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Mechanical Engineer Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KFORM Defense

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer helping leading defense and dual-use startups turn ... We are recruiting mechanical engineers who want to build real systems, solve hard physical problems ...

Chariot Defense

Mechanical Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

About Us Chariot Defense is a defense technology company that designs and manufactures a family of ... About the Role Chariot Defense is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Mechanical Engineer to ...

Chariot Defense

Mechanical Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

About Us Chariot Defense is a defense technology company that designs and manufactures a family of ... About the Role Chariot Defense is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Mechanical Engineer to ...

Managed Staffing

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$50 - $56/hr

Mechanical Engineer Location: Onsite - Irvine, CA Shift: 1st Shift US Citizenship Required About ... and defense applications. This role involves hands-on engineering work, design reviews ...

Latitude Inc

Mechanical Engineer

Baltimore, MD

$70K - $95K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer with a background in Department of Defense (DOD) manufacturing and proficiency in SolidWorks. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in ...

PALFINGER

Sales Engineer Defense

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

As a leading technology and mechanical engineering company, we transform customer needs into ... As our Defense Solutions division continues to expand, we are seeking a Sales Engineer to support ...

Kform

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA

$72.12 - $96.15/hr

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer helping leading defense and dual-use startups turn ... We are recruiting mechanical engineers who want to build real systems, solve hard physical problems ...

SURVICE Engineering Company

Mechanical Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$101K - $115K/yr

You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community. Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Mechanical Engineer * Conduct research that tests or analyzes ...

SURVICE Engineering Company

Mechanical Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$101K - $115K/yr

You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community. Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Mechanical Engineer * Conduct research that tests or analyzes ...

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All JobsMechanical Engineer Defense Jobs

Mechanical Engineer Defense information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do mechanical engineer defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer defense in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior mechanical engineers working in defense or aerospace industries with advanced skills and leadership roles may also reach this level, especially in high-cost regions or with significant experience and certifications.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Mechanical engineers working in defense or aerospace industries with advanced experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this salary often requires a combination of years of experience, advanced degrees, security clearances, and working in high-paying regions or companies. Entry-level or general mechanical engineering positions typically have lower salaries.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer Defense, and how does the role interact with other departments?

A Mechanical Engineer Defense typically spends their days designing and evaluating mechanical components or systems used in military equipment, running simulations, preparing technical documentation, and performing tests on prototypes. Collaboration is frequent with cross-functional teams such as electrical engineers, systems engineers, project managers, and manufacturing specialists to ensure seamless integration of components and compliance with stringent defense standards. Effective communication across departments is key, as projects often involve coordinating complex requirements and adhering to tight deadlines. This dynamic environment provides exposure to advanced technology and opportunities to contribute to national security while working alongside skilled professionals from diverse technical backgrounds.

What is a Mechanical Engineer Defense job?

A Mechanical Engineer in the defense industry designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems for military applications. Their work may involve creating weapons, vehicles, aircraft, or advanced defense systems while ensuring compliance with safety and government regulations. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve performance, durability, and efficiency in high-stress environments. Security clearances are often required, and projects may involve classified or sensitive information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mechanical Engineer Defense position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer in the defense sector, a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with mechanical design and manufacturing processes are essential. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD), finite element analysis tools, and security clearance requirements is often necessary. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure the engineer can design, test, and deliver reliable systems in a highly regulated and collaborative defense environment.

Can mechanical engineers work in defense?

Yes, mechanical engineers can work in defense industries designing and developing military equipment, weapons systems, and defense technology. They often use CAD software, materials science, and engineering principles to create secure and reliable systems for defense applications.

Does the CIA hire mechanical engineers?

The CIA employs mechanical engineers in roles related to technical development, equipment design, and security systems. Candidates typically need a strong background in engineering principles, security clearance, and relevant technical skills such as CAD or systems analysis.
More about Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineer Defense job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs are:
What states have the most Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs are:
Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Sensata Technologies, Inc.

South Burlington, VT • On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Sensata Technologies rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 142 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Dynapower is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design, development, and delivery of advanced power conversion systems for military applications across land, sea, and air platforms. The successful candidate will collaborate with our growing Defense Mechanical Engineering team focusing on the metal welding & brazing processes that adhere to AWS and US Navy standards (NAVSEA). The individual will collaborate with other engineers to design and detail the superstructures & ruggedized enclosures that house our power electronics systems for electrifying our US Navy defense vessels.
General Responsibilities
• Key participant in design projects
• Performs design verification on original and/or derivative design ideas using analytical and experimental methods
• Key participant in development testing, engineering analysis, qualification testing, production launch
• Collaboates with necessary personnel on failure analysis investigations and engineering evaluations
• Maintains product documentation (drawings and specifications)
• Interacts with customers to solicit product specifications requirements, schedule expectations and budget
• Knowledge of basic electrical circuits, microelectronic assembly, statistical methods, process control fundamentals and product test processes
Experience / Qualifications
• A university degree required (i.e. Bachelors degree) or equivalent relevant work experience
• Must be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands
• Strong communication skills; oral, written and presentation
• Strong organization, planning and time management skills to achieve results
• Strong personal and professional ethical values and integrity
• Holds self-accountable to achieving goals and standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Strong interpersonal & collaboration skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization including suppliers and/or external customers
Additional Responsibilities
  • Serve as a key contributor on multi-megawatt design projects, ensuring technical excellence and full compliance with MIL-SPEC requirements, including NAVSEA specifications for welding and brazing processes.
  • Perform electronics packaging design with emphasis on shock and vibration durability as well as EMI/EMC shielding.
  • Apply strong knowledge of material stresses, material properties, metal joining methods, statics and dynamics, FEA simulations, and the creation of mechanical drawings for production.
  • Collaborate as an integral member of a product development team composed of Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems Engineers.
  • Work closely with colleagues in manufacturing, test, and quality to ensure designs are producible and meet all NAVSEA requirements.
  • Maintain comprehensive product documentation, including drawings, specifications, and test reports.
  • Leverage hands-on experience partnering with manufacturing engineers and technicians who fabricate hardware based on the provided designs.

Additional Qualifications
  • Experience in ruggedized mechanical packaging for the military preferred.
  • Experience in military power electronics packaging preferred.
  • Experience in metrology, finite element analysis, material testing methods, and AWS or NAVSEA welding requirements preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Solidworks, FEA, EPDM, stress strain simulations.

#LI-JL1
Base Salary Range:
$84,400.00 - $116,050.00
At Sensata, our employees are the key to our success and growth. We recognize that each individual brings their own unique experience, therefore the base salary range information shown above is a general guideline only. Sensata considers several factors when extending an offer, including, but not limited to, a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. In addition to base salary, Sensata offers competitive medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, along with education reimbursement, wellness programs, a 401(k) retirement plan with Company matching, and a variety of paid time off, such as vacation or flex-time, sick, bereavement, and parental leave. Certain positions are also eligible for short-term incentive and long-term incentive programs.
This position requires eligibility to obtain authorization under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non-US Persons, as defined in the ITAR and EAR, may not be eligible to obtain authorization.
SmarterTogether
  • Collaborating at Sensata means working with some of the world's most talented people in an enriching environment that is constantly pushing towards the next best thing
  • Employees work across functions, countries and cultures gaining new perspectives through mutual respect and open communication
  • As OneSensata, we are working together to make things work together

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NOTE: If you are a current Sensata employee (or one of our Affiliates), please back out of this application and log into Workday via the Company Intranet to apply directly. Type "FIND JOBS" in the Workday search bar.

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