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Defense Engineer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI (NOW HIRING)

Calling All Defense Engineers: Your Next Mission Starts Here. You've spent your career solving tough problems, supporting critical missions, and developing technologies that matter. Your experience ...

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Calling All Defense Engineers: Your Next Mission Starts Here. You've spent your career solving tough problems, supporting critical missions, and developing technologies that matter. Your experience ...

Posted today

Calling All Defense Engineers: Your Next Mission Starts Here. You've spent your career solving tough problems, supporting critical missions, and developing technologies that matter. Your experience ...

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We fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a ... The Senior Defense Program Manager is responsible for leading larger and more complex technical ...

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Senior Defense Program Manager

Troy, MI

$109K - $110K/yr

We fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a ... The Senior Defense Program Manager is responsible for leading larger and more complex technical ...

New

Senior Defense Program Manager

Troy, MI · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

We fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a ... The Senior Defense Program Manager is responsible for leading larger and more complex technical ...

Senior Defense Program Manager

Troy, MI · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

We fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a ... The Senior Defense Program Manager is responsible for leading larger and more complex technical ...

Performance Engineer Intern

Auburn Hills, MI

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

This position is intended to provide meaningful exposure to a professional aerospace and defense engineering environment while maintaining appropriate supervision and work scope for an intern. The ...

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Defense Engineer information

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 Rochester Hills, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:

What cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Defense Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Defense Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Defense Engineer

General Motors

Milford, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 308 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.3

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.3 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,329 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

Calling All Defense Engineers: Your Next Mission Starts Here.You've spent your career solving tough problems, supporting critical missions, and developing technologies that matter.Your experience has value.Your expertise has impact.Your defense expertise can make an impact here.

At GM Defense, we're combining the speed, innovation, and scale of General Motors with a growing portfolio of defense solutions designed to support the U.S. military and allied forces around the world. As we continue to expand, we're looking for talented defense engineers who understand the unique requirements of military platforms, survivability, integration, systems engineering, vehicle development, and mission-critical performance.

We are seeking Engineering professionals with a background in:

  • Systems Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Performance Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Product Development
  • Test & Validation
  • Reliability & Safety
  • Designers
  • Survivability & Armor Engineering
  • Computer Aided Engineering
  • Design & Release Engineering

Why GM Defense?

  • Work on cutting-edge defense technologies and tactical vehicle solutions
  • Help bridge commercial innovation with military capability
  • Join a team that's rapidly growing and winning new opportunities
  • Influence programs from concept through deployment
  • Be part of a company backed by the strength, resources, and engineering excellence of General Motors

Locations:

Positions are available in both Warren and Milford, Michigan

Qualifications Needed:

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics, or related
  • At minimum, 2 years of engineering experience supporting defense, military, aerospace, or government programs.
  • Ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop innovative engineering solutions.
  • Proven experience designing, developing, integrating, validating, supporting, or testing defense-related systems, vehicles, platforms, sensors, communications equipment, autonomous technologies, or mission-critical hardware/software solutions.
  • Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

This is more than a job- It's an opportunity to help build solutions that support those who serve. Join GM Defense and help engineer what's next.

Ready for your next mission? Apply today. If your experience aligns with one of our current opportunities, a member of the GM Defense Talent Acquisition team will personally reach out to discuss your background, career interests, and potential opportunities to join our growing organization. We can't wait to hear from you!

Interested in learning more about GM Defense? Check out our website https://www.gmdefensellc.com/site/us/en/gm-defense/home.html

Stay connected with GM Defense. Follow us on LinkedIn to get the latest news and receive updates on new career opportunities. Your next mission may be closer than you think. https://www.linkedin.com/company/gmdefense/

#GMD

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908