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Defense Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

As part of the OpenSpace Test team, the Software Test Engineer will support test activities within ... Experience testing complex defense or embedded software systems, ideally within radar, signal ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Columbia City, IN · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you play a direct role in national defense by turning engineering designs into repeatable, high-quality production realities. This is a floor-driven, ownership-heavy role ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Columbia City, IN

$66K - $86K/yr

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you play a direct role in national defense by turning engineering designs into repeatable, high-quality production realities. This is a floor-driven, ownership-heavy role ...

This engineer will play a critical role in designing, developing, integrating, and maintaining ... Experience within Department of Defense (DoD), Navy, aerospace, defense, or government-contracted ...

Design products and implement improved processes to enhance performance of defense systems. * Conduct testing and perform analysis of electromagnetic systems. * Support and document engineering ...

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting manufacturing processes within aerospace, defense, automotive, or other highly regulated environments. Opportunities exist for engineers with ...

Manufacturing Engineer SR

Columbia City, IN · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you play a direct role in national defense by turning engineering designs into repeatable, high-quality production realities. This is a floor-driven, ownership-heavy role ...

Manufacturing Engineer SR

Columbia City, IN

$83K - $114K/yr

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you play a direct role in national defense by turning engineering designs into repeatable, high-quality production realities. This is a floor-driven, ownership-heavy role ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Department of Defense contracts that legally require all personnel to be U.S. citizens. Candidates who are not U.S. citizens will not be considered. Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Department of Defense contracts that legally require all personnel to be U.S. citizens. Candidates who are not U.S. citizens will not be considered. Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Department of Defense contracts that legally require all personnel to be U.S. citizens. Candidates who are not U.S. citizens will not be considered. Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane ...

The Production Chief Engineer (CE) serves as the primary technical authority for assigned defense programs, with full accountability for technical execution, risk posture, and design integrity across ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$34.2K

$98.6K

$152.8K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Indiana is $98,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,651.00 and $122,335.00 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 cities in Indiana are hiring for Defense Engineer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Defense Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,640 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Software Test Engineer SPY-1

Kratos Defense

Crane, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Readiness Delivered. At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees, and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. As part of the OpenSpace Test team, the Software Test Engineer will support test activities within the development organization.

Role responsibilities:

  • Designs, developments, troubleshoots, and executes system tests
  • Assists with troubleshooting problems within the test environment
  • Installs and configures software within the test environment
  • Records and correlates test data with associated requirements and work items in our software quality systems
  • Scripting/Coding using Bash, Python, C, C++ etc.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in software test engineering, software verification and validation, or related software development lifecycle roles.
  • Strong understanding of software development and test lifecycle processes, including requirements analysis, test planning, test case development, execution, and verification.
  • Experience testing complex defense or embedded software systems, ideally within radar, signal processing, or other mission-critical electronic systems.
  • Familiarity with automated test frameworks, scripting, and test tools used for software validation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Jenkins, or equivalent).
  • Ability to develop and execute detailed test plans, test procedures, and test reports to verify software performance against system and software requirements.
  • Experience working within structured configuration management and requirements traceability environments (e.g., Windchill, Cameo, DOORS, Jira, or similar tools).
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and technical writing skills with the ability to clearly document test results and software defects.
  • Active Secret Clearance


PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Build pipeline automation using tools such as Atlassian Bamboo or Azure DevOps, Atlassian Bitbucket or GitHub or GitLab and JFrog Artifactory
  • Expert knowledge with Docker, Kubernetes, and Rancher
  • Experience developing/conducting tests related to scalability and performance and addressing found issues

Competitive salary based on experience and education

Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings—from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And, we always deliver.



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