ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

You will be a key member of a team that is developing Digital Engineering simulation tools and technologies for the Department of Defense. Systems Engineer Position Requirements: * U.S. Citizenship

Berriehill Research

Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC

You will be a key member of a team that is developing Digital Engineering simulation tools and technologies for the Department of Defense. Systems Engineer Position Requirements: * U.S. Citizenship

Ontic

Electrical Design Engineer

Creedmoor, NC · On-site

... defense aerospace programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical engineering ... fundamentals, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to solve complex technical challenges while ...

Ontic

Electrical Design Engineer

Creedmoor, NC

... defense aerospace programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical engineering ... fundamentals, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to solve complex technical challenges while ...

Vulcan Elements

Controls Engineer

Benson, NC

$67K - $87K/yr

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... As the Controls Engineer you will own controls execution for the magnet equipment portfolio within ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$92K - $126K/yr

The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in growing and managing a team developing digital engineering and mission analysis capabilities for the Department of Defense. We are seeking an ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 16, 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.

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 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 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,707 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Systems Engineer

ARA

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

If you want to accelerate your career growth and apply your expertise to problems of national importance, we have the job for you! You'll achieve your personal and professional goals in a stable environment that rewards an entrepreneurial spirit. You'll solve challenging problems and grow your career in an exciting setting that promotes teamwork and cross-training across related disciplines. We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer to join our Digital Engineering team designing and analyzing new warfighter capabilities. The ideal candidate is a generalist who enjoys analyzing warfighter needs, modeling architectures in MBSE tools, and has a desire to be hands-on in building software tools that solve real-world problems.
The successful candidate for this position will have a strong passion for Mission Engineering and the national security domain, strong systems modeling skills, an interest in software engineering, and the ability to conceptualize and deliver solutions to customer problems. Ideal candidates understand the benefits of a Digital Thread, are conversant on the strengths and weaknesses of existing MBSE tools, and are passionate about improving systems engineering process to solve real warfighter problems. You will be a key member of a team that is developing Digital Engineering simulation tools and technologies for the Department of Defense.
Systems Engineer Position Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
  • BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, computer science, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field
  • 5+ years relevant work experience with BS
  • 3+ years relevant work experience with MS
  • Familiarity with Systems Modeling Language (SysML) version 2 and Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
  • Experience with commercial MBSE software, especially developing plugins to extend functionality
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Systems Engineer Preferences:
Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.
  • Demonstrated experience with at least one modern software development ecosystem (e.g., Python, C++, or Java), and comfortable implementing quick-turnaround, proof of concept solutions in that ecosystem
  • Familiarity with DoD mission analysis or campaign analysis software or specific domain expertise (e.g., lethality, guidance, propulsion, EW, etc.)
  • Existing DoD security clearance

Who is ARA?
Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women's Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.
To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply