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Defense Engineer Jobs in Manchester, NH (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Mechanical Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$82.21/hr

Mechanical Engineer LOCATION: Andover, MA PAY RATE: $82.21/hour We are a national aerospace and ... Aerospace / Defense / Aviation * Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna) * Perks: Bonus ...

The Panther Group

Project Engineer

Andover, MA

$67.45/hr

This is an exciting opportunity to work on advanced defense programs while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams in a highly technical environment. If you're an ...

The Panther Group

Project Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$67.45/hr

This is an exciting opportunity to work on advanced defense programs while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams in a highly technical environment. If you're an ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Principal Electrical Engineer

Manchester, NH · On-site

$138K - $169K/yr

An electrical engineering background with experience in military and defense markets is ideal, but ... other technical expertise will be considered. The ideal candidate can work in a collaborative ...

Geologics

RF Engineer

Chelmsford, MA

$64.20/hr

Professional experience in the aerospace/defense industry is desired. * Professional experience in ... Our clients engineer a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that ...

Geologics

RF Engineer

Chelmsford, MA

$64.20/hr

Professional experience in the aerospace/defense industry is desired. * Professional experience in ... Our clients engineer a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that ...

BAE Systems

Mgr II- Eng

Hudson, NH · On-site

In partnership with the Director of US Defense Engineering Development (ED), this role has responsibilities for developing and executing a strategy that enables Engineering to acquire and retain ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Manchester, NH

Defense Engineer information

See Manchester, NH salary details

$35.9K

$103.4K

$160.1K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Manchester, NH is $103,373.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,137.00 and $128,205.00 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 Manchester, NH look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Manchester, NH are:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Manchester, NH as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,373 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Bedford, NH • On-site

Safran Defense & Space, Inc.
See more jobs at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.external

$102K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you're ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

 

POSITION PROFILE:

The Mechanical Engineering Manager is responsible for providing oversight and technical guidance to the Mechanical Engineering team at multiple locations. It is expected that the manager will be roughly 80% applied to direct program tasking.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Plan, manage and direct the overall activities of the Mechanical Engineering Team
  • Work with the Chief Technology Officer and Program Management team to plan resource needs and manage staffing to accommodate those needs
  • Monitor team activities to ensure compliance with development processes and quality standards
  • Provide mentoring and career counseling to engineering staff as appropriate
  • Support, communicate and reinforce the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary and recognition/disciplinary actions
  • As part of the Product Qualification and Test team, provide technical expertise in design and development of mechanical systems, including precision mechanism design methods for high profile multi-spectral, multi-sensor based military systems
  • Develop and support Engineering and Configuration Control processes specific to mechanical design and tolerances, and pre-planned product improvement initiatives
  • Support of engineering documentation including detail drawings, assembly drawings and BOMS
  • Support engineering documents such as System Engineering Master Plan (SEMP), System Engineering Test Plan (SETP), Life Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP) and Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

  • 7 - 10 years of experience with mechanical design
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (preferably BSME or above) with a mechanical concentration
  • Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent Computer Aided Design tool
  • Mechanical CAD required - SolidWorks Preferred
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite of programs, including MS Word, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel required
  • Strong working knowledge of optical system design, assembly, test, spectral requirements, and precision mechanism design methods
  • Capability to manage multiple and changing priorities
  • Practical hands on experience with mechanical assembly desired
  • Solid verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organization, presentation and customer relationship skills
  • Demonstrated leadership skills while having the ability to be a team player
  • Experience in conducting Government qualification testing per Mil Std 810G or equivalent
  • Ability to multitask
  • US Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance is required.

 

IDEALLY, YOU'LL ALSO HAVE:

  • MS in Mechanical Engineering
  • Finite Element Analysis experience
  • Familiarity with Mil STD testing
  • Solid understanding of machining practices
  • Experience in designing products for harsh military and commercial environments preferred
  • Familiarity with working in an ITAR environment
  • Experience working in a diverse multinational engineering organization a plus
  • Experience working in an ITAR environment

 

TRAVEL: Occasional travel outside the local area

 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY: 

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets - US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a). 

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