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Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Mechanical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70 - $74/hr

Mechanical Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL PAY RATE: $70-$74/hr (NOOT) We are a national ... defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We ...

Created Solutions

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Department of Defense contracts that legally require all personnel to be U.S. citizens. Candidates who are not U.S. citizens will not be considered. Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane ...

Created Solutions

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Department of Defense contracts that legally require all personnel to be U.S. citizens. Candidates who are not U.S. citizens will not be considered. Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane ...

Created Solutions

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN

$104K - $137K/yr

Department of Defense contracts that legally require all personnel to be U.S. citizens. Candidates who are not U.S. citizens will not be considered. Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: NSWC-Crane ...

Stratus Team LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

This role involves assisting with mechanical design, inspection, and planning services for ... Engineering experience working on Department of Defense contracts * Piping Inspector Certification

Acara Solutions

Mechanical Engineer

Pittsfield, MA · Hybrid

$50.08 - $59.22/hr

Contract Industry: Defense Compensation: $50.08- $59.22/ hour About the Opportunity: Join a mission-critical engineering team supporting advanced U.S. Navy Surface Ship programs. As a Mechanical ...

NDI Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Contract Deliverable Reviews: Review Ship Building / Ship Super Craft (SSC) production contract ... defense of our country. NDI offerings include naval architecture, marine, civil, structural ...

The Structures Company

Mechanical Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$82.21/hr

Mechanical Engineer LOCATION: Andover, MA PAY RATE: $82.21/hour We are a national aerospace and ... defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We ...

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All Jobsfreelance JobsMechanical Engineer Defense Contract Jobs

Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do mechanical engineer defense contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer defense contract 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 does a mechanical engineer do in a defense contract role?

A Mechanical Engineer working on a defense contract designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems and components for military applications. This can include vehicles, weapons, aerospace systems, and support equipment used by the armed forces. Their responsibilities often involve ensuring designs meet strict safety, reliability, and performance standards, as well as complying with government regulations and security requirements. They also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering challenges and may be involved in prototype development, testing, and troubleshooting during production.

What are some unique challenges mechanical engineers face when working on defense contracts?

Mechanical engineers working on defense contracts often encounter stringent security protocols and documentation requirements, which can add complexity to daily tasks. Projects typically involve strict compliance with government regulations and detailed specifications, requiring meticulous attention to detail and clear communication with multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, timelines can be tight, and priorities may shift rapidly based on client or mission needs. Collaboration with other departments, such as electrical engineering or systems integration, is common and essential to ensure that all components meet defense standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineer in defense contracting, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer in Defense Contracting, you typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of defense industry standards and regulations. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and government compliance systems (such as ITAR or DFARS) is essential, and security clearance is often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure high-quality, secure engineering solutions that meet strict regulatory and performance requirements for defense projects.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract vs Mechanical Engineer Aerospace?

AspectMechanical Engineer Defense ContractMechanical Engineer Aerospace
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, security clearance often requiredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, sometimes additional aerospace certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment facilities, defense contractors, secure sitesAerospace companies, manufacturing plants, research labs
Industry UsageDefense projects, military equipment, weapons systemsAircraft, spacecraft, satellite systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract and a Mechanical Engineer Aerospace lies in their work focus and environment. Defense contract engineers primarily work on military and defense-related projects within secure government or contractor facilities, often requiring security clearances. Aerospace engineers focus on aircraft and spacecraft development, working in aerospace manufacturing and research settings. Both roles require similar engineering credentials but differ in industry applications and work environments.

What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract jobs?

Cities with the most Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract 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 Contract jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract jobs include:

Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract jobs near you

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer - 21342

Defense Search

Whippany, NJ • On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer - Defense Search

OVERVIEW

Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting Defense/Aerospace

company?! Then we've got the right team for you! In this role, you're

responsible for the duties listed below.

Immediate opening for a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer in Whippany, NJ who

possesses:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical Engineering
  • 6+ years of experience in mechanical engineering
  • Experience in the defense or aerospace industry is required
  • Experience doing both design and test of mechanisms including gearing,
  • electromechanical, motors and/or actuators


FULL DESCRIPTION:

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

  • Responsible for equipment design and development
  • ProE 3D complex modeling 3D to 2D decomposition, application of geometric
  • dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Produces specifications and outline design.
  • Reports preparation/design reviews
  • Manages projects using engineering principles and techniques
  • Recommends modifications following prototype test results
  • Defines test programs
  • Performs stress analysis, trade studies, failure analysis
  • Plans and designs new production processes
  • Mechanics of material .
  • May supervise or coordinate the work of draftsman, technicians, engineers,
  • and others assist in specific assignments
  • Assist in sustaining engineering projects and activities.
  • Performs electrical and interconnect design as required
  • Creates technical reports

The selected candidate will also possess:

  • Must be able to work independently but take direction from Technical Lead
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent .
  • Advanced and demonstrated capability of Pro ENGINEER
  • Minimum of 6 years professional experience in mechanical engineering,
  • preferably mechanical systems/ rotating machinery (transmissions, mechanisms,
  • clutches, gears, drum s, cabling involved in hoisting and winching equipment in
  • an aerospace environment)
  • New product design would be a plus

Salary Range: $ 120-190k/yr


More information can be found at www.defensesearchusa.com



Company Description

Defense Search is a specialized recruiting and staffing firm dedicated exclusively to the defense & aerospace industry. We place candidates on a contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire basis.