Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Senior R&D Electronics Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.
Position Summary
This position is intended for an engineer who thrives in fast-paced research and development environments where new hardware must be created to solve difficult technical problems. The role focuses on designing, building, testing, troubleshooting, and refining custom electronic hardware at the component, circuit, and subsystem level.
This is a highly hands-on role centered on transforming concepts into functioning prototypes. Projects regularly span concept development, circuit design, prototyping, laboratory testing, debugging, subsystem integration, and technology demonstration. Engineers in this role work across a broad range of technologies including analog, digital, mixed-signal, embedded, power, high-voltage, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems, with frequent hands-on experimentation in high-EMI laboratory environments.
The ideal candidate enjoys challenging technical problems, rapid design iteration, and creating innovative hardware solutions.
Who Thrives in This Role
Engineers who thrive in this role excel at turning difficult technical concepts into functioning hardware.
The successful engineer understands how and why electronic components behave the way they do and uses that knowledge to develop novel circuits and subsystems that meet demanding technical requirements. They are comfortable creating custom hardware solutions when unique requirements call for approaches beyond established products or reference designs.
They move seamlessly between concept development, circuit design, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and redesign. When challenges arise, they investigate root causes, adapt the design, and continue driving toward a working solution.
Success is measured by sound engineering judgment, practical problem solving, and the ability to deliver innovative, real-world hardware.
Core Responsibilities:
- Design and architect new electronics systems from concept through implementation, including system architecture, PCB design, and validation
- Developing quality control and testing procedures to be incorporated into regular design process
- Writing detailed technical reports on designs, test results, and intended testing & operating procedures
- Supporting highly technical engineering and scientific teams on field test activities when necessary
- Providing technical mentoring and support to develop the skill sets within the team
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 8 - 10 years of hands-on electronics design and development experience, including:
- Designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting electronic hardware
- Developing hardware from concept through functioning prototype
- Applying a strong understanding of electronic components, circuit operation, and hardware development fundamentals
- Performing complex technical work with a high degree of autonomy
- Excellent written & verbal communication, attention to detail, and multitasking skills
- Adaptability to work in a highly flexible, fluid, and fast-paced team environment
- Willingness to participate in roughly 5%-time travel for customer briefings and testing events
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated, moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 10+ years of electronics design and development experience, including:
- Development of first-of-kind, experimental, or low-volume hardware systems
- Work within research and development, advanced technology development, aerospace, defense, scientific instrumentation, or other prototype-focused technical environments
- Development of hardware solutions where commercial products, reference designs, or standard approaches do not fully address the technical challenge
- Active DoD TS/SCI Security Clearance
- Deep experience in analog, digital, high voltage, data integrity, or power & protection circuit design
Example Desired Proficiencies:
- Strong portfolio demonstrating innovative and novel electrical system designs
- Extensive experience in high power solid-state switching design and system architecture
- High voltage system design and improvements
- Complex power generation
- Gate drive circuitry and architecture
- Snubber and protection circuitry and architecture
- STM32 Microcontroller based control systems
- Data acquisition and processing circuitry
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $125,000 to $165,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- 8–10 years of hands-on electronics design and development experience
- Experience designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting electronic hardware
- Experience developing hardware from concept through functioning prototype
- Strong understanding of electronic components, circuit operation, and hardware development fundamentals
- Ability to perform complex technical work with substantial autonomy
- Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and multitasking skills
- Adaptability to flexible, fluid, and fast-paced team environments
- Willingness to travel approximately 5% for customer briefings and testing events
- US citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
- Ability to perform light physical duties, including carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- 10+ years of electronics design and development experience
- Experience developing first-of-kind, experimental, or low-volume hardware systems
- Experience in research and development, advanced technology development, aerospace, defense, scientific instrumentation, or prototype-focused environments
- Experience developing custom hardware when commercial products or reference designs are insufficient
- Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance
- Deep experience in analog, digital, high-voltage, data integrity, or power and protection circuit design
What We Do
Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc. develops specialized technologies and engineering solutions for defense and homeland-security customers. Its work spans radio-frequency and electromagnetic protection, pulsed power, acoustics, and threat warning, along with testing, modeling, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing. The company also provides measurement and analysis systems, RF shielding, and sensing-and-warning technologies, tailoring products and services to customer applications and operational needs.
