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Defense Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Quality Support, Inc.

Hardware Engineer III

Virginia, MN · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Quality Support, Inc., openings for Hardware Engineers with 8-10+ years of related experience with ... S. Government defense contracts or security clearance eligibility. * Teamwork * Analyzing ...

Actalent

Mechanical Engineer

Maple Grove, MN

Familiarity with industry and military standards and specifications relevant to mechanical systems and defense-related products. * Experience preparing technical and cost portions of engineering ...

Actalent

Mechanical Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

Familiarity with industry and military standards and specifications relevant to mechanical systems and defense-related products. * Experience preparing technical and cost portions of engineering ...

Accelint

Test Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$90.69 - $107.22/hr

Department of Defense (DoD) programs. The Test Engineer will support formal and informal testing while ensuring the collection of Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) to support system certification and ...

Thekineticgroup

Manufacturing Engineer

Anoka, MN · On-site

$88K - $124K/yr

... defense, security, automotive, aerospace and rail industries. As we continue to invest in and ... The Manufacturing Engineer will partner closely with Materials Engineering (Steel Processing ...

Thekineticgroup

Manufacturing Engineer

Anoka, MN · On-site

$88K - $124K/yr

... defense, security, automotive, aerospace and rail industries. As we continue to invest in and ... The Manufacturing Engineer will partner closely with Materials Engineering (Steel Processing ...

Tolomatic, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hamel, MN · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Role Overview Tolomatic designs and manufactures premium electro-mechanical actuation solutions trusted in both industrial and defense applications. We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to ...

Tolomatic, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hamel, MN · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Role Overview Tolomatic designs and manufactures premium electro-mechanical actuation solutions trusted in both industrial and defense applications. We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to ...

REDLattice Inc.

Forensic Software Engineer

Virginia, MN · On-site

$130 - $190/hr

... enforcement, defense, and national security operations. With offices in Northern Virginia ... REDLattice is seeking a highly skilled Forensic Software Engineer to support advanced digital ...

Konik

Product Support Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

As a Product Support Engineer, you'll play a key role in making sure complex products and systems for the defense industry remain safe, reliable, maintainable, and cost-effective throughout their ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Defense Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$35.5K

$102.2K

$158.4K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,237 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Hardware Engineer III

Quality Support, Inc.

Virginia, MN • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Own the design, development, and testing of complex embedded hardware systems and electronic components.

  • Lead prototype bring-up, debug hardware issues, and perform root-cause analysis on electrical and electromechanical failures.

  • Develop comprehensive test plans and conduct verification and validation (V&V) testing to ensure performance and reliability.

Job description

Quality Support, Inc., openings for Hardware Engineers with 8-10+ years of related experience with a background of submarine electronic subsystem requirements, development, testing, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting AI infrastructure under the guidance of senior staff. In this role, you will own the design, development, and testing of complex embedded hardware systems and electronic components, collaborating closely with software, layout and manufacturing teams to support system integration of our rapidly expanding AI infrastructure. Working alongside senior engineers, you will ensure the highest levels of system availability, performance, and security as we bring innovative products from concept to prototype to mass production. Preferred Virginia Class Submarine Program and/or Columbia Class Submarine Program background/experience but not required. Secret and Top-Secret clearances required. Must be a US Citizen.

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD.

Hardware Engineer III Job Responsibilities

Transform AI technology into opportunity as a Hardware Engineer at QSI. Help drive the next-must have dynamic mission‑critical government projects while maturing your engineering skills and career.

  • Hardware Design: Create and review schematics, component layouts, and blueprints for high-speed digital and analog circuits.
  • Prototyping & Bring‑Up: Lead prototype bring‑up, debug hardware issues, and perform root‑cause analysis on electrical and electromechanical failures.
  • Validation & Testing: Develop comprehensive test plans and conduct verification and validation (V&V) testing to ensure regulatory compliance, performance, and reliability.
  • Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to optimize designs for manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and seamless system integration.
  • Documentation: Author and maintain rigorous technical documentation, including hardware specifications, test reports, and design configuration data.
Hardware Engineer Qualifications/Skills
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, Allegro).
  • Knowledge: Strong understanding of embedded system architecture, microprocessors, FPGA logic, and power management.
  • Problem Solving: Exceptional debugging and troubleshooting skills utilizing lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers).
  • Experience taking hardware from initial development through rate production in highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense, telecom).
  • Familiarity with signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) analysis.
  • Experience working with U.S. Government defense contracts or security clearance eligibility.
  • Teamwork
  • Analyzing information
  • Hardware/AI design
  • System/AI requirements
  • Hardware in anAI architecture setting
  • The desire to be challenged and think out of the box
Education / Experience Required
  • BS or MS degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or closely related field
  • Five to eight years of professional experience in electric hardware development, including high-speed PCB design
  • Eight to ten plus years of experience as a Hardware/AI Engineer
  • Four plus years of experience with AI, would be helpful

Quality Support, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affir­mative Action employer.

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