Avionics Engineer

Job title: Avionics Electrical Engineer

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Avionics Engineer to support the design, integration, and testing of next-generation aircraft avionics and electrical systems. This role is crucial in bringing complex avionics systems from schematic to flight-ready hardware, working closely with engineers and technicians throughout the entire development lifecycle. If you thrive in both design work and hands-on system integration, this role is ideal for you.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and integration of aircraft avionics and electrical systems.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics and wiring harness designs.
• Perform electrical power distribution analysis, circuit sizing, and protection design.
• Support data bus architecture and signal integrity analysis.
• Contribute to vehicle Integration & Test activities.
• Support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) integration and testing.
• Assist with subsystem testing, including engine stand integration.
• Perform component testing and environmental qualification.
• Support Design Verification Testing (DVT) planning and execution.
• Troubleshoot integration issues across electrical, software, and communications systems.
• Serve as a technical liaison between engineering and technicians.
• Maintain harness drawings and implement redlines and engineering updates.
• Provide hands-on support for harness fabrication and system bring-up.
• Support sensor integration, data acquisition (DAQ), and debugging.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with electrical system design and schematic capture.
• Strong understanding of DC power distribution and circuit protection.
• Experience developing and executing engineering test plans.
• Familiarity with aircraft or vehicle data buses (CAN, RS-485, ARINC-429, or similar).
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and system integration issues.
• Ability to work independently with high-level direction and self-manage tasks.
• Comfortable working hands-on in lab, integration, and test environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience ranging from 4-10 years in design, integration, and testing.
• Experience with Capital (Component Manager, Logic, Harness) or similar harness design tools.
• Knowledge of aircraft wiring standards such as IPC/WHMA-A-620, AS50881.
• Familiarity with RF systems used for navigation or data links.
• Experience with aircraft or complex vehicle development programs.
• Experience supporting integration labs or flight test campaigns.

Work Environment

This is an onsite engineering role based in Sterling, Virginia, supporting active development hardware and integration labs. Engineers will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and may travel to flight-test locations for extended periods during test campaigns.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $75.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Sterling,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 19, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.