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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.
Senior Missile Defense Engineering Operations Analyst with Security Clearance

Senior Missile Defense Engineering Operations Analyst with Security Clearance

Valkyrie Enterprises

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position: 
Senior Missile Defense Engineering Operations Analyst Contingent upon prime contractor approval Purpose: * Valkyrie Enterprises has need for a Senior Missile Defense Engineering Operations Analyst in Fort Belvoir, VA. 
* In this position you deliver engineering analytical aid to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Director of Engineering in the Engineering Management office (DER) and focus on manpower analysis, development of engineering manpower requirements, tracking of staffing and personnel actions, and execution of manpower decisions and actions through MDA’s HR manpower systems
Job Description: * Serve as the contractor lead for managing manpower resources across MDA’s Engineering functional organization
* Work actions in MDA’s ORBIT system as the contractor lead for Position Data Manager (PDM) and Employee Life Cycle Manager (LCM) actions
* Create and update current positions providing detailed comments to justify and track engineering manpower actions
* Manage in-coming personnel and modifications to current assignments in MDA’s engineering manpower system
* Work with government representatives in Engineering functional offices to coordinate and resolve civilian personnel issues
* Run and analyze reports in the Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI) systems and ensure government timecards are submitted on time and assist the government is resolving issues
Qualifications: * Must have a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree and 12+ years or BA/BS from an accredited institution of higher learning in a related field with 20+ years of experience in lieu of the MA/MS degree.  Also must have experience working on missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD program/project.
* Must have the ability to work independently and/or leads teams to analyze and resolve problems. Also, must be able to provide daily supervision and direction to supported teams.
* Must have excellent Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access) skills, with experience with large multiple sheet workbooks, formulas/functions, including business/financial and pivot tables.
* Must have experience with resource planning, resource mapping, and tracking
* Must have experience working in database environments (PRIDE and ORBIT experience preferable).
* Must have excellent Communications skills and ability to multi-task.
Desired Qualifications: * Experience designing and creating databases, preferred.
* Experience with business intelligence software and tools, preferred.
* Experience working at the SES-level and providing senior level briefings and correspondence, preferred.
Security Requirements: * Must possess an Active Secret Clearance and the ability to maintain it.
Travel Requirements: * Travel, to include international locations, may be required.
* If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id)
Physical Requirements: * Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
* Able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time
* Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
* Communicating with others to exchange information
* Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrie’s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to eligible employees to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)

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