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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Check Defence LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Contingent Upon Contract Award, Start Date: 28 September 2026 Position Overview Check Defense is a fast-growing federal contractor seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to support the ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA

$100K - $115K/yr

Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, trade personnel, and contractors, this ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon Cooperative, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Manage and evaluate construction contractor performance * Integrate and coordinate projects with ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon Cooperative, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Manage and evaluate construction contractor performance * Integrate and coordinate projects with ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, trade personnel, and contractors, this ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, trade personnel, and contractors, this ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Collaborate with customers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders while ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA

$125K - $150K/yr

Collaborate with customers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders while ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Collaborate with customers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders while ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Kform

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA

$72.12 - $96.15/hr

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer helping leading defense and dual-use startups turn ... We are recruiting mechanical engineers who want to build real systems, solve hard physical problems ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Manage and evaluate construction contractor performance * Integrate and coordinate projects with ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Manage and evaluate construction contractor performance * Integrate and coordinate projects with ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Markon

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA

$140K - $160K/yr

Manage and evaluate construction contractor performance * Integrate and coordinate projects with ... defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents ...

Psionic

Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

What a Great Mechanical Engineer will be doing This role focuses on developing next‑generation lidar products for defense and space applications. The successful candidate will work within a ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Collaborate seamlessly with project managers, architects, and contractors. * Present compelling ... Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional ...

ARA

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Collaborate seamlessly with project managers, architects, and contractors. * Present compelling ... Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer JobsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

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.

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

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Mechanical Engineer

Aventra Defense Systems Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

$120K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About AventraAventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.
 
We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.
Position Overview & Key ResponsibilitiesPosition Overview 

Aventra Defense Systems is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to own the design and productization of subsystems within our high-altitude platform product line — from early prototype through a field-ready, producible design. This is a hands-on, individual-contributor role with clear subsystem ownership: you'll take a specific piece of the high-altitude system and drive it from where it stands today toward a production-ready product.

Key Responsibilities Subsystem Design

- Own mechanical design of an assigned high-altitude subsystem, building on existing prototypes and designs

- Design for reliability, manufacturability, and cost at the subsystem level

- Run bench and field testing to validate performance across environmental and altitude conditions

Productization

- Drive the transition from working prototype to a field-ready, producible design

- Identify and resolve manufacturing, sourcing, and reliability issues before they reach production

- Support production handoff once a design is field-validated

Integration & Iteration

- Coordinate with electrical and software teams on actuation, control, and sensor feedback interfaces relevant to the subsystem

- Incorporate flight test data and field feedback into iterative design improvements


 
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

- 3-6 years of industry experience in mechanical design, ideally including high-altitude, pneumatic/fluidic, or release/deployment mechanisms

- Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks or OnShape, with a demonstrable portfolio of designs you've taken from concept through hardware

- Hands-on prototyping and testing experience

- US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with high-altitude balloon systems, valves, ballast/release mechanisms, or other stratospheric platform hardware

- Aerospace or defense hardware background

- Startup/small company experience


Compensation Package

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience

- Generous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered

- 4% 401k match

- PTO and Sick Leave

Travel & Work EnvironmentTravel Requirements

- Travel up to 25% to customer sites, and field test locations

- Ability to work in austere field conditions and military operational environments

- Flexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changes

Work Environment

- In-person role based in Herndon, VA 

- Collaborative environment supporting critical national security missions

- Direct support to warfighter capabilities and mission success

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.