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Defense Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 & 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 ...

... 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 ...

Platform Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$123K - $166K/yr

Defense Unicorns is seeking a Platform Engineer to support the deployment and maintenance of UDS within a secure, bare-metal environment. You will serve as a bridge between application teams and the ...

... 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 ...

S. and international defense organizations, develop strategic defense programs and products, and help translate advanced engineering capabilities into solutions for demanding operational environments.

S. and international defense organizations, develop strategic defense programs and products, and help translate advanced engineering capabilities into solutions for demanding operational environments.

New

Defense Unicorns is seeking a Platform Engineer to support the deployment and maintenance of UDS within a secure, bare-metal environment. You will serve as a bridge between application teams and the ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$32.1K

$92.5K

$143.3K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,537 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Applications Engineer - Aerospace and Defense

Hexagon

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Overview

Hexagon Autonomous Solutions is looking for a customer-focused Field Application Engineer to support advanced GNSS positioning technologies within Aerospace and Defense. In this position, you will provide technical expertise to customers by supporting the integration, troubleshooting, optimization, and successful adoption of NovAtel GNSS and GNSS/INS solutions.

While part of the Aerospace & Defense team, this position will join a high-performance team focused on delivering industry-leading positioning and navigation technologies to customers operating in mission-critical environments. Our customers rely on Hexagon A&P's industry leading technology when building their own solutions. This position may be a great fit if you have a passion for emerging technology, and desire to use your engineering skills to solve real-world challenges and shape the future of the industry.

This position is based in Houston, Texas. 

Responsibilities

AsField Application Engineeryou will be responsible for these activities:

  • Provide technical support for NovAtel GNSS receivers, antennas, firmware, correction services, and GNSS/INS systems.
  • Support customers through evaluations, integration, troubleshooting, field investigations, demonstrations, and training.
  • Analyze customer data, receiver logs, configurations, RF installations, and field conditions to diagnose issues and recommend corrective actions.
  • Reproduce, document, and escalate technical issues to Engineering with clear root-cause context when required.
  • Collaborate with Sales, Product Management, Engineering, Compliance, and Customer Support to address customer needs and technical risks.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, case notes, and internal knowledge material.
  • Support product testing, benchmarking, field trials, trade shows, and customer demonstrations as needed.
Qualifications

Must Have:

  • Degree in Geomatics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant experience working with GNSS receivers, positioning systems, embedded systems, navigation technologies, or similar products.
  • Strong understanding of GNSS concepts, including positioning modes, correction services, antennas, RF signal paths, multipath, interference, and data logging.
  • Experience with hardware integration, PCB-level products, GNSS modules, development boards, or embedded system designs.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with Python, MATLAB, R, Bash, Lua, or similar scripting and data analysis tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal English communication skills with strong customer-facing interpersonal abilities.
  • Willingness to travel, including internationally, for customer visits, demonstrations, field trials, and trade shows.

Nice To Have:

  • Experience in technical support, applications engineering, field services, or professional services roles.
  • Experience with GNSS/INS installation, configuration, data collection, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience evaluating, integrating, or troubleshooting GNSS products from multiple vendors.
  • Familiarity with RTK, PPP, TerraStar, NTRIP, ALIGN, SPAN, timing, interference mitigation, or RF equipment selection.
  • Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, agriculture, marine, mining, or heavy equipment applications.
  • Familiarity with serial communications, Ethernet, CAN, ROS, autopilots, embedded systems, or customer hardware integration.

Key Success Factors:

  • Structured and detail-oriented approach to technical investigations and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize competing customer and internal demands.
  • Sound judgment in balancing independent problem solving with timely escalation.
  • Strong customer empathy supported by technical credibility and professionalism.
  • Clear written communication skills for customer updates, case documentation, and internal reporting.
  • Collaborative, curious, and composed approach when working through complex or ambiguous issues.

Not sure if you meetall the qualifications for this role? Let us decide! At Hexagon, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.If you're excited about the opportunities this role could bring, we encourage you to apply. If you have any questions about the role or our company, please email our team at hrrecruitingteam.ap@hexagon.com and we will be pleased to follow up with you. Please do not send cover letters or resumes to this address.

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Applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources for assistance at (310) 782 -1076 ext.: 134. 

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME