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Defense Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Detroit Defense

Embedded Software Developer

Troy, MI · On-site

$75K - $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 ...

Belcan

Defense Functional Safety Senior Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$50 - $56.67/hr

The role will be responsible for assessing safety throughout the systems engineering development timeline. The Defense Functional Safety Senior Engineer will assess controls and software and provide ...

Belcan

Defense Functional Safety Senior Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$50 - $56.67/hr

The role will be responsible for assessing safety throughout the systems engineering development timeline. The Defense Functional Safety Senior Engineer will assess controls and software and provide ...

General Motors

Sr. System Engineer - GM Defense IT

Warren, MI · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

The Role GM Defense is driving the future of military mobility by leveraging the best-in-class ... Work across numerous project teams, often as the primary systems engineering resource, to develop ...

Kratos Defense

Product Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on ... Own day-to-day engineering execution, priorities, and deliverables for assigned products * Plan ...

Zobility

Defense Executive Assistant

New Hudson, MI

Defense Executive Assistant The Defense Executive Assistant plays a critical role in supporting ... This individual will act as a central coordination point across executive leadership, engineering ...

Versigent

AI Build Engineer Manager

Troy, MI · On-site

Responsibilities : • Rapid Prototyping & "Architecture as Code" • Engineering Scalable Reference Implementations • AI Security & Defensive Engineering • Containerization & Cloud Orchestration ...

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Defense Engineering information

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$11

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$50

How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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.

Embedded Software Developer

Detroit Defense

Troy, MI • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description

Detroit Defense Inc. is seeking a C++ Embedded Software Developer to join our growing software 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 remote flexibility but will require on-site presence for key project milestones, design reviews, and customer engagements.


Veterans Encouraged to Apply: Detroit Defense proudly supports those who have served. We welcome applicants with military experience, including those transitioning to civilian careers. Your leadership, adaptability, and mission-focused mindset are valued here. Detroit Defense is a 4x recipient of the Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with your Software Development Lead to identify opportunities for increased process efficiency, code and module sharing, standardization, and integration.
  • Take ownership of software development tasks by working within our ticketing system to manage and complete assigned coding tickets.
  • Collaborate using Detroit Defense's version control and configuration management framework to contribute code and access internal development resources.
  • Participate in team meetings, demo your code, and align with company best practices, including leveraging AI tools as part of the development process where applicable.
  • Contribute to maintaining high-quality code standards and support continuous improvement in our development processes.

Requirements

  • A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Government Secret Security Clearance and a Common Access Card (CAC) is required. United States Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret Clearance.
  • Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and sprint-based software development.
  • Proficiency in C and C++ (C++11/14/17 strongly preferred).
  • Experience developing software for embedded systems, including understanding of resource-constrained environments, real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware/software interfaces, and low-level C++ development preferred.
  • Familiarity with common embedded communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth).
  • Proficiency working in Linux environments, including shell scripting, system navigation, and building/running C++ applications on Linux-based platforms.
  • Experience with additional languages such as Python, C#, or Java is a plus.
  • Experience with Git, GitLab CI/CD, and issue tracking systems (Jira or similar) preferred.
  • Enthusiastic team player who enjoys collaboration and is driven to pursue technical excellence.

Detroit Defense offers an impressive compensation and benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
  • Company Paid Life and AD&D
  • Company Paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending & HSA Accounts
  • Legal & ID Shield Services
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

Why Detroit Defense:
At Detroit Defense, we deliver mission-critical solutions that enhance national security, protect the warfighter, and enable readiness through innovation, technical excellence, and end-to-end lifecycle support. 


Remaining steadfast in our core values of Trustworthy, Mission Driven, Creative, and Agile we are a complex systems integrator for the U.S. Government, Detroit Defense provides solutions to meet the technical and programmatic challenges faced by our customers. Our proven success in multi-domain cross-platform system-of-systems integration results in fielded capability for warfighters. From R&D to production, fielding, and sustainment, Detroit Defense provides services and solutions to Empower Those That protect Us.


Detroit Defense is a proud recipient of the Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award since 2022.


Detroit Defense is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity or gender expression), age, mental or physical disability, creed, ancestry, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic trait or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

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