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Defense Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Prattwhitney

$120 - $170/hr

Principal Project Engineer - Mission Systems Maritime Defense Engineering Location: Windsor Locks, CT. Position Type: Onsite. U.S. citizenship required. DoD Secret security clearance required.

New

IDEX

Process Engineer - Aerospace & Defense

Farmington, CT · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

The Process Engineer, Aerospace & Defense will partner with project engineering, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to industrialize new product builds from prototype through production.

New

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

Manufacturing Engineer

Thomaston, CT · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor ... Position Overview The Manufacturing Engineer - Controls will support the Controls Engineering group ...

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

Manufacturing Engineer

Thomaston, CT · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor ... Position Overview The Manufacturing Engineer - Controls will support the Controls Engineering group ...

Fairbanks Morse Defense

Manufacturing Engineer

Thomaston, CT · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor ... Position Overview The Manufacturing Engineer - Controls will support the Controls Engineering group ...

Owl Cyber Defense

Principal FPGA Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site +1

$141K - $173K/yr

Director of Hardware Engineering Office: Danbury, CT Work Location ... Remote (for those in Eastern or Central time zones) Owl Cyber Defense is a leader and trusted ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Connecticut

Defense Engineer information

See Connecticut salary details

$36.6K

$105.6K

$163.6K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Connecticut is $105,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,779.00 and $130,970.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do defense engineers typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during project development?

Defense Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from various disciplines, including software developers, systems analysts, project managers, and manufacturing specialists. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as complex defense projects require integrating multiple technologies and adhering to strict security protocols. Regular meetings, technical reviews, and cross-functional design sessions are common, ensuring that engineering solutions meet both technical requirements and regulatory standards. Being adaptable and open to feedback from different perspectives is key to success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Defense Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Security Clearances often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Systems or related fields
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agencies, military projectsVarious industries including aerospace, IT, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsBroad industry use, including defense, tech, and aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical and security aspectsCompared for project management and system integration skills

Defense Engineers focus on designing and developing military and defense systems, often requiring security clearances and working within defense sectors. Systems Engineers have a broader role in integrating complex systems across various industries, including defense, but with less emphasis on security clearances. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in industry focus and project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and systems design, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, modeling tools, and knowledge of defense industry standards or certifications like ITAR compliance is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the development of reliable, secure, and innovative defense systems that meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

What is a defense engineer?

Defense Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain technologies and systems used for national defense and security. Their work may include developing weapons, surveillance equipment, communications systems, and protective gear for military use. They often collaborate with government agencies and defense contractors to ensure that products meet stringent safety and performance standards. Defense Engineers apply principles from fields such as mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering to solve complex challenges related to defense technology.
What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Connecticut? For Defense Engineer jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Connecticut are:
What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Defense Engineer jobs? Cities in Connecticut with the most Defense Engineer job openings:
Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,602 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Defense Maritime Principal Project Engineer (Onsite)

Prattwhitney

On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Principal Project Engineer – Mission Systems Maritime Defense Engineering

Location: Windsor Locks, CT. Position Type: Onsite. U.S. citizenship required. DoD Secret security clearance required.

Responsibilities
  • Hold technical design authority for the assigned product/segment/customer scope.
  • Lead cross‑discipline technical integration across mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and other engineering domains.
  • Establish design concepts, criteria, and engineering direction for product research, development, integration, and test.
  • Plan, schedule, coordinate, and facilitate all project meetings; capture and publish meeting minutes and action items.
  • Track and drive closure of tasks required by the cross‑functional team to meet contractual, technical, regulatory, budget, and schedule requirements.
  • Manage, track, and deliver periodic budget reports and monthly financial reports.
  • Develop and manage program schedules to drive on‑time contract deliveries.
  • Coordinate technical inputs to proposals, business plans, work statements, specifications, budgets, and contractual terms.
  • Utilize earned value methodology to forecast demand and track project completion.
  • Track and coordinate mitigation of risks related to technical, quality, schedule, and budget issues.
  • Plan and coordinate allocation of resources for the Integrated Product Development Team (IPDT).
  • Complete all work in compliance with Collins Aerospace’s Quality Management System.
Qualifications – Must Have
  • Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with minimum 8 years of relevant experience, or advanced degree with minimum 5 years of experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
  • Proven planning, adaptability, organizational and negotiation skills for effective team management.
  • Experience with electromechanical hardware development and qualification.
  • Experience in configuration management processes in a controlled production environment, including bill‑of‑material structure and product release compliance.
  • Ability to anticipate project risks and build contingency plans.
Qualifications – Preferred
  • Educational background in Systems, Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Prior experience with hydrogen fuel cell or electrolysis systems.
  • Experience with systems containing valves, pumps, compressors, fans, heat exchangers, mixers, separators, sensors, and storage tanks.
  • Previous submarine, spacecraft, or U.S. Navy air revitalization system experience.
  • Knowledge of ASME codes and standards for process piping and pressure vessels.
  • Experience with military contract programs.
  • Strong focus on teamwork, team building, and employee development.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
Benefits Overview

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees; generous 401(k) plan with employer matching; tuition reimbursement; student loan repayment; life and disability coverage; optional pet, home, and auto insurance; and a range of health and wellness programs. Relocation assistance may be available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Privacy Policy

Click here to read the Privacy Policy and Terms. RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers worldwide.

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