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Defense Contractor Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wolfspeed, Inc.

Program Manager - Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

Build deep, trusted working relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering ... leads, and procurement teams * Leverage knowledge of how prime contractors operate internally to ...

Wolfspeed

Program Manager- Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Build deep, trusted working relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering ... leads, and procurement teams * Leverage knowledge of how prime contractors operate internally to ...

US01 Wolfspeed, Inc.

Program Manager- Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Build deep, trusted working relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering ... leads, and procurement teams * Leverage knowledge of how prime contractors operate internally to ...

Cree

Program Manager - Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

Build deep, trusted working relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering ... leads, and procurement teams * Leverage knowledge of how prime contractors operate internally to ...

Avenue Technologies Company

Lead DevSecOps Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

S. defense contractor. What You'll Do On Site Means they will be working at a a major U.S Defense ... renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow ...

Navier

Head of Defense

Washington, DC · On-site

Collaborate with Navier's engineering leadership team to identify and capitalize on opportunities ... Manage relationships with contractors and coordinate closely with Navier's defense advisory board ...

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Defense Contractor Engineering information

See salary details

$57K

$137K

$197K

How much do defense contractor engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor engineering in the United States is $137,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense contractor engineer?

Defense Contractor Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain technologies, systems, and equipment used by military organizations. They typically work for private companies contracted by government defense agencies to provide specialized engineering expertise. Their projects can range from weapons systems and vehicles to communication networks and cybersecurity solutions. These engineers must often meet strict security requirements and adhere to government standards and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor engineer?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, security clearance eligibility, and relevant degrees such as electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Familiarity with defense industry standards, CAD software, modeling tools, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the development of secure, reliable systems while meeting rigorous government requirements and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges defense contractor engineers face when working on government projects?

Defense contractor engineers often encounter strict regulatory requirements and security protocols, which can add complexity to daily tasks and project timelines. Balancing innovation with compliance is a frequent challenge, as is adapting to evolving client needs and shifting project scopes. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including government personnel, other contractors, and internal stakeholders—is essential for success. Engineers should also be prepared for periodic security clearances and documentation requirements unique to defense projects.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Engineering vs Defense Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense Contractor EngineeringDefense Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, security clearance often requiredBachelor's or higher in engineering or related field, security clearance common
Work EnvironmentContractor offices, military facilities, project sitesMilitary bases, defense contractor facilities, R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense contractors working on military projectsDefense agencies and contractors designing defense systems
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for project roles in defense contractingCompared for system design and integration roles

Defense Contractor Engineering involves working on defense projects within contracting firms, focusing on engineering tasks for military applications. Defense Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex defense systems. While both roles require engineering credentials and security clearances, Defense Contractor Engineers typically focus on project execution, whereas Defense Systems Engineers concentrate on system design and integration.

Does the Department of Defense hire engineers?

Yes, the Department of Defense hires engineers for various roles in defense technology, systems development, and research. These positions often require security clearances, specialized skills, and adherence to government standards and protocols.

How much do defense contractor engineers make?

Defense contractor engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Salaries can vary based on specialization, location, and the complexity of projects they work on, with senior roles and those requiring specialized skills often earning higher wages.
More about Defense Contractor Engineering jobs

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Engineering jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Engineering jobs are:

Defense Contractor Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,006 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Program Manager - Defense

Wolfspeed, Inc.

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own and accelerate program delivery through defense contractor partners by managing performance, accountability, and outcomes.

  • Manage program execution end-to-end, including maintaining schedules, tracking milestones, and leading reviews with contractor teams.

  • Build and maintain relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering leads, and procurement teams to facilitate program success.

Wolfspeed rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Wolfspeed, we do amazing things in a human way.
We know that the achievements of our organization are due to the passion, hard work and creativity of our employees. We celebrate different perspectives to foster excellence across our organization, and our goal is to make diversity a foundation of what we do. We are proudly building an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work.
  • Enjoy doing things that people say can't be done? Innovation is at the center of everything we do.

  • Hate red tape? We remove roadblocks instead of creating them.

  • Working parent? We provide childcare assistance and paid parental leave.

  • Student? We offer continuing education assistance.

  • Looking for community? There are many ways to get involved, from Employee Resource Groups to local outreach

The Day-to-Day:
Wolfspeed is seeking a results-driven Program Manager to own and accelerate program delivery through Wolfspeed's defense contractor partners. Working alongside an existing team that manages U.S. government program office relationships, this role is squarely focused on driving performance, accountability, and outcomes with prime defense contractors. The ideal candidate has worked inside a defense contractor, understands how these organizations operate, and knows how to cut through complexity to get things done.
Key Responsibilities
Contractor Performance & Accountability
  • Serve as Wolfspeed's primary point of contact with defense prime and sub-tier contractor program teams

  • Hold contractors accountable to committed schedules, technical deliverables, and quality standards

  • Proactively identify and escalate risks, delays, or gaps in contractor performance before they impact program outcomes

  • Drive resolution of technical, contractual, and schedule issues across contractor organizations

Program Execution
  • Manage program execution end-to-end - from contract award through delivery and acceptance - with a relentless focus on results

  • Maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and track milestones across multiple concurrent contractor-driven programs

  • Lead regular program reviews, status calls, and action item tracking with contractor teams

  • Coordinate with Wolfspeed's engineering, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure internal readiness supports contractor demand

Relationship Management
  • Build deep, trusted working relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering leads, and procurement teams

  • Leverage knowledge of how prime contractors operate internally to navigate their processes efficiently and advocate for Wolfspeed's priorities

  • Represent Wolfspeed professionally and credibly in environments where the other side of the table is a large, experienced defense organization

Business Development Support
  • Identify expansion opportunities within existing contractor relationships and feed them to business development

  • Support proposal and pricing efforts for follow-on programs with current defense contractor customers

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field

  • 7+ years of program management experience, with at least 5 years inside a defense contractor (prime or significant sub-tier)

  • Deep understanding of how defense prime contractors operate - their internal processes, incentives, culture, and decision-making structures

  • Demonstrated track record of driving results and holding teams/partners accountable in a contractor environment

  • Strong negotiation, communication, and influencing skills - comfortable pushing back on large organizations professionally and effectively

  • Experience managing Integrated Master Schedules and multi-milestone program plans

  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (or ability to obtain)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior employment at a recognized defense prime

  • Experience on programs involving one or more of the following defense application areas:

  • Power electronics (high-voltage, high-frequency power conversion and management)

  • Directed energy (high-power lasers or high-power microwave systems)

  • Radar systems (airborne, ground-based, or naval radar platforms)

  • Naval electrification (shipboard power distribution, electric propulsion, or energy storage systems)

  • Electronic warfare (EW systems, signal intelligence, or RF subsystems)

  • Familiarity with DFARS, FAR, and defense contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M)

  • Experience with ITAR and export-controlled program environments

What Sets This Role Apart
You'll work with the most sophisticated defense organizations in the world - and you'll need to earn their respect while pushing them for results. Wolfspeed's Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology is a critical enabler for next-generation defense platforms, and this role puts you at the center of translating that technology into fielded capability across directed energy, radar, naval electrification, and electronic warfare programs.
This role may require additional duties and/or assignments as designated by management.
To put it legally - Wolfspeed is an equal opportunity employer.
We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation and other protected status as required by law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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