—from requirements and design through integration, troubleshooting, aircraft testing, and operational deployment.

You'll work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams while gaining direct exposure to aircraft systems, advanced avionics technologies, and mission-critical defense programs.

Highlights include:

  • Work directly on operational aircraft platforms

  • Lead complex electrical integration and modification projects

  • Design and validate aircraft power and signal interfaces

  • Participate in lab testing and aircraft testing activities

  • Influence technical solutions and engineering decisions

  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership

  • Outstanding long-term growth opportunities within aerospace and defense

What You'll Be Doing

Aircraft Electrical Systems Design

  • Design and develop electrical integration solutions for aircraft modification programs

  • Support avionics upgrades and aircraft systems modernization initiatives

  • Develop electrical interface designs and power distribution solutions

  • Apply electrical requirements and design standards to complex integration efforts

  • Generate professional engineering drawings, documentation, and technical reports

Systems Integration & Verification

  • Support integration of electrical, avionics, and mission systems

  • Evaluate wiring architectures, signal interfaces, and power requirements

  • Verify electrical interfaces and system compatibility

  • Troubleshoot integration issues and identify root causes

  • Support hardware installation and aircraft modification activities

Testing & Validation

  • Develop electrical test plans and verification procedures

  • Conduct testing in laboratory and aircraft environments

  • Analyze test results and resolve technical issues

  • Support qualification, acceptance, and operational testing activities

  • Ensure systems meet performance and customer requirements

Technical Leadership

  • Serve as a technical leader within the Electrical Engineering team

  • Support project planning, budget tracking, and schedule management

  • Mentor and develop junior engineers

  • Coordinate activities across engineering disciplines

  • Drive technical excellence and engineering best practices

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

AND

  • Minimum 9 years of relevant engineering experience

OR

  • Master's Degree with 7+ years of relevant experience

OR

  • 13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree

Required Technical Experience

  • Electrical systems integration

  • Wiring and signal interface design

  • Electrical design for complex systems

  • Troubleshooting and verification testing

  • Interface control and systems integration activities

  • Experience with at least one electrical CAD platform

CAD Tool Experience

Experience with one or more of the following:

  • Visual Engineer

  • AutoCAD Electrical

  • Capital Harness

  • Similar electrical design and harness development tools

Highly Preferred Experience

Wire Harness & Interconnect Design

Candidates with experience in:

  • Wire harness design

  • Electrical routing

  • Connector selection

  • Signal integrity

  • Power distribution systems

  • Interface design

will be especially attractive.

Industry-specific aerospace experience is not required. Candidates from other complex engineering environments with strong electrical integration backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Aerospace & Military Standards

Exposure to any of the following is beneficial:

  • SAE AS50881

  • MIL-STD-704

  • MIL-E-7016

  • SAE ARP4754

  • MIL-STD-461

  • MIL-STD-810

  • MIL-STD-882

  • MIL-HDBK-516

Additional Preferred Experience

  • Aircraft systems integration

  • Avionics upgrades

  • Military aircraft modification programs

  • Power distribution systems

  • Digital and analog signal interfaces

  • System troubleshooting and root cause analysis

  • Engineering leadership or task leadership experience

Technical Knowledge Areas

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of:

  • Digital and analog signal interfaces

  • Voltage drop considerations

  • Timing requirements

  • Data communications and handshaking protocols

  • Electrical power distribution

  • System-level integration challenges

  • Verification and validation processes

Work Environment

This role combines office, laboratory, and aircraft environments.

Candidates should be comfortable:

  • Working directly on aircraft

  • Operating in aircraft hangars

  • Climbing into and around aircraft

  • Supporting installation and test activities

  • Working in confined areas when necessary

  • Participating in hands-on troubleshooting efforts

Security Requirements

Candidates must:

  • Be U.S. Citizens

  • Be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense Security Clearance

Preferred

  • Active DoD Secret Clearance

Travel & Schedule

✈️ Less than 10% travel

🕒 9/80 Schedule

Enjoy every other Friday off while supporting exciting aerospace programs.

Occasional overtime may be required based on program schedules and testing activities.

Compensation & Benefits

💰 Base Salary: $150,000 - $170,000

Additional benefits include:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Retirement savings plans

  • Paid time off and company holidays

  • Relocation assistance for qualified candidates

  • Interview travel reimbursement

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Long-term career advancement within a growing aerospace organization

Why Join?

This is a unique opportunity to work on highly visible aircraft modernization and systems integration programs where your engineering expertise will directly influence the performance, reliability, and capability of mission-critical aircraft.

You'll join a team that values technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning while offering exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technologies and complex engineering challenges.

If you're an experienced Electrical Engineer with strong systems integration and wire harness design experience looking for your next career-defining opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

 

Senior Manager, Industrial Security (FSO) | $153K–$175K | Defense & Aerospace | Greenville, TX

Job Title: Sr. Manager, Industrial Security (Facility Security Officer - FSO)
Location: Greenville, TX (Onsite)
Industry: Aerospace / Aviation / Defense
Category: Security / Industrial Security
Seniority Level: Mid-Senior
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: 9/80 Regular
Remote/Onsite: Onsite (classified work required)
Travel: Occasional
Visa Candidates Considered: No
Security Clearance Required: Yes (Top Secret/SCI, adjudicated and in-scope T5)
Relocation Assistance: Yes
Compensation:

  • Base Salary: $153,000 – $175,000

  • Bonus Eligible: No

  • Commission: No

  • Overtime Eligible: No

  • Benefits: Full benefits package included

  • Interview Travel Reimbursed: No

Role Overview:

A leading defense and aerospace organization is seeking a Senior Manager, Industrial Security (FSO) to oversee and manage all aspects of classified security operations supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) programs. This leadership role is critical in ensuring compliance with national security regulations, managing the security program lifecycle, and protecting sensitive assets, personnel, and facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage, implement, and enforce security compliance per the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM Rule).

  • Serve as the designated Facility Security Officer (FSO) and lead a multidisciplinary security team covering industrial, personnel (PERSEC), physical, and information security.

  • Develop and maintain SOPs, Operational Security Programs, and ensure compliance with all federal and company security policies.

  • Lead and support government security investigations, audits, and assessments.

  • Oversee COMSEC program management, asset tracking, and accountability.

  • Conduct security training, briefings, and education for staff with access to classified material.

  • Engage with stakeholders to interpret security directives, mitigate insider threats, and respond to compliance challenges.

  • Utilize tools and systems such as SIMS, NISS, DISS/NBIS, and maintain familiarity with ICD 705 standards.

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge on evolving federal security regulations and interdisciplinary compliance across IT, cybersecurity, and configuration management.

  • Act as a security advisor to site leadership and corporate teams to ensure effective protection of personnel, facilities, and information.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of relevant experience, or

  • Graduate degree with at least 10 years of related experience, or

  • 16+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.

  • FSO Certification as defined by Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

  • Minimum 5 years of direct hands-on FSO experience.

  • Current DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance with adjudicated, in-scope T5 investigation.

  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Counterintelligence or full-scope polygraph.

  • Degree(s) in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, or related fields.

  • Proficiency in SIMS, NISS, DISS/NBIS; familiarity with ICD 705.

  • Experience with Insider Threat Program management.

  • Knowledge of COMSEC handling and procedures.

  • Professional certifications such as ISP, CPP, or other security designations.

  • Familiarity with DCS, FMS programs, or international travel processes.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Brings 5+ years of direct FSO experience in a classified defense or intelligence setting.

  • Holds a valid FSO certificate and an active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

  • Demonstrates deep understanding of DoD and IC regulatory frameworks.

  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of operating independently in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong leadership, compliance, and stakeholder engagement skills.

 

Embedded Software Engineer (Mid–Lead) | DoD Secret Clearance | Camden, NJ | $90K–$155K

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer (Mid-Level, Senior, or Lead)

Location: Camden, New Jersey, United States
Clearance Required: Active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Clearance
Salary Range:

  • Mid-Level: $90,000 – $120,000

  • Senior-Level: $105,000 – $140,000

  • Lead-Level: $120,000 – $155,000
    Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates
    Employment Type: Full-time
    Benefits: Full benefits package
    Schedule: 9/80 (every other Friday off)

Overview:

A leading defense technology organization is seeking Embedded Software Engineers across multiple experience levels—Mid-Level, Senior, and Lead—to support mission-critical software development within C5 and Cyber Solution Centers. These roles offer the opportunity to work on high-impact embedded systems projects, helping shape strategic technology direction while contributing as part of an Agile Scrum team.

Depending on your level of experience, you will be expected to lead development teams, serve as a subject matter expert, or contribute significantly to software development and integration efforts. All engineers will be involved in full SDLC phases, including design, implementation, testing, and deployment.

Key Responsibilities (Vary by Experience Level):

  • Lead or contribute to embedded software development using modern C++ and Python

  • Analyze, design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software for mission-critical systems

  • Participate in Agile planning, task prioritization, and sprint execution

  • Develop software test plans, documentation, and procedures

  • Perform root-cause analysis and implement reliable solutions

  • Model system designs using UML tools like IBM Rhapsody or MagicDraw/Cameo

  • Interface closely with hardware engineers to define integration points

  • Participate in peer reviews, design sessions, and defect tracking

  • For Lead roles: manage task assignments, track project performance using EVMS, and provide technical leadership across teams

Required Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizenship and Active DoD Secret Clearance

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

  • Varying years of experience based on level:

    • Mid-Level: 2–5 years

    • Senior-Level: 6+ years

    • Lead-Level: 10+ years

  • Strong proficiency in C++

  • Experience working with RTOS (e.g., Green Hills Integrity, VxWorks)

  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Preferred Skills (All Levels):

  • Experience with object-oriented design and software modeling (IBM Rhapsody, MagicDraw/Cameo)

  • Hands-on development of device drivers and Board Support Packages (BSPs)

  • Familiarity with Information Assurance and/or cryptography

  • Exposure to NSA Type 1 certification, DO-178, or other safety/security standards

  • Knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) (especially for senior/lead roles)

Additional Information:

  • Visa Sponsorship: Not available

  • Interview Travel: Reimbursed

  • Bonus: Not eligible

  • Overtime: Not eligible

We are actively hiring for multiple roles—if you're a strong Embedded Software Engineer ready for your next challenge, whether at a mid, senior, or lead level, we want to hear from you.

 

Senior Embedded Software Engineer | $177K | Aerospace & Defense | Santa Barbara, CA

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Santa Barbara, CA (On-Site, 9/80 Schedule)
Industry: Aerospace / Aviation / Defense
Seniority Level: Mid-Senior
Travel: 10-15%
Security Clearance: Ability to obtain U.S. security clearance required
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Compensation: $111,000 - $177,000 per year
Relocation Assistance: Possible for ideal candidate

Position Overview

The Senior Embedded Software Engineer will design, develop, and integrate real-time embedded software for mission-critical defense and aerospace systems. This role involves working on turreted weapons systems, debugging existing solutions, and implementing new capabilities in both lab and field environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Software Development: Design, code, debug, and integrate embedded real-time control software.

  • System Integration: Work in Systems Integration Lab and field settings to integrate new capabilities.

  • Performance Optimization: Deliver executable software that meets performance requirements.

  • Technical Documentation: Ensure all required documentation is completed per contractual obligations.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, system architects, and program managers.

  • Reporting: Provide regular project status updates to management.

Must-Have Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering (or related field with relevant experience)

  • 7+ years of experience in embedded real-time software development

  • Proficiency in C language (Java is a plus)

  • RTOS experience (bare metal and embedded Linux preferred)

  • Experience with communication protocol drivers (UART, SPI, I2C, networking, 1553, etc.)

  • Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics and protocol documentation

  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in a relevant field

  • Experience with Unix internals, low-level driver software, or GUI software

  • Strong background in applied science, data acquisition, and diagnostics

Behavioral & Technical Competencies

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks

  • High attention to detail and quality orientation

Why Join Us?

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one

  • Flexible Vacation Policy

  • 401K, Profit Sharing, & Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • Tuition Reimbursement Program (up to $15K per year)

  • Work-Life Balance: 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off