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Defense Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Co-op FEC

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... Engineer and Sales Engineer in the kick-off meeting, if applicable * Writes advance purchase ...

$102.41 - $136.55/hr

Du รผbernimmst Verantwortung fรผr das Systems Engineering sowie die Integration von Komponenten, Subsystemen und Gesamtsystemen im Hard- und Softwareumfeld * Du analysierst und optimierst technische ...

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it ... CMM Programmer Reports To: Quality Supervisor Position Summary: Federal Equipment Company has been ...

CNC Programmer

Fairfield, OH ยท On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... CNC Programmer Reports To: Manufacturing Manager American Fan is looking for a skilled professional ...

CNC Programmer

Fairfield, OH ยท On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... CNC Programmer Reports To: Manufacturing Manager American Fan is looking for a skilled professional ...

CNC Programmer

Fairfield, OH

$25 - $34.25/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... CNC Programmer Reports To: Manufacturing Manager American Fan is looking for a skilled professional ...

CNC Programmer

Fairfield, OH ยท On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... CNC Programmer Reports To: Manufacturing Manager American Fan is looking for a skilled professional ...

CNC Programmer

Fairfield, OH ยท On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... CNC Programmer Reports To: Manufacturing Manager American Fan is looking for a skilled professional ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$33.4K

$96.2K

$149K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Ohio is $96,187.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,844.00 and $119,292.00 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.

Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,187 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

FE200 - Engineering Manager

Fairbanks Morse Defense

Cincinnati, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
Federal Equipment Company has been a leading supplier for marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. The company, now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, is rapidly growing.
Position: Engineering Manager
Position Summary
Consistent with our core values, we expect the engineering manager to be a high-energy team leader with unquestioned integrity and a drive to make FEC successful in the implementation of government contracts. This role requires a professional who can utilize their experience to guide their team in designing and producing safe products for our customers in an efficient manner.
The engineering manager will be a working manager that is responsible for leading a team of 5+ senior engineers in development of new products for US DOD and DHS customers. In this role, you will assist in the creation and implementation of standard processes, be involved in long term planning, and contribute to the business strategy. This position reports to the director of engineering.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
  • Be technical expert of assigned projects. Detailed mechanical design including:
    • 3D Modeling
    • Engineering drawings
    • Design calcs
      • FEA
      • Hand calcs
      • Tolerance Stack Up
    • Tech Manuals
    • Support production
      • Analyze Non-Conformances and troubleshoot issues
  • Lead a team of 5+ senior technical professionals:
    • Personnel management including performance reviews, corrective feedback, hiring, and disciplinary action
    • Responsible for staffing & resource planning
    • Promote adherence to internal company design and development standards
    • Actively track team hours billed against progress milestones to ensure engineering budgets are met
  • Support the leadership team in technical communications with the customer
  • Work in office and may be required to occasionally travel to customer or supplier locations or to meet with internal teams
  • Support bids and proposals as required.

Qualifications, Skills and Educational Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering with a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. Master's degree (MS, MENG, or MBA) preferred but not required.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, including the ability to appropriately balance team and individual workloads and provide feedback for performance coaching
  • Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving ability
  • Experienced with performing finite element analysis. Preference for expertise in nonlinear structural, shock, and vibration simulation
  • Proficient in engineering software. Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault, Ansys preferred.
  • Experienced with product development in highly regulated industries i.e. medical, aerospace, defense
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience interacting with manufacturing, assembly, supply chain, customers, and vendors.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead programs/projects
  • Ability to document, plan, market, and execute engineering tasks
  • Advanced DFM and Risk Assessment experience
  • Strong communications skills (verbal, written and presentation); ability to clearly and concisely express and present information (or data) to non-technical associates, peers, and senior management
  • Highly motivated, self-determined spirit
  • Flexibility to adjust and thrive in an environment with changing requirements, schedules and priorities for multiple projects or assignments
  • Willingness and flexibility to travel up to 10%
  • Proficient in Microsoft products (MS Office & Office 365, MS Project)

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse Defense.
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled