ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Latitude Inc

Mechanical Engineer

Baltimore, MD

$70K - $95K/yr

Mechanical Engineer Location: Baltimore, MD Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary : We are seeking ... Background in aerospace or defense contracting. $70,000 - $95,000 a year apply for this job

Sigma Defense

1641 - Mechanical Engineer

Belcamp, MD · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

Sigma Defense is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer to work in support of the Army for the ... Defense contracting market of major weapon systems product development and acquisitions is ...

Sigma Defense

1641 - Mechanical Engineer

Belcamp, MD · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

Sigma Defense is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer to work in support of the Army for the ... Defense contracting market of major weapon systems product development and acquisitions is ...

Sigma Defense

1641 - Mechanical Engineer

Belcamp, MD · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

Sigma Defense is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer to work in support of the Army for the ... Defense contracting market of major weapon systems product development and acquisitions is ...

ATI Inc

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

Observe Contractor performance daily and record/report on observations; * Coordinate mechanical project issues; * Make written recommendations to the COR; * Compute time extensions; * Inspect ...

ATI Inc

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

Observe Contractor performance daily and record/report on observations; * Coordinate mechanical project issues; * Make written recommendations to the COR; * Compute time extensions; * Inspect ...

Lunar Resources

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

The Mission We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who is hungry, obsessed with building, and ... You aren't looking for a stable 9-5 at a legacy defense contractor. You want to build something ...

Lunar Resources

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

The Mission We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who is hungry, obsessed with building, and ... You aren't looking for a stable 9-5 at a legacy defense contractor. You want to build something ...

NDI Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Department of Defense Security Clearance. * Must possess a Bachelor of Science in Engineering ... S. Small Business Administration Region II, Prime Contractor of the Year Award. NDI's corporate ...

ATI Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Observe Contractor performance daily and record/report on observations; * Coordinate mechanical project issues; * Make written recommendations to the COR; * Compute time extensions; * Inspect ...

Lunar Resources

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX

The Mission We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who is hungry, obsessed with building, and ... You aren't looking for a stable 9-5 at a legacy defense contractor. You want to build something ...

NDI Engineering Company

Mechanical Engineer

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Department of Defense Security Clearance. * Must possess a Bachelor of Science in Engineering ... S. Small Business Administration Region II, Prime Contractor of the Year Award. NDI's corporate ...

Crane Company

Mechanical Engineer

Elyria, OH · On-site

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer at our Elyria ... As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations ...

Raven Defense Corporation

Be Seen First

Mechanical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$70K - $140K/yr

Raven Defense is a technology company based in Albuquerque, NM dedicated to providing high quality ... Raven Defense is searching for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to serve as the technical focal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do defense contractor mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical engineers working as defense contractors?

Mechanical engineers in defense contracting often face the challenge of adhering to strict regulatory standards and security protocols, which can add complexity to the design and manufacturing process. Additionally, projects typically require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and may involve rapidly adapting to evolving project requirements driven by client needs or new technological developments. Managing tight deadlines while ensuring compliance with military specifications is also a frequent aspect of the role. These challenges are balanced by the opportunity to work on innovative, mission-critical systems and to gain experience with cutting-edge technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of defense-specific standards and certifications like ITAR compliance are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills are critical for collaborating on complex defense projects. These competencies ensure the engineer can design reliable, compliant systems that meet stringent defense requirements and function under high-stakes conditions.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer vs Defense Industry Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDefense Contractor Mechanical EngineerDefense Industry Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearanceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearance
Work EnvironmentContractor offices, military facilities, project sitesDefense manufacturing plants, military facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily employed by defense contractors serving military clientsEmployed directly by defense agencies or manufacturers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require similar credentials and often involve working in secure environments. The main difference is that Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineers are employed by private firms providing services to defense clients, while Defense Industry Mechanical Engineers work directly within defense agencies or manufacturing companies. The roles overlap in skills and work settings, but their employment context distinguishes them.

What does a Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer do?

A Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems for military and defense applications. Their work may involve creating components for vehicles, weapons, or support equipment used by armed forces. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure these systems meet strict safety, reliability, and performance standards. Additionally, they must adhere to government regulations and security protocols while handling sensitive information. Their role is critical in advancing defense technologies and maintaining national security.
More about Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Latitude Inc

Baltimore, MD

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Location: Baltimore, MD
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer with a background in Department of Defense (DOD) manufacturing and proficiency in SolidWorks. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in designing and developing mechanical components and systems for defense-related projects. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that designs meet rigorous industry standards and project specifications, while adhering to defense manufacturing processes and requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
Design and develop mechanical components, systems, and assemblies using SolidWorks.
Generate detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for manufacturing.
Ensure designs comply with DOD standards and specifications, including MIL-SPEC and ITAR regulations.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and manufacturing teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and efficiency.
Participate in product testing and validation, ensuring all designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Analyze mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance issues and implement design improvements.
Maintain knowledge of current industry trends, materials, and manufacturing techniques relevant to DOD projects.
Provide technical support throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through production and post-production support.

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
3+ years of experience in mechanical design, specifically within DOD manufacturing environments.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and creating detailed drawings.
Familiarity with MIL-SPEC standards and ITAR compliance.
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
U.S. Citizenship required due to DOD project requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
Background in aerospace or defense contracting.
$70,000 - $95,000 a year
apply for this job

Apply