Electrical Designer - 1725
SARA Inc
Summary
The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Electrical Designer with a passion for hands-on electrical and mechanical design and prototyping. The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, and technically curious, with a solid understanding of electrical fundamentals, familiarity with electrical and mechanical design tools, and an interest in developing electrical circuits, mechanical components, and electromechanical assemblies. This individual will help transform innovative concepts into functional prototypes through design, fabrication, experimentation, and testing, bringing practical problem-solving skills, technical creativity, and a willingness to learn and contribute across disciplines in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment.
Job description
Core Responsibilities
- Collaborate with engineers and technical experts to develop creative electrical and mechanical solutions, supporting projects from initial concept through functional prototypes
- Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical components, and assemblies using electrical and mechanical CAD tools
- Build, modify, and troubleshoot electrical circuits, sensors, actuators, mechanical components, and electromechanical systems
- Support hands-on research and development through experimentation, prototyping and testing
- Develop practical mechanical solutions and functional prototypes using 3D printing, hand tools, and other fabrication techniques
- Explore new technologies, components, and materials while testing, refining, and documenting prototypes to improve functionality, performance, and reliability
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED equivalent
- 1 – 5 years of relevant experience in electrical or mechanical design, electronics, or hands-on prototyping, including internships, academic research, coursework, or personal technical projects
- Strong fundamentals in electrical circuits, electronics, and mechanical design, demonstrated through coursework, internships, research, or hands-on technical projects
- Familiarity with hand tools, electrical test equipment, and basic fabrication equipment used to build, modify, and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical devices
- Experience with electrical schematic design and 3D mechanical CAD software, with the ability to create and modify electrical drawings, mechanical components, and assemblies
- Strong creative problem-solving skills, natural curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies and contribute across electrical, mechanical, and other technical disciplines
- Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently or under guidance in a collaborative R&D environment
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain TS 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
- Associate's degree in drafting, design, or relevant field
- Relevant certifications
- 5 – 8 years of relevant experience
- Experience completing personal, academic, or professional projects involving electronics, robotics, or electromechanical systems from initial concept to functional prototype
- Hands-on experience designing, building, testing, and refining functional electrical and mechanical prototypes
- Experience creating electrical schematics, designing PCB layouts, and building and testing electronic circuits
- Experience with mechanical CAD, 3D printing, machine shop tools, or other fabrication techniques
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED equivalent
- 1 – 5 years of relevant experience in electrical or mechanical design, electronics, or hands-on prototyping
- Strong fundamentals in electrical circuits, electronics, and mechanical design
- Familiarity with hand tools, electrical test equipment, and basic fabrication equipment
- Experience with electrical schematic design and 3D mechanical CAD software
- Strong creative problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new technologies
- Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain TS DoD security clearance
- Ability to carry or lift up to 50 pounds
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Disability & Life Insurance
- Generous PTO
- Tuition & Certification Reimbursement
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Discretionary Employee Bonuses
- 401(k) Match/Profit Sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Company overview
Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc. is a specialized defense technology company founded in 1989 that develops innovative solutions for national security and defense applications. With over 35 years of experience, SARA specializes in directed and detected wave energy technologies spanning EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse), ELF (Extremely Low Frequency), laser light, HPM (High-Power Microwave), and acoustics. The company's core expertise includes RF/EMP engineering, threat warning systems, pulsed power technologies, and advanced sensing solutions. SARA serves defense and homeland security sectors with customized products such as RF sensors, hostile fire warning systems, measurement and analysis systems, pulsers, and RF shielding solutions. Their engineering team provides comprehensive testing services, rapid prototyping, and EM modeling capabilities, with the ability to deploy globally within US ITAR restrictions. As an employee-owned company with 201-500 employees, SARA maintains headquarters in Cypress, California, with additional operations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The company prides itself on partnering closely with customers to develop practical, cost-effective solutions for force protection, renewable energy, UAVs, small robotics, and specialized testing challenges.