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Defense Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roush

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

New

ROUSH

Director of Defense Engineering

Warren, MI · On-site

The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the ...

New

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How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 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 does a defense engineer do?

A defense engineer designs, develops, and tests military systems, equipment, and technologies such as weapons, communication systems, and defense infrastructure. They often work with specialized tools, adhere to strict safety and security standards, and may require security clearances and knowledge of engineering principles, materials, and systems integration.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

In defense engineering, senior engineers such as aerospace, systems, or electrical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and security clearances can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand sectors or with leadership roles. These positions often require specialized knowledge, advanced degrees, and certifications, and may involve working on complex projects or managing teams.

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.

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In defense engineering, senior roles such as defense program managers, chief engineers, or high-level consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives.

What engineers make $500,000?

In defense engineering, senior roles such as systems engineers, program managers, and lead engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions often require security clearances, leadership abilities, and expertise in areas like missile defense, cybersecurity, or aerospace systems.
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:
What job categories do people searching Defense Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Engineering jobs are:
Defense Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Director of Defense Engineering

Director of Defense Engineering

Roush

Warren, MI

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Roush rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 419 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a diverse range of industries. 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 park industries.  With over 2,400 employees in facilities throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America, our unique combination of creativity and tenacity activates big ideas on a global stage.  We want motivated, ambitious people who put the needs of our customers first, bring creativity to their work and will do whatever it takes to achieve success.  If you share our passion for providing innovative solutions to complex challenges, we want you on our team.

At Roush, we work alongside the best and brightest to do incredibly cool things you wouldn’t believe. At Roush, you are part of building the future.

As the Director of Defense Engineering, you will:
The Director, Defense Engineering will provide technical leadership across all engineering teams in the Defense organization. The role will lead technology transfer and collaboration between the Defense group and other parts of the engineering business unit in the organization. The role will guide teams through engineering development, maintain team capabilities and competencies, and engage with customers on multiple design-led programs. The Director, Defense Engineering will understand the business and manage multiple clients and locations in a dynamic environment.  This role is located in Warren, MI.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership and direction for engineering team.
  • Focus on staff development strategies that supports the business plan and strategic direction.
  • Create an environment supportive of positive employee engagement.
  • Manage engineering operations including capacity planning, utilization, resource assignment, process management, and engineering metrics.
  • Provide leadership and direction on quotations and project reviews to assure that targets and
  • project budget costs are met.
  • Identify engineering focus areas to improve or streamline the development process and execution of
  • engineering initiatives, and eliminate non-value-added activities at all levels of the engineering.
  • Support business development actions, proposal development and Defense strategy direction.
  • Support financials for Defense business including projections, forecasting, reconciliation, and
  • presentation to management.
  • Oversee management and performance expectations of managers, supervisors and leaders through
  • performance feedback.
  • Lead continuous process improvement efforts and reinforce quality systems to ensure production quality.

To be considered for the Director of Defense Engineering, you will need:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience leading engineers performing system design, electrical, mechanical, and software in the automotive or defense, with a minimum of 4 years in the defense industry.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing business financials (profit, loss & sales margins).
  • U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident allowing for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
  • compliance.
  • Experience in CAD/CAM/CAE and PLM supported process improvement and re-engineering in
  • engineering and manufacturing processes
  • Experience in system engineering and software development tools and methodologies
  • Ability to understand staffing demand and supply data metrics.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills, and ability to effectively manage multiple projects.
  • Ability to make recommendations and provide guidance to effectively meet program staffing
  • requirements.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word and Excel), and effective communication
  • skills, both written and verbal.

A successful candidate may also have:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance up to Top Secret
  • Master’s degree in engineering or MBA.
  • Experience working with the US Department of Defense
  • Design and Contract specifications

Our full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, earned sick time, STD, LTD, 401K, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and paid holidays.

To apply for this position and view all of our other career opportunities at Roush, click here: https://jobs.roush.com/us/en/

Visit our website:  www.roush.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoushCareers

Roush is an EO employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. If you need reasonable accommodation for our employment application process due to disability, please contact
Roush Talent Acquisition at (734) 779-7087.

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Company Description

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a diverse range of industries. 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 park industries. With over 4,000 employees in facilities throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America, our unique combination of creativity and tenacity activates big ideas on a global stage. We want motivated, ambitious people who put the needs of our customers first, bring creativity to their work and will do whatever it takes to achieve success. If you share our passion for providing innovative solutions to complex challenges, we want you on our team.

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