1

Defense Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

CNC Programmer

Verona, WI ยท On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Our customers span a variety of industries, including US military and defense.We are proud of the ... Job Duties and Responsibilities The CNC Programmer is responsible for creating, optimizing, and ...

Mechanical Engineer I

Oregon, WI ยท On-site

$70 - $95/hr

... national defense applications. The Max-Viz enhanced visions systems (EVS) are designed and ... Perform engineering calculations to determine the size and strength of components and solve design ...

Senior Sales Engineer (Pre-Sales)

Oregon, WI ยท On-site

$130 - $190/hr

The Role As Senior Solutions Engineer, you are the technical counterpart to Sales and the trusted ... defense integrator architecting an air-gapped, CNSA 2.0-compliant sovereign network. You'll own ...

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

ABOUT The United States Navy's massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy's most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$35.4K

$102.2K

$158.3K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Madison, WI is $102,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,248.00 and $126,708.00 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 job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,166 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer - Machining

T E C Industrial Inc

Verona, WI โ€ข On-site

$75 - $105/hr

Other

Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop, review, and analyze machining production processes.

  • Identify process and workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and support new product introductions.

  • Support the implementation of new equipment and technologies to improve manufacturing processes.


Job description

  • Location 1003 American Way,Verona, WI, 53593,United States
  • Job Category Full Time

Contact information


  • Phone 520.372.4692

We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer โ€“ Machining to join our 100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED team.


Latitude Corp. offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities in precision metal manufacturing where we make the impossible possible.We embrace problem solvers, creativity and innovation.With clean, climate-controlled facilities, we offer comfortable working environments. Our customers span a variety of industries, including US military and defense.We are proud of the work we do and we believe that our employees are the key to our success. Thatโ€™s why weโ€™re committed to providing our team with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.


  • Physical - Ability to freely move about the plant floor with or without accommodation to review and analyze workflows.
  • Personal Traits - Leadership and good communication skills with ability to interface and communicate effectively with various department personnel and supervisors.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for developing, defining, reviewing, and analyzing Machining production processes. Responsible for identifying machining process and related work flow improvements that will streamline processes and make them more efficient. Responsible for generating and updating Machining control plans and PFMEAโ€™s. Responsible for the development and introduction of new products into production and ensuring their manufacturability. Responsible for accuracy of work instructions and product flow, as well as technical troubleshooting of new and modified products. Responsible for working within the Value Stream to ensure the most efficient methods are used to machine products and ensuring adequate tools are available when new products are launched. Responsible for identifying and evaluating product cost savings options. Responsible for identifying new machining equipment and technologies to improve processes.


  • Develop and maintain efficient manufacturing processes and procedures.
  • Participate and/or lead the planning of new or revised products and processes launch for the Value Stream.
  • Participate in Contract Review of new products for the Value Stream.
  • Project manage and support the implementation of new equipment and technology for machining to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
  • Collaborate with quality and sales engineering to ensure that products meet quality and safety standards.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing Concepts to the machining area.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshoot machining issues.
  • Evaluate and make recommendations for cost savings and process. improvements to increase efficiency, throughput and yield in machining.
  • Mentor and train machining operators on new processes or equipment.
  • Apply customers concepts or blueprints to manufacturing methods to determine manufacturing feasibility.
  • Create Internal Drawings and Method of Manufacturing for Machining.
  • Create control plans and PFEMAs.
  • Assess operational requirements, plan and organize work flow patterns in machining.
  • Create development and process prove-in (Green) jobs to support product manufacturability.
  • Oversee first production run ensuring productivity and quality targets are met.
  • Review methods of manufacturing, BOMs and routings to ensure that they accurately reflect the process followed on the floor.
  • Other ad hoc duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to apply basic principles, theories, and concepts within the mechanical engineering field and general knowledge of other related disciplines
  • Demonstrable natural curiosity and critical thinking
  • Ability to design and apply lean manufacturing concepts
  • Ability to understand and explain processes, schematics, blueprints and/or technical manuals
  • Demonstrated skill in solving highly technical problems
  • Experience with:
  • 3 axis and live tooling CNC Turning
  • 3, 4, and 5 axis Vertical and Horizontal Milling
  • Swiss Turning equipped with a LFV option, high pressure coolant and programmable in the B-axis.
  • Boring
  • Broaching
  • Proficient in using computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong accuracy with attention to detail

Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineer or related field with at least 3 yearsโ€™ experience working in metal machining environment, or 20 years machining experience in a broad array of equipment focused on process improvement, in lieu of degree.


Why Should You Choose Latitude Corp?
  • We are a rapidly growing employee-owned manufacturing company
  • Growth Opportunities
  • Weekly Pay
  • Clean and Climate Controlled Work Environment
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability
  • Work on products that support the US Military and National Defense
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • 401K Plan with 4% Company Match

Latitude Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

#J-18808-Ljbffr