Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Electrical systems engineer jobs in Virginia are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense electronics, federal systems integration, and power infrastructure, with openings at every level from junior engineer through principal and systems architect. The heaviest hiring runs through Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Richmond, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Dominion Energy maintain large, sustained engineering workforces. The most in-demand specialties are embedded systems, power distribution design, and systems integration for defense and government programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 15+ Electrical Systems Engineer jobs
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineer to work for our Whisper program at a government customer site in Stafford, Virginia.
The Whisper program provides Operations and Maintenance (O&M) engineering and maintenance on large antenna platforms and associated equipment in the generation of RF signals and communications systems. Whisper provides systems engineering support for the lifecycle management of RF signal transmission and receive systems and ensure system-level drawings and documents are accurate and up to date.
Responsibilities:
Analyzing problems with existing equipment
Design and implement corrective actions and modifications,
Evaluate customer requirements,
Determine existing system capability to meet requirements and define, design, develop and implement system changes to meet requirements that are not met by the existing system RF test methods.
Troubleshoot equipment problems, isolating causes and taking proper action to resolve problems, perform corrective maintenance and integrate approved equipment modifications into the existing customer baseline.
Support Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), recapitalization efforts from system requirements, cost and schedule to the development, integration, and testing of replacement systems.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in STEM – [Electrical Engineering or similar] with 2 years of exp or a master's degree STEM with 0 years of exp
- RF engineering and technologies
- Experience with test equipment to include - spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, power meter, signal generator, pulse generator, multi-meter or Digital Voltmeter (DVM), fiber optic testers
- Digital Logic and analog circuitry knowledge
- 1 year experience with MATLAB coding
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to support Weekend 12hr shifts about once every 14 weeks
- Travel up to 10%
- Obtain a Favorable SECNAV 5512 for visitor base access
- Ability to climb ladders and use personnel lifts for heights to approximately 50 feet (using approved fall protection equipment), ascend and descend ~60 feet of stairs
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- United States Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret SCI CI Poly.
Preferred Qualifications:
- AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other 3D modeling software knowledge
- Presenting technical and management level briefings
- Developing test methods to characterize signals and performance
- Operating RF test equipment
- Possess current TS SCI w/CI Poly
- Technical Writing experience
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineer to work for our Whisper program at a government customer site in Stafford, Virginia.
The Whisper program provides Operations and Maintenance (O&M) engineering and maintenance on large antenna platforms and associated equipment in the generation of RF signals and communications systems. Whisper provides systems engineering support for the lifecycle management of RF signal transmission and receive systems and ensure system-level drawings and documents are accurate and up to date.
Responsibilities:
Analyzing problems with existing equipment
Design and implement corrective actions and modifications,
Evaluate customer requirements,
Determine existing system capability to meet requirements and define, design, develop and implement system changes to meet requirements that are not met by the existing system RF test methods.
Troubleshoot equipment problems, isolating causes and taking proper action to resolve problems, perform corrective maintenance and integrate approved equipment modifications into the existing customer baseline.
Support Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), recapitalization efforts from system requirements, cost and schedule to the development, integration, and testing of replacement systems.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in STEM – [Electrical Engineering or similar] with 2 years of exp or a master's degree STEM with 0 years of exp
- RF engineering and technologies
- Experience with test equipment to include - spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, power meter, signal generator, pulse generator, multi-meter or Digital Voltmeter (DVM), fiber optic testers
- Digital Logic and analog circuitry knowledge
- 1 year experience with MATLAB coding
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to support Weekend 12hr shifts about once every 14 weeks
- Travel up to 10%
- Obtain a Favorable SECNAV 5512 for visitor base access
- Ability to climb ladders and use personnel lifts for heights to approximately 50 feet (using approved fall protection equipment), ascend and descend ~60 feet of stairs
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- United States Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret SCI CI Poly.
Preferred Qualifications:
- AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other 3D modeling software knowledge
- Presenting technical and management level briefings
- Developing test methods to characterize signals and performance
- Operating RF test equipment
- Possess current TS SCI w/CI Poly
- Technical Writing experience
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
See All 15 Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find JobsElectrical Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Systems Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical systems engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Active Professional Engineer license or EIT registration with the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects
- Experience with systems integration, requirements analysis, or electrical design on defense or government programs
- Proficiency with CAD tools such as AutoCAD Electrical, MATLAB, or equivalent engineering design software
- Active DoD security clearance or eligibility to obtain one, required by most Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads contractors
- Familiarity with MIL-STD, IEEE, or NFPA electrical standards applicable to defense, utilities, or critical infrastructure projects
Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an electrical systems engineer in Virginia?
Most electrical systems engineer roles in Virginia require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline, and many employers expect candidates to hold or pursue a Professional Engineer license through the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects. The path typically starts with passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to earn Engineer in Training status, then accumulating supervised experience before sitting for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
How much do electrical systems engineers make in Virginia?
Electrical systems engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $119,030 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $80,320 for the lowest 10% to over $173,400 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical systems engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring electrical systems engineers in Virginia right now include Eaton, Anduril, and Parsons, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense contractors, federal agencies, and utilities means hiring tends to be sustained rather than cyclical, with many roles tied to long-term government programs.
Which Virginia cities have the most electrical systems engineer jobs?
Hampton, Norfolk, and Reston have the most electrical systems engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to the Pentagon and federal agencies drives the concentration of defense and systems integration roles there, while Hampton Roads is anchored by Naval Station Norfolk and the shipbuilding and electronics contractors that support it, and Richmond draws engineering talent through Dominion Energy and state government infrastructure programs.
Are there remote electrical systems engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields because much of the work involves lab testing, hardware integration, and on-site systems validation. About 67% of electrical systems engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the remote portion concentrated in roles focused on modeling, simulation, and requirements documentation rather than hands-on build and test work.
How can I get hired as an electrical systems engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying to new-graduate rotational or associate engineer programs at Virginia's large defense and utility employers, including Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Dominion Energy, all of which run structured programs that bring in candidates without prior industry experience. Earning your Engineer in Training credential through the Fundamentals of Engineering exam gives you a measurable edge in competitive applicant pools. Entry-level roles often carry titles such as associate systems engineer or junior electrical engineer, and lateral moves from related roles in test engineering or quality assurance are a recognized path into the specialty.
Where can I find and apply to electrical systems engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to electrical systems engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense contractors, utilities, and engineering services firms. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 15 Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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