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Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract Jobs in Raleigh, NC

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... This Mechanical Engineer position will support a major manufacturing expansion, with responsibility ...

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... This Mechanical Engineer position will support a major manufacturing expansion, with responsibility ...

... of advanced defense systems. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, the Mechanical Engineer I will support engineering projects by designing mechanical components, conducting ...

... of advanced defense systems. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, the Mechanical Engineer I will support engineering projects by designing mechanical components, conducting ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท Hybrid

$120K - $148K/yr

ARA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design of equipment, tooling, and ... defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis ...

New

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... As a Staff Mechanical Engineer, you will contribute to the full lifecycle of a massive 1 million ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions at project sites in ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering * A minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of ...

New

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

... and contract document work sessions at project sites in conjunction with the Project Manager ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering * A minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of ...

New

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Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.2K

$100K

$161.9K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer defense contract in Raleigh, NC is $100,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $123,000.00 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 near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Defense Contract job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,006 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Contract Mechanical Engineer

Dahlia TalentEQ

Morrisville, NC โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Contract Mechanical Engineer – Medical Device Development

Contract | On-Site in Morrisville, NC

Important: This position requires full-time, on-site work in Morrisville, North Carolina. Remote work is not available.

We are not accepting submissions from third-party staffing vendors and cannot consider C2C arrangements.

Company Overview

Our client is an innovative medical technology company developing advanced, non-invasive monitoring systems. Its technologies provide deeper insight into physiological changes and capture signals associated with muscle and brain activity. The company is also advancing novel sensing solutions designed to perform reliably in demanding real-world environments.

This is an opportunity to join a growing, multidisciplinary team working to improve how health data is measured, understood, and used.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the development of wearable and medical monitoring technologies. Working closely with mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and scientific team members, this individual will help translate technical and customer requirements into practical, manufacturable hardware solutions.

The engineer will contribute across the product development lifecycle—from early prototypes and mechanical architecture through design refinement, testing, issue resolution, and preparation for production. The successful candidate will be comfortable balancing multiple development priorities in a fast-moving, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop mechanical components and assemblies for wearable monitoring and medical device systems.
  • Translate product, customer, and system requirements into detailed mechanical designs.
  • Design rigid and flexible enclosures, molds, fixtures, prototype assemblies, and optical interfaces using SolidWorks.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and scientific teams to integrate mechanical designs with electronic, optical, and software-based systems.
  • Identify, document, prioritize, and help resolve open hardware design issues.
  • Build and evaluate prototypes to confirm fit, function, durability, usability, and performance.
  • Support the transition of prototype designs into repeatable, scalable production processes.
  • Incorporate design-for-manufacturing, assembly, and testing principles throughout development.
  • Develop fixtures, molds, and other tools needed for prototyping, verification, and production readiness.
  • Ensure designs consider applicable medical device safety, usability, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain clear design documentation and communicate project status, risks, and recommended solutions to stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • At least eight years of relevant industry experience, including work with wearable monitoring systems, medical devices, or similarly regulated products.
  • Advanced SolidWorks proficiency, including experience designing enclosures, molds, fixtures, and mechanical or optical interfaces.
  • Demonstrated success advancing early-stage prototypes toward production.
  • Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping techniques and prototype subassembly development.
  • Working knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT).
  • Familiarity with medical device standards and regulatory expectations, including IEC 60601, ISO 10993, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 62366, and applicable FDA guidance.
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and cross-functional communication skills.
  • Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced product development environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing waterproof, moisture-resistant, or corrosion-resistant products.
  • Experience designing devices or components that directly interface with the human body.
  • Background in wearable sensors, physiological monitoring, optical systems, or ruggedized medical technology.
Contract Details
  • Location: Morrisville, NC—on-site
  • Schedule: Approximately 35–40 hours per week
  • Duration: Initial contract of at least three months
  • Compensation: Hourly or engagement rate will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience
  • Engagement type: Direct applicants only; no third-party vendors or C2C arrangements