Engineering Associate

Engineering Associate

• Company: Defense-technology company (name shared under NDA)
• Location: Purcellville, Virginia
• Type: Full-time
• Compensation: $90,000 to $110,000 annually (includes excellent benefits, profit sharing, and potential equity)
• Clearance: Ability to obtain Secret
• Citizenship/Work Authorization: U.S. Person

Confidential Search · Defense Technology

Confidential search. The hiring company's identity is shared with candidates under NDA.

About the Client

A defense-technology company building mission-ready sensor and edge hardware, where every system that reaches the field starts on an assembly bench.

About the Role

As an Associate Engineer, you'll work hands-on building and testing the hardware that gets deployed for operations - learning how designs translate into working systems, troubleshooting build issues in real time, and developing the fundamentals that senior engineers build their careers on. This is a role for someone who wants to learn by building, not just by reading a datasheet.

Responsibilities

Assemble electrical and/or mechanical subsystems (harnesses, PCBAs, enclosures, fixtures) according to work instructions and engineering drawings

Perform functional testing and troubleshoot assembly-level defects, escalating design-related issues to senior engineers

Support development and refinement of work instructions, test procedures, and assembly fixtures as products evolve

Document build issues, deviations, and non-conformances accurately and consistently

Work directly with senior engineers to understand root cause on recurring build issues, building toward independent judgment over time

Support small-batch builds across multiple product lines as production schedules require

Requirements

Must-Haves

BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (new grads welcome)

Hands-on experience with electrical or mechanical assembly - coursework labs, internships, or personal projects count

Comfort reading schematics, drawings, or assembly documentation

Strong attention to detail and willingness to be corrected - this role is built around active mentorship, not solo work

Nice-to-Haves

Internship or co-op experience in a hardware/manufacturing environment

Experience with hand tools, soldering, crimping, or mechanical fixturing

Exposure to defense, aerospace, or other regulated hardware industries

Compensation & Benefits

Health coverage, fully covered - premiums paid 100% for you and your dependents

401(k) with company contribution - a 4% contribution on your behalf regardless of your own contribution level

Unlimited PTO - average employee takes 3-4 weeks

Annual profit sharing - when the company wins, you share in it directly

Process

This is a confidential search. An NDA is required before the company's identity and full role details are shared. We screen for interest at a high level first, then read candidates in once an NDA is in place.

This position supports U.S. Government-related work. Applicants must be U.S. persons. The hiring company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.