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Defense Engineering information

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$12

$31

$57

How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, systems integration, and security protocols, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, project management systems, and compliance with defense industry standards such as ITAR or DoD regulations is essential. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of defense systems while meeting strict regulatory and operational requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Defense Engineering, and how can they be managed?

Defense Engineering professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology requirements, strict regulatory compliance, and the need to maintain confidentiality on sensitive projects. Managing these challenges requires adaptability, strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Building strong relationships with team members and staying current with industry best practices can help engineers effectively navigate these complexities and contribute to successful project outcomes.

What is defense engineering?

Defense engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on designing, developing, and maintaining systems, equipment, and technologies used by the military and defense organizations. This includes everything from vehicles, weapons, and protective equipment to advanced communication and surveillance systems. Defense engineers work to ensure these technologies are reliable, effective, and meet strict safety and regulatory standards. They often collaborate with government agencies, private contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to address evolving security and defense challenges.

What is the difference between Defense Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectDefense EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, security clearances often requiredBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering, professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agencies, secure facilitiesManufacturing plants, research labs, design firms
Industry UsageMilitary, defense technology, aerospaceAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Defense Engineering and Mechanical Engineering share foundational engineering principles, but Defense Engineering focuses on developing military and security systems within secure environments, often requiring security clearances. Mechanical Engineering has a broader application across industries like automotive and aerospace, with less emphasis on security. Both roles demand strong technical skills, but Defense Engineering emphasizes specialized knowledge related to defense technology and security protocols.

More about Defense Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Defense Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Defense Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Engineering jobs include:
Defense - Engineering Manager

Defense - Engineering Manager

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

$130.60K - $200.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit’s Defense Business Unit (“Spirit Defense”). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions.


Responsibilities

Spirit Defense has an exciting opportunity for a First Level Engineering Manager (Level K) located in Wichita, KS; leading the latest engineering team through emerging new programs in Hypersonic, Space, Unmanned aircraft, or Next Generation aircraft. In this role, you are responsible for leading the development and execution of engineering in support of the program. You will provide technical leadership ensuring high performance in the design and build of large structural assemblies. You should be well versed in a variety of composite and metal materials and processes, complex structures geometry, tooling requirements, stress and design processes. 

Position Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical leadership to your engineering leads
  • Collaborate with leadership on goals for performance based on contract requirements.
  • Measures requirements management performance and constantly looks for opportunities to improve performance.
  • Manage technical, cost, budget, and schedule (EVMS) of the team
  • Identify, assess, and drive to closure any technical risks or opportunities associated with your program
  • Mentor and collaborate with engineers within your team to enhance skills and assist in their desired career trajectory

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Deep knowledge of engineering for producibility, measurement, and inspection processes, experience in design or stress engineering through technical leadership, managing with influence, interpersonal relationships and communication, teambuilding, continuous improvement. Ability to be an authoritative speaker at customer reviews, and technical conferences.


Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or other related course of study obtained from an ABET accredited engineering program or equivalent international accreditation
  • 10+ years of relevant engineering experience including at least 3 years in a significant leadership role.
  • Experience leading an engineering team
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong presentation skills
  • Strong emotional intelligence skills and professional presence to be able to work with company executives and customers.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
  • Ability to travel (<10% expected)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with new programs
  • Active Secret DoD security clearance
  • Experience in collaborating with senior-level managers and managing complex engineering designs
  • Experience with Program Management Best Practices (Risk, Issue, and Opportunity Management, Enterprise Standard Gated Process, Baseline Management, etc.)

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary Pay Range: $130,600 - $200,200

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status. 

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or other related course of study obtained from an ABET accredited engineering program or equivalent international accreditation
  • 10+ years of relevant engineering experience including at least 3 years in a significant leadership role.
  • Experience leading an engineering team
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong presentation skills
  • Strong emotional intelligence skills and professional presence to be able to work with company executives and customers.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
  • Ability to travel (<10% expected)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with new programs
  • Active Secret DoD security clearance
  • Experience in collaborating with senior-level managers and managing complex engineering designs
  • Experience with Program Management Best Practices (Risk, Issue, and Opportunity Management, Enterprise Standard Gated Process, Baseline Management, etc.)

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary Pay Range: $130,600 - $200,200

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status. 

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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