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Defense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Wolfspeed, Inc.

Program Manager - Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

The ideal candidate has worked inside a defense contractor, understands how these organizations ... Coordinate with Wolfspeed's engineering, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure internal ...

Cree

Program Manager - Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

The ideal candidate has worked inside a defense contractor, understands how these organizations ... Coordinate with Wolfspeed's engineering, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure internal ...

Wolfspeed

Program Manager- Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The ideal candidate has worked inside a defense contractor, understands how these organizations ... Coordinate with Wolfspeed's engineering, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure internal ...

US01 Wolfspeed, Inc.

Program Manager- Defense

Durham, NC · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

The ideal candidate has worked inside a defense contractor, understands how these organizations ... Coordinate with Wolfspeed's engineering, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure internal ...

Redhat

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$96K - $154K/yr

Practice defensive programming to deliver stable and high-quality software for Red Hat customers and upstream communities. * Communicate and collaborate with developers and teams inside and outside ...

Red Hat, LLC

Senior Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$118.60 - $195.68/hr

Practice defensive programming to deliver stable and high‑quality software for RedHat customers and upstream communities. * Communicate and collaborate with developers and teams inside and outside ...

Redhat

Senior Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$118K - $195K/yr

Practice defensive programming to deliver stable and high-quality software for Red Hat customers and upstream communities. * Communicate and collaborate with developers and teams inside and outside ...

Verizon

Engineer III, Security Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

The Defense teams are responsible for owning the security lifecycle and effectiveness across the ... Work with lead engineers on strategic security technical challenges and complex investigations.

Fairqa

Quality Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Support aerospace and defense manufacturers in the Raleigh-Durham region with embedded FAI, supplier quality, and compliance engineering. What you'll do * Lead AS9102 FAI execution across machined ...

CoVar

Software Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

Software Engineer About CoVar CoVar is a small, mission-driven AI/ML R&D software company based in ... We build advanced software and machine learning systems that help the Department of Defense detect ...

Ontic

Electrical Engineer

Creedmoor, NC · On-site

... defense aerospace programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical engineering ... fundamentals, sustaining engineering background, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to solve ...

Analog Devices

FPGA Systems Development Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

ADI's Aerospace, Defense and Communication (ADEF & COM) business is focused on three (3) key areas ... Our diverse engineering community is a recognized leader providing forward thinking designs that ...

Ontic

Electrical Engineer

Creedmoor, NC · On-site

... defense aerospace programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical engineering ... fundamentals, sustaining engineering background, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to solve ...

Analogdevices

FPGA Systems Development Engineer

Durham, NC

$125K - $161K/yr

ADI's Aerospace, Defense and Communication (ADEF & COM) business is focused on three (3) key areas ... Our diverse engineering community is a recognized leader providing forward thinking designs that ...

Analog Devices, Inc.

Product Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Engineer, Product Engineering - Prod Dev (P2) ADI Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global ... ADEF - Aerospace and Defense ADEF ADI's Aerospace and Defense (ADEF) business is focused on three ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Defense Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$35.3K

$101.7K

$157.6K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Raleigh, NC is $101,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,909.00 and $126,138.00 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,707 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Program Manager - Defense

Wolfspeed, Inc.

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own and accelerate program delivery through defense contractor partners by managing performance, accountability, and outcomes.

  • Manage program execution end-to-end, including maintaining schedules, tracking milestones, and leading reviews with contractor teams.

  • Build and maintain relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering leads, and procurement teams to facilitate program success.

Wolfspeed rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Wolfspeed, we do amazing things in a human way.
We know that the achievements of our organization are due to the passion, hard work and creativity of our employees. We celebrate different perspectives to foster excellence across our organization, and our goal is to make diversity a foundation of what we do. We are proudly building an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work.
  • Enjoy doing things that people say can't be done? Innovation is at the center of everything we do.

  • Hate red tape? We remove roadblocks instead of creating them.

  • Working parent? We provide childcare assistance and paid parental leave.

  • Student? We offer continuing education assistance.

  • Looking for community? There are many ways to get involved, from Employee Resource Groups to local outreach

The Day-to-Day:
Wolfspeed is seeking a results-driven Program Manager to own and accelerate program delivery through Wolfspeed's defense contractor partners. Working alongside an existing team that manages U.S. government program office relationships, this role is squarely focused on driving performance, accountability, and outcomes with prime defense contractors. The ideal candidate has worked inside a defense contractor, understands how these organizations operate, and knows how to cut through complexity to get things done.
Key Responsibilities
Contractor Performance & Accountability
  • Serve as Wolfspeed's primary point of contact with defense prime and sub-tier contractor program teams

  • Hold contractors accountable to committed schedules, technical deliverables, and quality standards

  • Proactively identify and escalate risks, delays, or gaps in contractor performance before they impact program outcomes

  • Drive resolution of technical, contractual, and schedule issues across contractor organizations

Program Execution
  • Manage program execution end-to-end - from contract award through delivery and acceptance - with a relentless focus on results

  • Maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and track milestones across multiple concurrent contractor-driven programs

  • Lead regular program reviews, status calls, and action item tracking with contractor teams

  • Coordinate with Wolfspeed's engineering, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure internal readiness supports contractor demand

Relationship Management
  • Build deep, trusted working relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering leads, and procurement teams

  • Leverage knowledge of how prime contractors operate internally to navigate their processes efficiently and advocate for Wolfspeed's priorities

  • Represent Wolfspeed professionally and credibly in environments where the other side of the table is a large, experienced defense organization

Business Development Support
  • Identify expansion opportunities within existing contractor relationships and feed them to business development

  • Support proposal and pricing efforts for follow-on programs with current defense contractor customers

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field

  • 7+ years of program management experience, with at least 5 years inside a defense contractor (prime or significant sub-tier)

  • Deep understanding of how defense prime contractors operate - their internal processes, incentives, culture, and decision-making structures

  • Demonstrated track record of driving results and holding teams/partners accountable in a contractor environment

  • Strong negotiation, communication, and influencing skills - comfortable pushing back on large organizations professionally and effectively

  • Experience managing Integrated Master Schedules and multi-milestone program plans

  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (or ability to obtain)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior employment at a recognized defense prime

  • Experience on programs involving one or more of the following defense application areas:

  • Power electronics (high-voltage, high-frequency power conversion and management)

  • Directed energy (high-power lasers or high-power microwave systems)

  • Radar systems (airborne, ground-based, or naval radar platforms)

  • Naval electrification (shipboard power distribution, electric propulsion, or energy storage systems)

  • Electronic warfare (EW systems, signal intelligence, or RF subsystems)

  • Familiarity with DFARS, FAR, and defense contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M)

  • Experience with ITAR and export-controlled program environments

What Sets This Role Apart
You'll work with the most sophisticated defense organizations in the world - and you'll need to earn their respect while pushing them for results. Wolfspeed's Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology is a critical enabler for next-generation defense platforms, and this role puts you at the center of translating that technology into fielded capability across directed energy, radar, naval electrification, and electronic warfare programs.
This role may require additional duties and/or assignments as designated by management.
To put it legally - Wolfspeed is an equal opportunity employer.
We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation and other protected status as required by law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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