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Defense Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Millennium

Program Management Analyst (DoD)

Warren, MI · On-site

The role involves managing a complex Department of Defense engineering/technical program and serving as a point of contact throughout the project life cycle, ensuring compliance with federal and DoD ...

Oshkosh Corporation

Defense Chief Engineer

Hudson, MI · On-site

... defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume ... Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and ...

CBTS

AI Software Engineer III

Detroit, MI

$75/hr

... engineering team. You will design and deliver guardrail components across services, define where and how enforcement should occur in systems, and mentor engineers on safe design and defensive ...

General Motors

Design Release Engineer - GM Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43.25/hr

General Motors Defense has multiple positions open! Please apply to be considered for a role in ... Develop and maintain engineering deliverables including BOMs, drawings, specifications, CAD data ...

Smart Data

2163 AI Software Engineer III

Farmington, MI

$132K - $147K/yr

... engineering team. You will design and deliver guardrail components across services , define where and how enforcement should occur in systems, and mentor engineers on safe design and defensive ...

Ricardo Defense

Systems Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

... engineering environments. * Good technical leadership, planning and organization/control skills. * 20-25% travel will be required. Detroit Defense offers an impressive compensation and benefits ...

Detroit Defense

Systems Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

... engineering environments. * Good technical leadership, planning and organization/control skills. * 20-25% travel will be required. Detroit Defense offers an impressive compensation and benefits ...

Apex Systems

AI Software Engineer III

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site +1

$67 - $76/hr

Mentor engineers on safe design, defensive programming, and failure handling practices. Core Capabilities * Write production-quality code with proficiency in Python and TypeScript. * Demonstrate ...

Ricardo Defense

Embedded Software Developer

Troy, MI · On-site

$85K/yr

... engineering team. This Embedded Software Developer will develop and sustain software projects for our Department of Defense customers. This Embedded Software Developer position may allow for some ...

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Defense Engineering information

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How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense engineering in Michigan is $27.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $33.12 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.
What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineering jobs in Michigan? For Defense Engineering jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Engineering jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Engineering jobs in Michigan are:
Defense Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineering job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,198 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
System Engineer with Security Clearance

System Engineer with Security Clearance

DCS Corporation

Sterling Heights, MI

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

DCS Corp is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Ground Vehicle Systems Center engineering group in Sterling Heights, MI. The successful candidate will provide systems engineering support for tactical ground vehicle programs, including requirements development, architecture definition, interface management, integration, verification, validation, and technical documentation.

The Systems Engineer will work closely with U.S. Army customers and cross-functional engineering teams to translate operational needs into clear technical requirements, support system design and integration activities, and ensure technical solutions meet program objectives. This position requires strong communication skills, disciplined engineering judgment, and the ability to coordinate across software, hardware, test, and program management teams in a fast-paced defense engineering environment.

Essential Job Functions: Develop, analyze, and manage system-level requirements in coordination with government customers, engineering teams, and program stakeholders. Support system architecture development, functional analysis, trade studies, and technical decision-making for ground vehicle systems. Assist in defining system interfaces, integration strategies, verification methods, and validation plans.

Collaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, cybersecurity, test, and logistics engineering teams to ensure system requirements are properly implemented and verified. Support integration and test activities, including troubleshooting system-level issues, documenting results, and coordinating corrective actions. Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including requirements specifications, interface control documents, test procedures, technical reports, design descriptions, and engineering briefings.

Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, working groups, and customer meetings. Support configuration management, risk management, change impact assessments, and traceability of requirements throughout the system lifecycle. Apply established systems engineering processes, standards, and best practices to support program execution and technical quality.

Required Skills: Due to the sensitivity of customer-related requirements, U.S. citizenship is required. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 5 years of experience.. Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to interface effectively with government customers, program managers, systems engineers, software engineers, test engineers, and other technical stakeholders. Experience supporting requirements development, requirements decomposition, verification planning, or system integration activities.

Ability to analyze complex technical problems, identify root causes, and coordinate practical engineering solutions. Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle processes, including requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, validation, and sustainment. Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment supporting defense or ground vehicle programs.

Experience developing or reviewing technical documentation, engineering reports, test plans, or system specifications. Desired Skills: Experience supporting U.S. Army, DoD, or ground vehicle programs.

Familiarity with military vehicle systems, embedded systems, mission equipment, automotive electronics, power systems, communications systems, or related defense technologies. Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Jama, Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar tools. Understanding of model-based systems engineering principles, SysML, system architecture modeling, or digital engineering practices.

Familiarity with software development, embedded software, cybersecurity, or hardware/software integration. Experience supporting test events, failure analysis, issue tracking, and corrective action processes. Knowledge of configuration management, capability maturity model processes, or formal engineering change processes.

DCS logo

About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

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