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Defense Engineering Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Talon Analytics

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$89K - $118K/yr

  • Retirement

This position offers the opportunity to work on critical defense technologies and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced engineering environment. Key Responsibilities: * Design ...

Moog

Chief of Staff - Space

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$150K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experiencein aerospace, defense, engineering, consulting, or other complex technology driven environments. * Experience leading and influencing cross ...

pds

Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$38.46 - $48.08/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with Cost Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain Management teams to analyze costs, pricing ... Experience supporting Aerospace & Defense manufacturing programs. * Knowledge of PCB (Printed ...

Henkel

Key Account Manager Defense

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Defense platforms * Identifies opportunities to expand the relationship through new product ... Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, business, or related discipline required * Experience in ...

World View

Director of Engineering

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

S. based defense division, purpose-built to deliver U.S. made, U.S. delivered capabilities for the ... Role Overview The Director of Engineering is a senior technical and people leadership role ...

World View

Director of Engineering

Tucson, AZ

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

S. based defense division, purpose-built to deliver U.S. made, U.S. delivered capabilities for the ... Role Overview The Director of Engineering is a senior technical and people leadership role ...

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Showing results 21-40

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Defense Engineering information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$29

$53

How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense engineering in Arizona is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $35.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense engineer?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Defense Engineering jobs in Arizona?

For Defense Engineering jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineering jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineering jobs in Arizona are:

Defense Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineering job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,154 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Sr Principal Systems Integration & Test Engineer

Talon Analytics

Tucson, AZ

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Talon is a small business engineering firm providing innovative, end-to-end, rapid-turn solutions to our government and commercial clients. Founded in 2019, Talon employs over 150 Aerospace and Defense engineers and other support staff to solve complex engineering problems for a variety of applications to include aircraft, ballistics, cybersecurity, motorsports, armor development, biological systems, missiles, and warheads. Talon has an office in Tucson, AZ that is providing high fidelity computational models/analysis and technical services support to Fortune 500 companies.

We are currently seeking a Senior Principal Systems Integration & Test Engineer to join our team supporting the integration and testing of cutting-edge missile hardware and software systems. This role offers the opportunity to work on critical defense technology while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to real-world national security outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform integration of new hardware components into existing missile test systems and support infrastructure.
  • Lead the integration, checkout, and verification of newly developed missile systems, including both hardware and software elements.
  • Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure smooth system-level integration and test execution.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers working on test systems and integration tasks.
  • Troubleshoot complex integration issues and support root cause analysis and resolution.

Required Qualifications:

  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree with at least 7 years of experience.
  • Active and transferable U.S. government security clearance is required prior to start; U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
  • Proven experience with electronic systems integration.
  • Strong familiarity with test equipment and communication protocols such as 1553 and SpaceWire.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex integration tasks and support multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including 401k
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
  • A collaborative work culture focused on innovation and work-life balance.

Additional Details:

  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for success in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

Apply