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Defense Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Test Engineer

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site +1

$90K - $107K/yr

Lyntris is a defense technology company that connects sensing to action across the connected ... Test Engineer * Full Time * Onsite/Hybrid Prefered The Test Engineer plays a critical role in ...

Systems Engineer

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site +1

$112K - $141K/yr

Lyntris is a defense technology company that connects sensing to action across the connected ... Systems Engineer * Full Time * Onsite/Hybrid Preferred The Systems Engineer is responsible for ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hamel, MN ยท On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Hamel, MN Tolomatic designs and manufactures premium electro-mechanical actuation solutions trusted in both industrial and defense applications. We're looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to take ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hamel, MN ยท On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Hamel, MN Tolomatic designs and manufactures premium electro-mechanical actuation solutions trusted in both industrial and defense applications. We're looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to take ...

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Defense Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$35.5K

$102.2K

$158.4K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Minnesota is $102,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $126,796.00 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 are Defense Engineers?

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.
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,237 per year, or $49.2 per hour.
Senior Quality Engineer - Aerospace/Defense

Senior Quality Engineer - Aerospace/Defense

PROMED MOLDED PRODUCTS INC

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$93K - $140K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Quality Engineer for Aerospace/Defense (AS9100) is responsible for overall compliance, process and quality assurance activities on numerous projects and products including Aerospace & Defense products. Under minimal supervision, the Senior Quality Engineer serves as the lead quality representative of assigned product lines for new product development, day-to-day manufacturing support, non-conformance, and acts as the independent review function. The Senior Quality Engineer supports additional processes such as Supplier Quality, Internal Audit, Corrective and Preventive Action Procedure (CAPA), etc., to effect operational efficiency and economy, the Senior Quality Engineer ensures continuous production of parts consistent with established standards, and to meet the customerโ€™s desired results. The Senior Quality Engineer ensures ProMedโ€™s brand, philosophy, systems, policies, and procedures are properly implemented and observed.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Position duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Ensuring the quality requirements are established, implemented, and maintained in accordance with the current AS9100 (current) Standards.
  • Ensures the Quality Management System activities are developed and deployed in an efficient and effective manner that supports the company's Quality objectives.
  • Collate test data into CoA/CoC format, create CoA, CoC for new products.
  • Issue/Review/Reconcile Batch records working closely with manufacturing QE.
  • Performs Quality Assurance review/approval/rejection of all procedures and specifications impacting the product.
  • Be a key team member on project planning and development teams by establishing and cultivating a network of support (laboratory, manufacturing, engineering, sales, and marketing) to facilitate completion of assignments.
  • Point out technical and compliance requirements, perform gap assessments and resolve technical issues early in the product life cycle.
  • Help with supplier audits, regulatory and Customer audits.
  • Perform and document root cause investigations, present findings and possible corrective actions for out of specification test results and Non-conformances.
  • Perform statistical analysis of data and product specifications to evaluate present standards and achieve targeted quality and repeatability.
  • Work with R&D and production engineers to identify and/or resolve material characterization methodology and inspection criteria AS9100 requirements.
  • Identifies and implements a comprehensive education plan to continually advance technical skills and personal development as well as enhancing organizational effectiveness.
  • The employee is expected to develop acceptable work habits, skills, knowledge, and contributions consistent with the Senior level position.
  • This job also requires performing other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATION, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Required:
  • Degree in an engineering or scientific field and a minimum of 5 yearsโ€™ experience in the Aerospace and Defense market segment
  • Knowledge of aerospace and defense regulation (AS9100)
  • Proficiency in statistical, quality and continuous improvement methods and tools
  • Must have Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office products to include, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project
  • Commitment to continuous improvement company-wide
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and verbal; professional, courteous and friendly personality; clearly conveys ideas and information and receives information effectively
  • Excellent organizational, problem-solving and time-sensitive skills
  • Ability to create positive working relationships with a diverse group of people including gender, ethnicity, age, and cultural and skill level differences
  • Self-starter with a proven ability to successfully work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines


Preferred:
  • Professional certification (i.e. ASQ, Six Sigma, etc.)

  • Knowledge of Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) dimensional measuring equipment, pin gages, and calipers, as well as other equipment as required
  • Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Minitab, SQC pack, design of Methodology and blueprint reading
  • Working knowledge of English (verbal and written)


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the principal roles and responsibilities of this job.

  • Exposure to heated/air conditioned, ventilated facilities with florescent lighting;
  • Exposure to building where a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, and/or operation of equipment;
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually minor;
  • Duties are performed indoors;
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL, SENSORY, COGNITIVE & NEUROLOGICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job:

  • The employee may be required to stoop, bend, squat, kneel, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive motions;
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision such as reading handwritten or typed material and the ability to adjust focus;
  • The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with internal and external people;
  • Employee moves about the building and be able to maneuver in tight spaces between desks, etc.;
  • Employee may have duties involving walking on even or uneven surfaces;
  • Employee occasionally to frequently use a whiteboard, which can require grasping whiteboard pens, reaching at, below, or above shoulder height and may require trunk or neck rotation to look back;
  • Employee may use computers, overhead projectors, TV, and other work-related equipment, which may require an approximately 25+ pound force to push or pull equipment;
  • It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc. occasionally to frequently.
  • Employee must see and hear on a continuous basis as well as speak frequently;
  • Position varies from standing, sitting, walking, etc. On some occasions it may be necessary to move quickly, run, etc. over smooth or uneven surfaces.

1st Shift