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Defense Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

ROUSH

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI · On-site

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

ROUSH

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI · On-site

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

Roush

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI · On-site

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

ROUSH

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI · On-site

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

Roush

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

ROUSH

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

SwiftCruit

Senior Chief Engineer - Defense

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$136.50 - $241.50/hr

About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume ...

ROUSH

Senior Defense Software Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

The Defense Senior Software Engineer is accountable for the development of software for both internal Roush projects and external customers. The role will perform requirements gathering, software ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Defense Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$36K

$103.9K

$161K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Detroit, MI is $103,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,531.00 and $128,868.00 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI?

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Defense Engineer jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Defense Engineer job openings:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,908 per year, or $50 per hour.

Director of Defense Engineering

ROUSH

Warren, MI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Roush rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 490 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 on a global stage. 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.
As the Director of Defense Engineering, you will:
The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the Defense group and other parts of the engineering business unit in the organization. The role will guide teams through engineering development, maintain team capabilities and competencies, and engage with customers on multiple design-led programs. The Director, Defense Engineering will understand the business and manage multiple clients and locations in a dynamic environment. This role is located in Warren, MI.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide leadership and direction for engineering team.
  • Focus on staff development strategies that supports the business plan and strategic direction.
  • Create an environment supportive of positive employee engagement.
  • Manage engineering operations including capacity planning, utilization, resource assignment, process management, and engineering metrics.
  • Provide leadership and direction on quotations and project reviews to assure that targets and
  • project budget costs are met.
  • Identify engineering focus areas to improve or streamline the development process and execution of
  • engineering initiatives, and eliminate non-value-added activities at all levels of the engineering.
  • Support business development actions, proposal development and Defense strategy direction.
  • Support financials for Defense business including projections, forecasting, reconciliation, and
  • presentation to management.
  • Oversee management and performance expectations of managers, supervisors and leaders through
  • performance feedback.
  • Lead continuous process improvement efforts and reinforce quality systems to ensure production quality.

To be considered for the Director of Defense Engineering, you will need:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience leading engineers performing system design, electrical, mechanical, and software in the automotive or defense, with a minimum of 4 years in the defense industry.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing business financials (profit, loss & sales margins).
  • U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident allowing for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
  • compliance.
  • Experience in CAD/CAM/CAE and PLM supported process improvement and re-engineering in
  • engineering and manufacturing processes
  • Experience in system engineering and software development tools and methodologies
  • Ability to understand staffing demand and supply data metrics.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills, and ability to effectively manage multiple projects.
  • Ability to make recommendations and provide guidance to effectively meet program staffing
  • requirements.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word and Excel), and effective communication
  • skills, both written and verbal.

A successful candidate may also have:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance up to Top Secret
  • Master's degree in engineering or MBA.
  • Experience working with the US Department of Defense
  • Design and Contract specifications

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: ;br>
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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 .
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