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

CrossFire Group

Program Manager

Auburn Hills, MI

$52 - $57/hr

Lead defense engineering and manufacturing programs from initiation through completion. * Establish program objectives, scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, and deliverables. * Manage program cost ...

ROUSH

Vice President Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers ... The Vice President of Defense will define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to ...

ROUSH

Vice President Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and manufacturing services to the transportation industry, Roush also provides significant support to the aerospace, defense and theme ...

Kratos Defense

Performance Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on ... The Performance Engineer is a technical generalist in propulsion system thermodynamics ...

Socket.dev

Defense Vehicle Program Manager

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

We are seeking a program leader with proven defense sector or defense/military ground vehicle program experience to serve as a key advisor to the Chief Program Engineer (CPE), navigating the ...

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Jobtailor

Defense Vehicle Program Manager

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Integrate engineering release, sourcing, validation, manufacturing readiness, quality, and sustainment processes * Interface with government and defense industry partners and lead formal program ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

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:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
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.

Program Manager

CrossFire Group

Auburn Hills, MI

$52 - $57/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Program Manager

Auburn Hills, MI

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex defense engineering and manufacturing programs from initial requirements through execution and final delivery. This role is responsible for managing program scope, cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk while ensuring successful collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, facilities, and customer teams.

The ideal candidate combines formal program management expertise with a strong technical foundation and the ability to understand engineering and manufacturing challenges. This individual must be comfortable operating in an environment where program managers are expected to engage with technical issues, support decision-making, and drive program execution beyond traditional schedule and meeting management.

Pay rate: $52.00-$57.00/hr

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead defense engineering and manufacturing programs from initiation through completion.
  • Establish program objectives, scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and key program stakeholders.
  • Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, facilities, quality, supply chain, and subcontractor teams.
  • Manage customer requirements, changes, and program communications.
  • Develop and maintain integrated master schedules.
  • Monitor program performance and identify schedule, cost, and execution risks.
  • Develop and implement mitigation, recovery, and contingency plans.
  • Lead program reviews, status meetings, and customer presentations.
  • Manage program documentation, reporting, action items, and contractual deliverables.
  • Support proposal development, statements of work, cost estimates, and contract modifications.
  • Manage subcontractors and external engineering or manufacturing partners.
  • Coordinate engineering readiness and manufacturing readiness activities.
  • Support production ramp-up activities and manufacturing implementation efforts.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, government stakeholders, and industry partners.
  • Ensure program execution complies with contractual obligations and applicable government requirements.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of program or project management experience.
  • Prior experience within the defense industry.
  • Experience managing engineering and/or manufacturing programs.
  • Demonstrated success managing scope, cost, schedule, risk, and customer expectations.
  • Strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and customer-facing skills.
  • Experience developing project schedules and program management reports.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs.
  • Experience working for a defense prime contractor or major defense supplier.
  • Experience supporting Army programs or military vehicle programs.
  • Background in weapons systems, ammunition, aerospace, aviation, or advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with engineering consulting or government contracting organizations.
  • Familiarity with FAR and DFARS requirements.
  • Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
  • Strong risk management and configuration/change management experience.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Active Secret Security Clearance.
  • Experience working directly with government customers, program offices, or acquisition organizations.
Key Competencies
  • Program Leadership
  • Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Cross-Functional Team Coordination
  • Risk Identification and Mitigation
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Schedule and Budget Management
  • Technical Problem Solving
  • Contract and Compliance Management
  • Manufacturing and Production Readiness
  • Continuous Improvement
Work Environment
This role requires close collaboration with technical, operational, and customer teams in a fast-paced defense engineering and manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be expected to balance strategic program leadership with a hands-on understanding of technical and production challenges to ensure successful program outcomes.

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Company Description

Using the best business practices obtained from many years of experience in Business, Law, and Recruiting and Staffing, the Founders at CrossFire Group (“CrossFire”) started in downtown Royal Oak, MI more than a decade ago. With backgrounds in Information Technology (IT) and the Legal Industry, CrossFire began placing by IT and Legal Professionals in contract and direct-hire positions throughout the Midwest.

Since our founding, CrossFire has grown into a full-service Human Capital Solutions Organization. We are proud of now providing full services beyond recruiting and staffing. Our portfolio of services includes HR supply chain management, human resources consulting, and many customized Human Resource related services.