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Defense Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ROUSH

Vice President Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers ... The Vice President of Defense will define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to ...

ROUSH

Vice President Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and manufacturing services to the transportation industry, Roush also provides significant support to the aerospace, defense and theme ...

1 Legacy Health Care

MI · On-site

1 Legacy Health Care is looking for a skilled software engineer to enhance technology that supports vital defense and intelligence services. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in software ...

1 Legacy Health Care

MI · On-site

1 Legacy Health Care is looking for a skilled software engineer to enhance technology that supports vital defense and intelligence services. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in software ...

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Defense Engineer information

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.

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 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 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.

How much do defense engineers get paid?

Defense engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in systems, cybersecurity, or missile defense can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Defense Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Defense Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Defense Engineer job openings:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Vice President Defense

ROUSH

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to-market strategy for the defense industry.

  • Oversee complex defense programs, manage client interfaces, and lead organizational teams across multiple locations.

  • Provide leadership in financial management, business development, and operational functions within the defense organization.

Roush rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a diverse range of industries. Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and manufacturing services to the transportation industry, Roush also provides significant support to the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America, our unique combination of creativity and tenacity activates big ideas. We want motivated, ambitious people who put the needs of our customers first, bring creativity to their work and will do whatever it takes to achieve success. If you share our passion for providing innovative solutions to complex challenges, we want you on our team.
At Roush, we work alongside the best and brightest to do incredibly cool things you wouldn't believe. At Roush, you are part of building the future.
The Vice President of Defense will define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to-market strategy across the defense industry. The role will manage multiple client interfaces and work locations while overseeing complex programs in a dynamic environment. The role will provide organizational leadership across all teams and require strong communication skills as this position speaks to all parts of the organization (locally and globally), in addition to customers, vendors, etc. This role will be located onsite in Warren, MI.
As the Vice President Defense, you will:
  • Provide Strategy, Leadership and Direction for the Defense business.
  • Lead and oversee financials (profit, loss & sales margins) for Defense business including projections, forecasting, reconciliation, and presentation to executive leadership.
  • Provide leadership and direction on business priorities, client priorities, new business development and proposals to assure that business growth, sales and income targets are met.
  • Responsible for the direction of engineering, contracting, security, IT and compliance operations within the defense organization.
  • Work to continuously improve and reinforce the quality system to ensure quality is as expected.
  • Identify defense business focus areas for continuous improvement, development and execution of business initiatives, financial growth, and company culture.
  • Oversee and manage staff development strategies that support the business plan and strategic direction.
  • Create an environment supportive of positive employee engagement.
  • Oversee management and performance expectations of directors, managers, supervisors and leaders through performance feedback. Ensure strategic goals are created, cascaded, and implemented throughout the organizations that foster growth.

To be considered for the VP of Defense, you will need:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or related field of study.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience leading organizations executing projects or business in technical or defense industries.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience managing business financials (profit & loss, sales margins).
  • U.S. citizen.
  • Active, ongoing Department of Defense security clearance and ability to maintain clearance, up to Top Secret.
  • Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS), ITAR, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word and Excel) and other business management computer tools.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Strong ability to understand staffing demand and supply data metrics.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to make sound recommendations and provide guidance to effectively meet business priorities.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple business elements to a unified goal.

A successful candidate may also have:
  • Master's degree in engineering or MBA.
  • Experience working with the US Department of Defense.
  • Military proposal and contracting experience.
  • Minimum 10 years' experience in program management, engineering and/or operational experience in a branch of the military relevant to the business area.

Our full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, earned sick time, STD, LTD, 401K, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and paid holidays.
To apply for this position and view all of our other career opportunities at Roush, click here: https://jobs.roush.com/us/en/
Visit our website: www.roush.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoushCareers
Roush is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. If you need reasonable accommodation for our employment application process due to disability, please contact
Roush Talent Acquisition at (734) 779-7087.
#JT #LI-DNI

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