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Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

... and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way ... The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems ...

nLIGHT

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

... and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way ... The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team spanning optical ...

Combined Systems Inc

$70K - $85K/yr

Mechanical Engineer Summary The Mechanical Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and ... Join a global defense and U.S. Military supplier that has been operating successfully since 1981.

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 ...

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 ...

Chariot Defense

Mechanical Engineer

San Bruno, CA

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 ...

fairbanksmorse

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it ... Mechanical Engineer Reports to- Director of Engineering Federal Equipment Company is growing ...

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 ...

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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Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance information

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$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

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

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer defense freelance 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 is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance vs Mechanical Engineer Aerospace?

AspectMechanical Engineer Defense FreelanceMechanical Engineer Aerospace
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, security clearances often preferredBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, specialized certifications may be advantageous
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often remote or on-site at defense facilitiesDesign, testing, and manufacturing environments, primarily on-site at aerospace companies
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agencies, freelance platformsAerospace manufacturers, airlines, research institutions

Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance typically works on short-term projects for defense contractors, often requiring security clearances and flexible work arrangements. In contrast, Mechanical Engineer Aerospace usually works within established companies on long-term projects related to aircraft and spacecraft design. Both roles require strong engineering credentials but differ in work environment and industry focus.

More about Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance 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 Freelance jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance jobs are:
Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Defense Freelance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

nLIGHT

Camas, WA • On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Who We Are 
 
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
 
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Position Summary
nLIGHT is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in opto-mechanical design and system-level thinking, with responsibility for mechanical architecture, design trade studies, and technical execution across complex programs. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering leaders and will help guide mechanical design strategy for laser amplifier subsystems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead mechanical and opto-mechanical architecture and design for high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy systems
  • Drive design trade studies addressing performance, SWaP, reliability, environmental survivability, manufacturability, and cost
  • Define mechanical requirements, interfaces, and system layouts in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams
  • Apply DFX principles and manufacturing best practices to deliver robust, production-ready designs
  • Lead or review engineering analyses including thermal management, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
  • Define and oversee design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification strategies
  • Provide technical oversight for procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
  • Develop tooling, fixtures, and process equipment strategies to support scalable manufacturing
  • Support system-level integration and testing of HEL combined systems as required
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multiple projects or programs
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
  • Typically 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
  • Extensive experience in precision mechanical and opto-mechanical design
  • Strong background in manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks and advanced engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
  • Demonstrated expertise in thermal, structural, and materials analyses
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance
Preferred Experience
  • Development and qualification of high-power laser or electro-optical systems
  • Experience with fiber optics, optical assemblies, and precision alignment techniques
  • Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military applications
  • Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools
  • Experience supporting system-level integration of directed-energy or HEL systems
  • Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical efforts
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance
 
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Principal Mechanical Engineer: $125,000 - $165,000 annually 
 
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 10%
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
 
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
 
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
 
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster 
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