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Defense Engineer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join Walmart as a Staff Dynamic Defense Engineer, applying advanced expertise in cyber threat ... Walmart. The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00 Additional ...

Join Walmart as a Staff Dynamic Defense Engineer, applying advanced expertise in cyber threat ... Walmart. The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00 Additional ...

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Defense Engineer Salary information

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$38K

$115.9K

$191.5K

How much do defense engineer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer salary in the United States is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How much does a defense engineer make?

A defense engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in systems design, cybersecurity, or missile technology can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Certifications and security clearances may also influence compensation levels.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced defense engineers working in specialized roles, such as senior systems engineers or lead technical experts in defense contracting, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and benefits. These positions often require advanced degrees, security clearances, and extensive industry experience.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior defense engineers, especially those with specialized skills in systems architecture, cybersecurity, or missile defense, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand defense sectors or with top-tier government contractors.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior defense engineers, especially those with specialized skills in systems architecture, cybersecurity, or missile defense, can earn salaries of $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often reflects extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles within defense or aerospace industries.

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.

More about Defense Engineer Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Engineer Salary jobs? Cities with the most Defense Engineer Salary job openings:
What states have the most Defense Engineer Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Engineer Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer Salary jobs are:
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer Salary 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 $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
(USA) Staff, Dynamic Defense Engineer

(USA) Staff, Dynamic Defense Engineer

Walmart

Fayetteville, AR • On-site

$110K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 22,224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary...Join Walmart as a Staff Dynamic Defense Engineer, applying advanced expertise in cyber threat analysis, incident management, and vulnerability mitigation to protect critical systems. This role involves developing and enhancing defense strategies against evolving cyber threats by leveraging architectural principles and security engineering practices. The position requires conducting in-depth examinations of malicious activities, driving proactive initiatives, and collaborating across teams to ensure system reliability and security. The successful candidate will contribute to strategic planning, infrastructure maintenance, and continuous improvement efforts to safeguard Walmart’s technology environment and support business objectives.
About the team:
The Dynamic Defense Engineer team at Walmart is committed to safeguarding the company’s digital environment by preventing fraud, detecting threats, and managing cyber risks. The team leverages advanced expertise to support the SOAR platform, conduct thorough threat analysis, and respond effectively to incidents. Focused on maintaining security and reliability, the team fosters a culture of vigilance and continuous improvement. Members collaborate to identify vulnerabilities, implement mitigation strategies, and uphold the trust of customers, associates, and stakeholders through proactive and innovative cyber defense practices. What you'll do...
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of cyber threats, malware behaviors, and attack mechanisms to inform defense strategies.
  • Develop and enhance dynamic defense techniques to proactively mitigate malicious code and cyber attacks.
  • Apply architectural principles to design and optimize system components for security, performance, and reliability.
  • Perform routine infrastructure maintenance, including backups, patch management, and compliance audits.
  • Lead cyber incident management by detecting, prioritizing, and mitigating security incidents following established protocols.
  • Assess cyber risks and propose effective mitigation measures to address vulnerabilities and enhance security posture.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to support strategic planning and continuous improvement of security operations.

What you'll bring:
  • Expertise in cyber threat analysis, including malware characteristics, static and dynamic analysis tools, and emerging threat techniques.
  • Proficiency in incident management, including detection, escalation, triage, and mitigation of cyber incidents and data breaches.
  • Strong knowledge of cyber risk assessment and management, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies.
  • Experience with security engineering principles and vulnerability management to enhance system defenses.
  • Familiarity with programming languages such as Java, Python, C, and SQL for code development and testing.
  • Understanding of architectural principles and system performance impacting security and reliability.
  • Ability to perform infrastructure maintenance tasks, including backups, patch management, and compliance audits.

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, information systems, cybersecurity or related area and 4 years’ experience in dynamic defense or related area at a technology, retail, or data-driven company.Option 2: 6 years’ experience in dynamic defense or related area at a technology, retail, or data-driven company. Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Certification in Security+, Network+, GISF, CISSP, or CCSP, Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Information Systems, Cybersecurity or related area and 2 year’s Exposure of leading/ working on Information Security / Cybersecurity Projects, We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture. Primary Location... 805 Se Moberly Ln., Bentonville, AR 72712, United States of America Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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