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Defense Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Karman Space & Defense

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... You work closely with engineering, suppliers, and production teams to validate processes, solve ...

Karman Space & Defense

Electrical Test Engineer II

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate electromechanical systems ...

Karman Space & Defense

Electrical Test Engineer II

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate electromechanical systems ...

Karman Space & Defense

CNC Programmer

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$82K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CNC Programmer Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its ...

Karman Space & Defense

CNC Programmer

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$82K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CNC Programmer Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its ...

Karman Space & Defense

Engineering Manager (IPT Lead)

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver ...

DigitalOcean

Staff Network Security Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$168K - $211K/yr

This position, which reports to the Manager, Security Defense Engineering, involves architecting and building automated security tools and championing best practices to ensure our network remains ...

AMRO Fabricating Corporation

Site Manager

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense programs. In this role, you will lead the Mukilteo engineering and manufacturing site, overseeing programs, operations, and overall organizational performance. You will strengthen cross ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Karman Space & Defense

Mukilteo, WA • On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 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

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

In this role, you support the transition of designs into production by developing manufacturing processes, tools, and documentation that ensure producibility, efficiency, and product quality. You work closely with engineering, suppliers, and production teams to validate processes, solve technical challenges, and enable reliable fabrication and assembly.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborates with design teams to ensure producibility and apply design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA) principles.
  • Validates and monitors fabrication and production processes and controls.
  • Designs, develops, and implements fixtures, tools, and inspection gages for fabrication and assembly.
  • Generates bills of materials and manufacturing work instructions.
  • Supports material and resource planning for production activities.
  • Coordinates with suppliers and vendor quality teams to support sourcing and production needs.
  • Analyzes and plans manufacturing workflow and space requirements.
  • Communicates across the organization to gather information, gain alignment, and implement solutions.
  • Resolves technical issues using engineering references, inspection tools, and verification techniques.
  • Assists with prototype builds and evaluations of materials and processes.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field, or 7 years of applicable in‑field experience.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly shop environment.
  • Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams, and work from verbal and written instructions.
  • Familiarity with basic material properties, in-process verification, and validation.
  • Working knowledge of ISO 9000, AS9100, or similar quality systems.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

What Karman Space & Defense employees say

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