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Defense Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Madison, WI

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 ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Madison, WI · On-site

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 ...

Aston Carter

Buyer

Janesville, WI · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... Defense requirements. The Buyer collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, manage supplier performance, and support on-time, cost ...

Aston Carter

Buyer

Janesville, WI · On-site

... Defense requirements. The Buyer collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, manage supplier performance, and support on-time, cost ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Whitewater, WI

$16 - $18.75/hr

... Engineering Common Core) on the first line of defense when it comes to fires, flooding, and CBR attacks. MASTER-AT-ARMS Provide security on ships, at bases and at military installations all around ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

... Engineering Common Core) on the first line of defense when it comes to fires, flooding, and CBR attacks. MASTER-AT-ARMS Provide security on ships, at bases and at military installations all around ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Madison, WI

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

... Engineering Common Core) on the first line of defense when it comes to fires, flooding, and CBR attacks. MASTER-AT-ARMS Provide security on ships, at bases and at military installations all around ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

... Engineering Common Core) on the first line of defense when it comes to fires, flooding, and CBR attacks. MASTER-AT-ARMS Provide security on ships, at bases and at military installations all around ...

Oshkosh Corporation, Inc.

Project Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$83 - $134/hr

About Oshkosh Defense, an Oshkosh companyOshkosh Defense stands behind those who dedicate their ... Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, IT, Finance, and external partners.Serve as the ...

Astronics-

Designer Drafter

Oregon, WI · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Our highly engineered interior and structural aerospace products are supplied to the largest ... national defense applications. The Max-Viz enhanced visions systems (EVS) are designed and ...

FLIR Systems, Inc.

Vertical Marketing Manager

Oregon, WI · On-site

$74 - $99/hr

Opportunity to support technologies used in critical aerospace and defense applications * Exposure to a broad portfolio of advanced products and solutions * Collaboration with experienced engineering ...

New

U.S. Navy

INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST

Whitewater, WI

$92K - $116K/yr

... engineering to the next level. CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN NETWORKS Use state-of-the-art technology to perform offensive and defensive cyber operations, investigating and tracking enemies while also ...

U.S. Navy

INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST

Madison, WI · On-site

$94K - $119K/yr

... engineering to the next level. CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN NETWORKS Use state-of-the-art technology to perform offensive and defensive cyber operations, investigating and tracking enemies while also ...

U.S. Navy

INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$92K - $116K/yr

... engineering to the next level. CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN NETWORKS Use state-of-the-art technology to perform offensive and defensive cyber operations, investigating and tracking enemies while also ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

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 6, 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:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
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.

Engineering Duty Officer

U.S. Navy

Madison, WI

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

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 to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on your sharp math and science skills to design, develop and deploy the world’s fiercest ships and smartest integrated warfare systems. Roll up your sleeves, Sailor, because it’s time to put the stealth in submarines and the muscle into the modern combat fleet.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Duty Officers ensure that U.S. Naval and Joint Forces operate and fight with the most capable vessels, systems and equipment possible. Your math and science skills will be vital to constantly improving the Navy’s warfighting capability and maintaining a robust cybersecurity network.

Job responsibilities could include:

  • Conducting research on high-priority operational needs
  • Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and electronic systems into these ships
  • Managing the construction, delivery, maintenance, conversion, overhaul and disposal of ships, submarines and aircraft carriers
  • Overseeing the planning, execution and testing of the repair and modernization of ships and warfare systems

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

All Engineering Duty Officers are required to obtain a Master’s degree in a technical curriculum from the Naval Postgraduate School or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This requirement is completed while serving.

Naval Postgraduate School (With Doctorate Opportunities)

Curriculum Listing:

  • Naval/Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical/Electronics Engineering
  • Space Systems Engineering
  • Combat Systems Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Space Systems Engineering (Applied Physics)
  • Computer Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Curriculum Listing:

  • Naval Construction and Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

High schoolers and current undergraduates interested in becoming an EDO can enter through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) or through the U.S. Naval Academy. It is important to note that EDOs do not have direct accession through the USNA/NROTC commissioning sources. ED accessions are warfare-qualified Officers who are strong performers and academically qualified to pursue a technical Master’s Degree.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Your work as an Engineering Duty Officer is highly valued and can take you virtually anywhere. Most EDOs are stationed at shore commands in Washington, D.C., Norfolk, VA, or San Diego, CA—however, there are opportunities for exciting sea tours around the world in Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time roles as an Engineering Duty Officer in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Engineering Duty Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media

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