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Defense Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Project Engineer

Arlington, TX

$120K - $150K/yr

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on ... Working with the design authority for assigned project(s), the Project Engineer supports the ...

Kratos Defense

Project Engineer

Arlington, TX

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on ... Working with the design authority for assigned project(s), the Project Engineer supports the ...

Kratos Defense

Systems Engineer

Arlington, TX · On-site

... engineering technical contribution and leadership in support of turbine engine technology programs ... defense. This position is full-time and requires the ability to successfully work in a team ...

Kratos Defense

Systems Engineer

Arlington, TX

... engineering technical contribution and leadership in support of turbine engine technology programs ... defense. This position is full-time and requires the ability to successfully work in a team ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Texas

Defense Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$32.1K

$92.5K

$143.3K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Texas is $92,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,156.00 and $114,766.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 are Defense Engineers?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Texas? For Defense Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Defense Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Defense Engineer job openings:
Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,537 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Staff Perimeter Defense Engineer

Staff Perimeter Defense Engineer

State Street Global Advisors

Austin, TX • Hybrid

$120K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Who We are looking for

We are looking for a Staff Perimeter Defense Engineerreporting into the Defensive Engineering leadership team within Global Cyber Security (GCS). You will lead the strategy, architecture, and engineering of perimeter security capabilities, helping protect the organization from external threats targeting enterprise networks, internet-facing services, applications, and remote access environments.

Why this role is important to us

The team you will be joining is part of Defensive Engineering within Global Cyber Security, a function that is critical to the company's cybersecurity strategy. As cyber threats continue to evolve, strong perimeter defenses remain essential to protecting the firm's critical systems, applications, and data. This role will drive the technologies, controls, and security capabilities needed to strengthen the organization's defensive posture and reduce risk.

What you will be responsible for

As a Staff Perimeter Security Defense Engineer, you will:

  • Define and drive the enterprise perimeter security strategy, architecture, and roadmap.
  • Lead the evaluation, implementation, and continuous improvement of perimeter security controls and technologies.
  • Partner with Network Engineering, Infrastructure, Cloud, and Application teams to design and deploy secure network and internet-facing architectures.
  • Collaborate with theCyber Defense Center (CDC)to enhance detection, investigation, threat hunting, and response capabilities for network and perimeter-based attacks.
  • Lead security initiatives involving next-generation firewalls, web application firewalls (WAF), DDoS protection, secure web gateways, remote access security, API protection, and Zero Trust technologies.
  • Drive integration of perimeter security platforms with SIEM, SOAR, threat intelligence, and security analytics solutions.
  • Develop security standards, architecture patterns, and implementation guidance for perimeter security technologies.
  • Lead proof-of-concepts, product evaluations, and vendor assessments for network and perimeter security solutions.
  • Track and report key metrics related to threat prevention, attack surface reduction, control effectiveness, and risk reduction.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for perimeter security and defensive engineering initiatives.
What we value

These skills will help you succeed in this role:

  • Experience with perimeter security technologies such asZscaler, Palo Alto Networks, Cloudflare, F5, or similar platforms.
  • Strong understanding of network security, perimeter defense, segmentation, secure access, and Zero Trust architectures.
  • Experience securing internet-facing applications, APIs, and remote access services.
  • Familiarity with technologies such asWAF, DDoS protection, ZTNA, SSE, SASE, VPN, and network access controls.
  • Experience integrating security platforms with SIEM, SOAR, and threat intelligence solutions.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, automation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Education & Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, security engineering, or security architecture.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing perimeter security technologies and controls.
  • Experience working in financial services or other regulated industries preferred.
  • Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, PCNSE, CCNP Security, or equivalent preferred.
Additional Requirements
  • Experience developing security strategies, roadmaps, and architecture standards.
  • Experience assessing emerging threats and translating risks into security controls and engineering priorities.
  • Familiarity with cloud and hybrid network security architectures.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across Cyber Security, Infrastructure, Cloud, and Engineering organizations.
Work Requirement
  • Hybrid work model in accordance with company policy.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with global teams across multiple time zones.
  • Standard business hours with flexibility to support critical security incidents and initiatives when required.

Salary Range:

$120,000 - $202,500 Annual

The range quoted above applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location above, the applicable range could differ.

Employees are eligible to participate in State Street's comprehensive benefits program, which includes: our retirement savings plan (401K) with company match; insurance coverage including basic life, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and other optional additional coverages; paid-time off including vacation, sick leave, short term disability, and family care responsibilities; access to our Employee Assistance Program; incentive compensation including eligibility for annual performance-based awards (excluding certain sales roles subject to sales incentive plans); and, eligibility for certain tax advantaged savings plans.

For a full overview, visit https://hrportal.ehr.com/statestreet/Home.

About State Street

Across the globe, institutional investors rely on us to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. We keep our clients at the heart of everything we do, and smart, engaged employees are essential to our continued success.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. As an essential partner in our shared success, you'll benefit from inclusive development opportunities, flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and vibrant employee networks that keep you connected to what matters most. Join us in shaping the future.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, military and veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Discover more information on jobs at StateStreet.com/careers

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Job Application Disclosure:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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