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Defense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Vadum Inc.

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC

... defense research and development. If you're passionate about innovation and want to make a ... Position Summary Vadum is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our growing engineering team.

New

Vadum Inc

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... defense research and development. If you're passionate about innovation and want to make a ... Position Summary Vadum is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our growing engineering team.

New

Vadum Inc

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... defense research and development. If you're passionate about innovation and want to make a ... Position Summary Vadum is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our growing engineering team.

Vadum, Inc.

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... defense research and development. If you're passionate about innovation and want to make a ... Position Summary Vadum is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our growing engineering team.

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

Vadum, Inc.

Junior Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... defense research and development. Our engineers work on cutting-edge technologies that solve ... complex technical challenges in support of critical national security missions. If you're an early ...

Vadum Inc

Junior Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... defense research and development. Our engineers work on cutting-edge technologies that solve ... complex technical challenges in support of critical national security missions. If you're an early ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Vulcan Elements

Process Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... The Role As a Process Engineer, you will contribute to the full lifecycle of a massive 1 million ...

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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 Jul 24, 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 are Defense Engineers?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,707 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Vadum Inc.

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Full-time

Description

About Vadum

Since 2004, Vadum has built a reputation for practical innovation, delivering advanced technology solutions to customers in the highly competitive field of national defense research and development.  

If you're passionate about innovation and want to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you. 

Position Summary 

Vadum is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will research, design, develop, and test software solutions that address complex technical challenges. You'll work throughout the research and development phases of the software development lifecycle, creating applications, developing prototypes, and contributing to innovative solutions that support mission-critical systems. 

The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver with strong software development skills, an interest in emerging technologies, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

 Job Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Research new concepts and algorithms as it relates to the assigned programs; Creative application of designs to solve challenging customer problems. 
  • Analyze users’ needs and then design and develop prototypes and/or concepts to meet those needs.  
  • Understand and apply machine learning concepts to solve assigned problems and inform designs.  
  • Design specific pieces of an application or system and plan how the pieces will work together as assigned.   
  • Prepare documentation of designs to communicate results and share ideas with teams.   
  • Ensures that a program continues to function normally through software maintenance and testing.  
  • Documents every aspect of an application or system as a reference for future maintenance and upgrade.  
  • Develop software system testing procedures, programming, and documentation as required.  
  • Provide subject matter guidance to peers within the group and company.  
  • Responsibly and respectfully interacts with customers and suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction and project alignment.      
  • Analyzes and solves complex and unique problems across projects using innovative solutions.  

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:  

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field required.
  • 5+ years relevant professional experience required. 
  • Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain clearance. 
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to be flexible and learn new concepts and technologies on the job.
  • Experience with programming languages (JAVA, C/C++, Python/TensorFlow/Scikit-Learn, MATLAB, and ML frameworks).   
  • Familiarity with streaming data processing frameworks such as Kafka / Spark/ Hadoop is a plus.  
  • Familiarity with Functional Programming concepts and styles a plus.   
  • Ability to work effectively with senior engineers and translate results from complex analytics into elegant data products. 
  • Strong coding skills in a modern object-oriented language (e.g., C#, Java, C++).  
  • Ability to work effectively and comfortably with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and support staff. 
  • Proven record of technical leadership in their job area.    
  • Excellent communication skills.  

Why Join Vadum?

At Vadum, you'll work alongside highly skilled engineers and researchers developing technologies that address some of the nation's most important defense challenges. We foster an innovative, collaborative environment where creativity, technical excellence, and continuous learning are valued and encouraged.

If you're looking for an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and engineering while growing your career, we invite you to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

 Vadum, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Vadum is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans throughout the application and hiring process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Manager at (919) 341-8241. 

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