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Defense Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Karman Space & Defense

Systems Engineer III

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Karman Space & Defense

Quality Engineer I

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that ...

Karman Space & Defense

Quality Engineer I

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that ...

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer II

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer II+

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer II

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer III

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer I

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

SUMMARY The Design Engineer's role is to conceptualize, design, develop, test, and support ... ABOUT US Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical ...

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer I

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer I

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

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Defense Engineer information

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 Seattle, WA? For Defense Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Systems Engineer III

Systems Engineer III

Karman Space & Defense

Mukilteo, WA • On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Karman Space & Defense rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SUMMARY

The Systems Engineer’s role is to provide technical oversight to engineering teams developing aerospace and flight worthy structures, mechanisms, mechanical products and systems. The Systems Engineer III is expected to contribute to product maturation by driving technical planning and execution, organizing and coordinating program-wide technical activities, documenting and reporting results, and ensuring the end product meets all applicable requirements.



ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.



COMPENSATION & BENEFITS


  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement*


WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Contributes program-level technical oversight to ensure the end product meets all applicable requirements
  • Ensures balanced emphasis on engineering design, analysis, and testing to produce a robust design
  • Drives system level architectural decisions by modeling system level behavior and assisting with requirement decomposition.
  • Verifies and documents system compliance to requirements
  • Drives test plan development to validate system performance
  • Supports development of engineering reports and presentations
  • Supports development of interface control drawings and interface description documents

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Providing systems engineering support during the proposal phase, including compliance matrix reviews of the Statement of Work (SOW) and customer performance specifications, and providing ROM estimates for Systems Engineering labor.
  • Experience with DOORS Next Generation (DNG) and Jazz Team Server (JTS) Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) to capture requirements, ensure traceability, and manage revisions/configuration control.
  • Performing Concept of Operations (ConOps) to decompose customer requirements and define mission environments and system use cases.
  • Decomposing system-level requirements into subsystem and component-level requirements for military, space, or aerospace applications.
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and decomposing complex systems using Block Definition Diagrams (BDD) and Internal Block Diagrams (IBD) to identify system/subsystem interfaces.
  • Conducting system architecture trade studies to assess design solutions based on performance, cost, and weight, and ensuring solutions meet minimum requirements.
  • Leading program risk management, including documenting risks, hosting risk
  • Working with the Verification Compliance Review Matrix (VCRM) process, ensuring verifiable requirements are traceable to test and qualification plans.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams (software, hardware, etc.) to ensure alignment of system requirements and solutions.
  • Experience with system safety processes, including FMECA, fault-tree analysis, and designing for safety-critical systems.
  • Knowledge of regulatory/certification processes, including compliance with NASA, FAA, or DoD standards for aerospace, space, or defense systems.


WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • B.S. or M.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
  • Typically possesses 4-7 years aerospace and/or defense experience
  • Experience with development of mechanical systems and structures, electronics, electrical cabling, system integration and qualification testing
  • Proficiency with general aerospace engineering knowledge including structural analysis, FEA, physics-based modeling, dynamics / kinematics, advanced high-strength materials, design and test
  • Exemplifies technical leadership with demonstrated ability to develop, plan and execute multidisciplinary projects.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

What Karman Space & Defense employees say

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