Electrical Engineer

About the job

Spectral Labs Incorporated is an employee-owned defense and homeland security contracting company located in San Diego, CA with a focus on radiation sensing, computer-based simulation and training, and security screening technologies. Dedicated to being a world-class source of innovative, yet practical, solutions to problems of importance to our National interest, Spectral Labs seeks to employ people of exceptional creativity, expertise, and determination who work as a team both internally and with our customers. Spectral Labs offers wide opportunities for gaining hands-on experience and developing skills in a diverse portfolio of active programs.

Our engineering team values curiosity, rigorous analysis, and practical problem solving. Engineers here are expected to take ownership of designs, test their ideas in the lab, and continuously improve systems through hands-on experimentation.

Position Summary

Spectral Labs has an opening for an Electrical Engineer to support the design, prototyping, and testing of electronics and electro-mechanical systems across multiple programs. This is a hands-on engineering role ideal for a proactive and highly motivated individual early in their career who is eager to grow and apply fundamental electrical engineering skills in real-world, cross-disciplinary applications. You’ll be part of a collaborative, fast-paced environment with direct access to experienced engineers, advanced lab equipment, and emerging technologies.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing electronics for instrumentation and sensing systems designed to operate in demanding environments. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to develop complete hardware solutions from concept through prototype, integration, and qualification testing.

Engineers interested in electronics, embedded systems, instrumentation, robotics, aerospace, defense, or field-deployed equipment are particularly encouraged to apply. This role is best suited for engineers who enjoy working close to the hardware; designing, building, testing, measuring, and troubleshooting real systems in the lab.

Candidates who have already demonstrated performance and growth early in their careers or who have exhibited initiative through personal engineering projects, robotics, maker activities, engineering competitions, research projects, internships, or open-source contributions are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position offers direct mentorship from experienced engineers working on real-world defense, sensing, and embedded systems programs. Successful candidates will be given increasing levels of technical responsibility and ownership as they demonstrate capability, initiative, and technical growth. For motivated engineers, this role provides an exceptional opportunity to accelerate professional development while contributing to meaningful, mission-focused technologies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and testing of analog and digital circuits, power systems, and embedded hardware.
• Support schematic capture, PCB layout, and bring-up of custom circuit boards.
• Collaborate with software, mechanical, and systems engineers to integrate and validate designs.
• Perform benchtop testing and debugging using lab instruments (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
• Support system qualification testing at outside labs and facilities.
• Document test results, design changes, and technical findings clearly and thoroughly.
• Participate in design reviews, team discussions, and brainstorming sessions.
• Research components, create bills of materials, and support prototype builds.
• Contribute to system-level troubleshooting and root cause analysis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 0-5 years of relevant experience (including internships, co-ops, research projects, or significant personal projects).
• Solid grasp of EE fundamentals (e.g., circuits, electromagnetics, signal integrity, embedded systems).
• Demonstrated interest in hands-on electronics work through work experience, coursework or side projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to actively engage with others.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical aptitude through educational and/or professional accomplishments.
• Experience with CAD tools for PCB design (e.g., Altium, KiCAD, Eagle).
• Exposure to embedded software, microcontrollers, Linux-based systems, or firmware development is a plus.
• Familiarity with standard EE lab tools and procedures.
• Prior work experience or participation in a structured internship or co-op program, especially in defense, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with a collaborative, can-do attitude.

The annual pay scale for this position is $85,000 – $120,000 (salaried). Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. There is no relocation assistance for this position. Employment is contingent on applicants successfully passing a criminal background check.

Benefits

Spectral Labs offers competitive benefits as well as unique opportunities for employee ownership. Our benefits package includes:

• 401(k) with company matching
• Medical and dental insurance for employee and family
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off and eight (8) paid holidays per year

Spectral Labs is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status or other protected characteristics.