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.