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Defense Engineer Salary Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Principal Reliability Engineer

Houston, TX

$97K - $123K/yr

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. Lifecycle Engineering is responsible ... The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

Raytheon

Senior Reliability Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. Lifecycle Engineering is responsible ... The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

Raytheon

Program Affordability Lead Engineer

Houston, TX

$97K - $128K/yr

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. Raytheon's Strategy & Technology Center ... The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

Raytheon

Senior Simulation Engineer Onsite

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. What You Will Do * Support the design ... The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

Raytheon

Cryogenics Engineer II

Houston, TX

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. The Effector-Optics (EO) Department is ... The salary range for this role is 68,900 USD - 131,100 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

Raytheon

Senior Cryogenics Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. The Effector-Optics (EO) Department is ... The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

Raytheon

Reliability Engineer II

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $123K/yr

... defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference ... The salary range for this role is 68,900 USD - 131,100 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

Raytheon

Principal Cryogenics Engineer

Houston, TX

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. The Effector-Optics (EO) Department is ... The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer Salary JobsDefense Engineer Salary Jobs in Spring, TX

Defense Engineer Salary information

See Spring, TX salary details

$33.8K

$103.1K

$170.4K

How much do defense engineer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer salary in Spring, TX is $103,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a defense engineer?

The average salary of a defense engineer in the United States typically ranges from $75,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, education, location, and the specific employer. Entry-level positions may start around $70,000, while more experienced engineers or those in specialized roles can earn upwards of $130,000 or more. Defense engineers working in high-demand areas or with advanced security clearances may also receive additional compensation or bonuses.

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, problem-solving, and security protocols, typically supported by a degree in electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with defense-specific software, CAD tools, and security clearance requirements is often necessary. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong analytical skills help professionals excel in this high-stakes environment. These competencies are crucial for designing, testing, and maintaining systems that ensure national security and operational effectiveness.

What are some common challenges defense engineers face when working on classified or sensitive projects?

Defense engineers frequently encounter the challenge of adhering to strict security protocols when working on classified projects. This often means limited access to information, restricted collaboration with external parties, and additional layers of approval for design changes or data sharing. Navigating these security requirements while meeting project deadlines and ensuring technical excellence requires strong attention to detail and adaptability. Teamwork and clear communication within secure environments are crucial for overcoming these challenges and successfully delivering on project goals.

What is the difference between Defense Engineer Salary vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Security ClearancesBachelor's in Engineering or related field, certifications like INCOSE
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agenciesTechnology firms, aerospace, defense
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military projectsBroad industry use including defense, IT, aerospace

Defense Engineer salaries typically align with those of Systems Engineers due to overlapping credentials and work environments. However, Defense Engineers often require security clearances and work specifically on military projects, which can influence salary differences. Both roles are vital in defense and technology sectors, with salary variations based on experience, location, and security requirements.

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer Salary jobs in Spring, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer Salary jobs in Spring, TX are:

What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for Defense Engineer Salary jobs?

Cities near Spring, TX with the most Defense Engineer Salary job openings:

Defense Engineer Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer Salary job openings in Spring, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,107 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Test Program Set (TPS) Lead Engineer

JMJ PHILLIP

Houston, TX • On-site

$125 - $155/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Test Program Set (TPS) Lead Engineer to lead the execution of complex automated test software development and modernization programs supporting defense and aerospace applications. This role is responsible for managing technical teams, overseeing project execution, coordinating with customers, and ensuring successful delivery of Test Program Set (TPS) solutions while maintaining project schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

Position Responsibilities Program Leadership
  • Lead automated test software development and modernization projects from planning through execution.
  • Manage engineering teams to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Oversee project schedules, budgets, milestones, and resource allocation.
Technical Project Management
  • Direct TPS rehost and modernization efforts involving automated test systems.
  • Manage migration of legacy automated test software to modern test platforms.
  • Ensure technical solutions meet customer and program requirements.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers and project stakeholders.
  • Provide regular project status updates and technical presentations.
  • Coordinate customer requirements and manage project expectations.
Engineering Oversight
  • Provide technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle.
  • Review engineering deliverables and ensure compliance with quality standards.
  • Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution.
Team Development
  • Mentor engineers and technical staff.
  • Promote collaboration across engineering and program management teams.
  • Encourage continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Compliance & Quality
  • Ensure projects comply with applicable defense, engineering, and quality standards.
  • Support documentation, verification, and validation activities.
  • Maintain adherence to program requirements and contractual obligations.
Prerequisites
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 12+ years of experience leading Department of Defense (DoD) automated test software development or modernization programs.
  • Experience managing TPS rehost projects and legacy automated test software modernization.
  • Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) platforms such as VDATS or LM-STAR.
  • Strong project management, budgeting, scheduling, and leadership experience.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to obtain or maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
Certifications (Preferred, but Not Required)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
  • Agile or Scrum Certification
  • DoD Acquisition or Program Management Certifications
  • Secret Security Clearance
What the Role Offers
  • Salary Range: $125,000 - $155,000
  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
  • Paid time off and company holidays.
  • Professional development and technical training opportunities.
  • Career advancement within a collaborative engineering environment.
  • Opportunity to lead high-impact defense and aerospace engineering programs.
Why Houston?

Houston is a leading hub for aerospace, engineering, and advanced technology, offering professionals the opportunity to work on innovative, mission-critical programs. The region provides access to a strong technical workforce, a thriving engineering community, and excellent career growth opportunities within the defense and aerospace industries.

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