Amentum

DARPA Junior Engineer

Amentum$120K — $140K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering (including RF), Physics, or Materials Science/Materials Physics
  • 2-7 years of relevant experience (including graduate research)
  • Interest in multidisciplinary learning and application
  • Strong analytical and communication abilities
  • Experience with sensor systems (design, integration, or testing)
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Active Top Secret clearance (SCI eligible)

Responsibilities

  • Support design and evaluation of diverse sensor systems including RF, optical, and mechanical
  • Collaborate with signal, data, and hardware teams for optimal sensor outputs
  • Engage in field experiments and testing at aerospace facilities
  • Assist in test planning, execution, and data collection
  • Analyze system performance to ensure functionality
  • Operate within large, multidisciplinary teams across governmental and industrial sectors
  • Translate technical findings into accessible updates for stakeholders

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits with 401(k) matching
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance
Full Job Description
The Junior Engineer will work on high-visibility, high-dollar national security programs focused on sensing and advanced systems. This role is built for engineers and scientists who are highly motivated, want to learn quickly, and are comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

You will not be confined to a single discipline-you will work across mechanical, aerospace, electrical/RF, physics, and materials domains to help design, evaluate, and field systems.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support design, analysis, and evaluation of sensor systems (RF, optical, mechanical, embedded, or multi-modal)
  • Work with signal, data, and hardware teams to ensure sensors produce usable outputs
  • Participate in field experiments and aerospace facility testing
  • Support test planning, setup, execution, and data collection
  • Work in dynamic environments (ranges, labs, flight lines, test facilities)
  • Analyze results and determine whether systems actually work-not just whether they were built
  • Operate within large, multidisciplinary teams across government and industry
  • Coordinate with engineers, scientists, and program leadership to move efforts forward
  • Track technical progress and identify risks early
  • Help translate technical work into clear updates for decision-makers


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's and Master's degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering (including RF), Physics, or Materials Science / Materials Physics
  • 2-7 years of experience (graduate research counts)
  • Demonstrated interest in learning and working outside your primary discipline
  • Strong motivation and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience working on or with sensor systems (design, integration, or testing)
  • Ability to work effectively on large, multidisciplinary teams
  • Strong analytical and communication skills
  • Must have an active Top Secret US Government Clearance (SCI eligible). Note: US Citizenship is required to maintain a secret clearance.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with sensor design (RF, optical, embedded, or multi-sensor systems)
  • Hands-on experience with testing, field work, or prototype development
  • Experience in production-level programs or R&D systems builds
  • Experience supporting demonstrations/tests
  • Familiarity with data analysis, signal processing, or modeling tools


Compensation Details:
$120K-$140K

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance


Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:
06/25/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

About Amentum

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering and technical services to the U.S. government and commercial customers worldwide. The company offers a wide range of services, including environmental remediation, facilities management, and logistics and supply chain management, among others. Amentum has a global presence, with operations in over 20 countries, and serves a diverse range of customers, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Department of State. The company is committed to providing high-quality services and has a strong reputation for technical expertise, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Learn more about Amentum
Size
20,000 employees
Industry
Net Income
$200 million
Founded
2014
Revenue
$5 billion

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