Job Information
Actalent Avionics Engineer in Sterling, Virginia
Avionics Engineer
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.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.
Pay and Benefits
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Sterling,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 24, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.