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Defense Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Defense Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$34.2K

$98.6K

$152.8K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Indiana is $98,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,651.00 and $122,335.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense engineer?

Defense Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain technologies and systems used for national defense and security. Their work may include developing weapons, surveillance equipment, communications systems, and protective gear for military use. They often collaborate with government agencies and defense contractors to ensure that products meet stringent safety and performance standards. Defense Engineers apply principles from fields such as mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering to solve complex challenges related to defense technology.

How do defense engineers typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during project development?

Defense Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from various disciplines, including software developers, systems analysts, project managers, and manufacturing specialists. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as complex defense projects require integrating multiple technologies and adhering to strict security protocols. Regular meetings, technical reviews, and cross-functional design sessions are common, ensuring that engineering solutions meet both technical requirements and regulatory standards. Being adaptable and open to feedback from different perspectives is key to success in this collaborative environment.

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 systems design, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, modeling tools, and knowledge of defense industry standards or certifications like ITAR compliance is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the development of reliable, secure, and innovative defense systems that meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Defense Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Security Clearances often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Systems or related fields
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agencies, military projectsVarious industries including aerospace, IT, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsBroad industry use, including defense, tech, and aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical and security aspectsCompared for project management and system integration skills

Defense Engineers focus on designing and developing military and defense systems, often requiring security clearances and working within defense sectors. Systems Engineers have a broader role in integrating complex systems across various industries, including defense, but with less emphasis on security clearances. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in industry focus and project scope.

How much do defense engineers get paid?

Defense engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in systems, cybersecurity, or missile defense can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Indiana?

For Defense Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Defense Engineer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Defense Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,640 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

1832 - Security System Engineer, Indianapolis, IN

24HRPO

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

$171.92/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

1832 - Security System Engineer, Indianapolis, IN

Founded on the principles of trustworthiness, transparency, flexibility, and collaboration, 24-hour HR Process Outsourcing Incorporated embarked on its journey in 2008 with a commitment to delivering round-the-clock HR solutions. Originating with a focus on recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), our initial collaboration with a California-based staffing company laid the groundwork for our evolution into a trusted partner for organizations seeking outsourced HR services.

Job Description

FinalizedJob Order Summary:

Role: Security System Engineer

Client: Rolls Royce - Theoris Solutions

Location: Indianapolis, IN, United States

EmploymentType: 6-month contract with potential extension

Work Setup: Hybrid โ€” 2-3 days per week onsite

RoleOverview:

Security SystemEngineer responsible for supporting aerospace cyber-resilient engineering initiatives, applying systems security principles across the product lifecycle, and helping define secure technologies, processes, and practices for cyber-physical systems.

CoreResponsibilities:

  • Support systems security and resiliencyengineering activities
  • Apply Secure Cyber Resilient Engineering (SCRE) practices
  • Support requirements, design, development, testing, production, and operational phases
  • Collaborate with government, customers, suppliers, and engineering teams
  • Develop security practices, policies, procedures, and standards
  • Utilize digital engineering and MBSE approaches

RequiredQualifications:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain high-level security clearance
  • Active clearance preferred; renewable/reactivable clearance acceptable
  • Engineering degree strongly preferred
  • Computer Science degree may be considered
  • 3+ years engineering experience preferred
  • Aerospace defense or embedded systems experiencepreferred

PreferredTechnical Experience:

  • Systems Security Engineering
  • Cybersecurity Engineering
  • Embedded Systems
  • MBSE / Digital Engineering

ClientContext:

  • Aerospace engineering organization focused on advanced propulsion and safety-critical systems.
  • Role supports security and resiliency of aerospace cyber-physical systems.
  • Work environment requires collaboration across engineering, government, customer, and supplier teams.

ClientScreening Priorities:

  • Cleared U.S. Citizens are highly preferred.
  • Security clearance status is a major screening factor.
  • Engineering education is prioritized over purely cybersecurity backgrounds.
  • Candidates should demonstrate recent relevant engineering experience.
  • Current Rolls Royce employees should not be submitted.
  • Candidates should be comfortable with hybrid onsite work in Indianapolis.

IdealCandidate Persona:

A cleared aerospace or defense engineer with experience in systems engineering, embedded systems, cybersecurity engineering, or product security who can apply security concepts to complex safety-critical systems.

MarketConstraints (if any):

  • High talent scarcity: The combination of:
    • Active/renewable security clearance
    • Cybersecurity systems knowledge
    • Embedded or cyber-physical systems backgroundcreates a very limited candidate pool.
  • Clearance restriction: Candidates without active clearance or realistic clearance reactivation potential are unlikely to qualify.
  • Citizenship requirement: U.S. Citizenship requirement significantly reduces available talent.
  • Location constraint: Hybrid onsite requirement in Indianapolis may eliminate candidates seeking fully remote roles.
  • Compensation pressure: $60-$65/hr may be competitive for mid-level cleared engineers but may be challenging for senior cleared cybersecurity specialists.
  • Skill intersection challenge: Most candidates fall into one of two groups:
    • Strong aerospace/systems engineers with limited cybersecurity experience
    • Strong cybersecurity professionals withoutaerospace engineering background
  • Recommended sourcing expansion:
    • Systems Engineers with cybersecurity exposure
    • Embedded Security Engineers
    • Product Security Engineers
    • Aerospace Defense Engineers transitioning into security engineering
    • Cleared MBSE/System Architecture professionals
  • ICPDifficulty Rating: High
  • PrimaryCandidate Segment: Cleared Aerospace Systems Engineers with Security/CyberResilience exposure.
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