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Defense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... ABOUT THE TEAM Anduril's Manufacturing team is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team to ...

Network Security Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$101K - $139K/yr

This role sits within the Cyber Defense team and works closely with Networking and Infrastructure teams to embed security requirements into day-to-day engineering and operations. The Network Security ...

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified Research Engineer for the development of advanced AI/ML algorithms for the Intelligence and Defense communities.

... from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional ... The engineer will work closely with device, process, and test engineers to define interconnect ...

Systems Engineer Senior I

Wake Forest, NC

$89K - $122K/yr

... Defense customers with an unbeatable warfighting edge. From surface vessels to sub-surface ... Leads small-to-medium sized systems Engineering projects or technical work packages within cost and ...

... defense, aerospace, and automotive--powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building ... As a Logistics Packaging Engineer, you will design and optimize packaging systems that enable the ...

You will be a key member of a team that is developing Digital Engineering simulation tools and technologies for the Department of Defense. The opportunity for career advancement and continued ...

... defense, aerospace, and automotive--powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building ... As a Logistics Packaging Engineer, you will design and optimize packaging systems that enable the ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 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:
Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Anduril Industries

Morrisville, NC • On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril's Manufacturing team is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team to support Anduril Composites branch in North Carolina. This Manufacturing Team is responsible for manufacturing prototypes as well executing in a production environment. This role encompasses everything in the manufacturing value-chain, including, but not limited to, MBOM Management, Work Instruction creation, Design for Manufacturability work, work cell optimization, tool design & selection, process creation & optimization, vendor sourcing & interaction, quality planning, and work documentation associated with the composite and metallic structures.
The right person for this role can demonstrate experience in composite and metallic structural assembly in a fast paced environment in a LRIP and FRP environment. This person will also demonstrate the ability to work across multiple functions (Manufacturing Operations, Design, Quality, Leadership, Supply Chain, etc) to achieve a successful manufacturing approach, flow, and build.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Develop process flows, breaking down large, complex assemblies into a logical part flow of subassemblies and sub-processes
  • Write manufacturing documentation, such as work instructions, MBOMs, quality plans, inspection requirements, non-conformances, while also completing said work instructions, quality plans, and inspections alongside a team of technicians and inspectors
  • Work as a conduit between the engineering technical data packages and the technicians to ensure products are manufactured as designed/analyzed
  • Solve manufacturing problems in schedule-driven environment under the constraints of detailed specifications and requirements to achieve the needed quality, while delivering on schedule
  • Drive work cell design and optimization to ensure quality and efficiency targets are maintained and managed
  • Work with the Program Managers to inform critical decision points to ensure on-time delivery
  • Drive RCCAs alongside the quality team to eliminate production blockers and recurring issues
  • Help form and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in a production environment
  • Create detailed simulation models to help inform capacity planning and production line balancing

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technology related field
  • 3+ years of experience in a relevant field, preferably manufacturing of airframe structural components and/or assemblies in a production environment
  • A genuine interest in manufacturing and thirst for learning
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings including GD&T
  • Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (NX preferred)
  • Experience with MS Office and/or project management software skills
  • Demonstrated in-kind or direct team leadership skills, with backing examples
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience supporting aerospace, defense, automotive, and/or energetics facilities in a production environment
  • Experience working within a AS9100 accredited manufacturing facility (or similar accreditation)
  • Experience in Plant Simulation (Seimens product)
  • Proficiency in TeamCenter for digital manufacturing processes
  • Composite and metallic manufacturing processes (autoclave processing, autofeed drilling, etc)
  • Understanding of a FSDA approach to manufacturing
  • Understanding of CNC Machining operation and limitations - 5-axis routers, lathes, mills, etc

US Salary Range
$89,000-$131,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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