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Defense Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Sigma Defense

1637 - Systems Test Engineer

Fairmont, MN · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Sigma Defense is currently seeking an experienced Systems Test engineer with a background in requirements definition and tracking and test automation to join our team in Fairmont, WV. Equal ...

Konik

Technical Writer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Technical Writer Eagan, MN | On-Site | Contract to Hire | $28 - $37/hr Konik is partnering with a growing defense engineering company in the south metro area to hire a Technical Writer. This ...

Accelint Holdings LLC

Test Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$91 - $107/hr

Lyntris is a defense technology company that connects sensing to action across the connected ... Solutions are designed by operators who understand the mission, engineered for the conditions that ...

Actalent

Gnc Engineer

Maple Grove, MN

$45 - $80/hr

Experience supporting aerospace, defense, missile, spacecraft, or autonomous systems programs. * Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) concepts and practices. * Experience with ...

Accelint

Test Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site +1

$90K - $107K/yr

Lyntris is a defense technology company that connects sensing to action across the connected ... Test Engineer * Full Time * Onsite/Hybrid Prefered The Test Engineer plays a critical role in ...

Accelint

Systems Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site +1

$112K - $141K/yr

Lyntris is a defense technology company that connects sensing to action across the connected ... Systems Engineer * Full Time * Onsite/Hybrid Preferred The Systems Engineer is responsible for ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Defense Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$35.5K

$102.2K

$158.4K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Minnesota is $102,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $126,796.00 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 Minnesota?

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,237 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Asymmetric Defense Engineer - Remote or Office-Based in MN or DC

UnitedHealth Group

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site, Remote

$112K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Design, build, and deploy proactive asymmetric defensive strategies and counter-adversary capabilities across enterprise environments

  • Perform advanced threat research, adversary behavior analysis, and proactive threat hunting to detect and mitigate complex cyber threats

  • Develop custom scripts, automation tools, and detection logic to enhance incident detection and response workflows

UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
As an Asymmetric Defense Engineer on the Cyber Operations Group team, you will play a critical role in counter-adversary engineering, and defense strategy development. In this role, you will analyze emerging cyber threat vectors, simulate complex adversary techniques, and design innovative defensive mechanisms to protect critical healthcare technology infrastructure. You will leverage cutting-edge security analytics, automation, and threat intelligence platforms to anticipate, mitigate, and neutralize sophisticated cyber risks across our global enterprise ecosystem.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, and deploy proactive asymmetric defensive strategies and counter-adversary capabilities across enterprise environments
  • Perform advanced threat research, adversary behavior analysis, and proactive threat hunting to detect and mitigate complex cyber threats
  • Develop custom scripts, automation tools, and detection logic to enhance incident detection and response workflows
  • Partner with Threat Intelligence, and Incident Response units to analyze attack surfaces and engineer defensive countermeasures
  • Evaluate enterprise architecture to identify security gaps, zero-day vulnerabilities, and potential attack vectors, implementing robust mitigations
  • Drive telemetry and monitoring enhancements to improve visibility across network, cloud, and endpoint security layers
  • Provide expert guidance and mentorship to security team members on threat mitigation techniques and defensive engineering practices

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of cybersecurity engineering, threat hunting, or defensive security operations experience
  • 3+ years of experience developing security automation scripts (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Go, or Bash)
  • 3+ years of experience analyzing adversary Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) using the MITRE ATT&CK framework
  • 3+ years of experience working with enterprise SIEM, EDR, and network security monitoring tools
  • Demonstrated experience designing defensive countermeasures against advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day vulnerabilities

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
  • Professional security certifications such as CISSP, OSCP, GIAC (e.g., GDAT, GCDA, GCIH), or equivalent credentials
  • Experience deploying, operating, and optimizing network or endpoint security sensors
  • Experience with cloud security platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerized environment security
  • Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to automated threat detection and anomaly analysis
  • Cyber Red Team experience
  • Consulting or solution engineering experience in a large enterprise or customer facing roles
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical security risks and defensive strategies to diverse technical and leadership audiences

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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