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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Swarmbotics AI

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Our first product is a defense application building Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), collectively ... Position description Swarmbotics is looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to spearhead ...

SSOE, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Scottsdale, AZ

$90K - $125K/yr

Our Mechanical Engineers will be responsible for working with other contributing Mechanical ... Manage technical inquiries, submittal reviews, and RFI responses from contractors and vendors ...

SSOE, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

Our Mechanical Engineers will be responsible for working with other contributing Mechanical ... Manage technical inquiries, submittal reviews, and RFI responses from contractors and vendors ...

SSOE, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Our Mechanical Engineers will be responsible for working with other contributing Mechanical ... Manage technical inquiries, submittal reviews, and RFI responses from contractors and vendors ...

SSOE, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

Our Mechanical Engineers will be responsible for working with other contributing Mechanical ... Manage technical inquiries, submittal reviews, and RFI responses from contractors and vendors ...

Solutions AEC LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

As a national leader in engineering-led Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design/build ... Coordinate contractor submittals, assist with bid estimates, and support equipment procurement.

Solutions AEC LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

As a national leader in engineering-led Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design/build ... Coordinate contractor submittals, assist with bid estimates, and support equipment procurement.

DBM Global

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Engineering Status: Regular Full Time Position - Exempt/Salary Position Value Proposition The ... Work with suppliers and contractors to ensure timely delivery and installation of mechanical ...

DBM GLOBAL INC

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

Engineering Status: Regular Full Time Position - Exempt/Salary Position Value Proposition The ... Work with suppliers and contractors to ensure timely delivery and installation of mechanical ...

DBM GLOBAL INC

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

Engineering Status: Regular Full Time Position - Exempt/Salary Position Value Proposition The ... Work with suppliers and contractors to ensure timely delivery and installation of mechanical ...

Viavi Solutions

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$102.90K - $135.90K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY ... defense and instrumentation markets. The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business ...

Viavi Solutions

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ

$102.90K - $135.90K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY ... defense and instrumentation markets. The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business ...

Stantec

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

... and contractor, sub-contractors, and vendors. * Participate in client contact on projects to ... Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering ...

BRPH

Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

... defense, manufacturing, commercial, education, entertainment, hospitality, and federal markets ... SUMMARY: BRPH is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to support our Phoenix, Arizonaoffice. This ...

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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$45.2K

$102.1K

$165.3K

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

As of May 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor mechanical engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $102,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $125,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Phoenix, AZ? For Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,149 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Swarmbotics AI

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Company background
Swarmbotics AI is a low-cost, swarm robotics company for industry and defense. We see a world of ubiquitous low-cost robots transforming almost all aspects of society, but we see an urgent need in the defense industry. We focus on building swarms of robots that incorporate a low-cost BOM, an autonomous stack optimized for off the shelf components, and a global planner that enables swarm capabilities for groups of robots to accomplish sophisticated tasks.
Our first product is a defense application building Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), collectively termed - Attritable, Networked, Tactical Swarm (ANTS). Each UGV in ANTS is an independently-tasked, attritable robot designed for on-demand and autonomous mobility. When operating as a swarm, ANTS is capable of executing more advanced and coordinated, high-level capabilities across a battlespace. ANTS will help solve some of the DoD's biggest problems that will save lives and increase defense capabilities.
Stephen Houghton and Drew Watson are the Founders and have decades of experience in self-driving cars and trucks, humanoids, and UAVs with experience from NASA, JPL, Cruise, Embark, McKinsey, Amazon, and the CIA.
Position description
Swarmbotics is looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to spearhead hardware design and integration efforts for our ground swarm robots. This role will design mechanical solutions to integrate sensors, computers, and other custom components into our off road autonomous vehicles and produce ruggedized designs suitable for harsh, off-road environments.
Required qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience in CAD design prototype and production hardware components
  • Experience evaluating supplier component designs, requirements, and test plans
  • Ability to take technical ownership of a hardware delivery through the full development cycle
  • Collaborate with suppliers and OEM partners on designs and solution sets
  • Familiarity with a broad range of manufacturing processes
  • Experience working through an entire product development cycle of a HW design
  • A BS in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics
  • Comfort working in the high-paced, fluid environment of a tech startup
  • Excitement about contributing to the defense of the United States and its allies
  • Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance
  • Ability to relocate to Phoenix, AZ

Preferred qualifications
  • A MS in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics
  • Real-world experience designing and fabricating custom ruggedized parts for autonomous ground vehicles meeting DoD requirements.

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position. Swarmbotics is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, caste, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law.
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position. Swarmbotics is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, caste, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law.

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