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Defense Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Defense Director

Temple, TX · Hybrid

$89K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead enterprise cyber defense strategy across network, data, endpoint, email, Microsoft, cloud, and GRC engineering. * Modernize and integrate security platforms to improve visibility, reduce tool ...

C# Developer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$65K - $134K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bring your C# software development skills to our defense engineering team to support a critical Automated Test Equipment (ATE) development to support Air Force aerospace and defense systems in San ...

Director, Defense

Arlington, TX · On-site

$230 - $270/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a ...

SAP Aerospace & Defense- Solution Architect

Irving, TX · On-site

$78.50 - $105.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with SAP Production Engineering & Operations (PEO). * Understanding of FAR/DFARS ... defense contracting regulations. * Experience integrating SAP solutions with Deltek Costpoint. The ...

C# Developer with Security Clearance

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$65K - $134K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bring your C# software development skills to our defense engineering team to support a critical Automated Test Equipment (ATE) development to support Air Force aerospace and defense systems in San ...

SAP Aerospace & Defense- Solution Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

$81.50 - $109.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with SAP Production Engineering & Operations (PEO). * Understanding of FAR/DFARS ... defense contracting regulations. * Experience integrating SAP solutions with Deltek Costpoint. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$32.1K

$92.5K

$143.3K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,537 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. MITRE's Cyber Defense - Installation to Edge Department (N175) is seeking a new Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer for the Defensive Cyber Effects (DCE) project. The successful candidate will tightly partner with our sponsor in acquiring, developing, and implementing cyber capabilities to defend United States Air Force (USAF) enterprise networks, mission systems, weapon systems, and control systems. This role is specifically focused on cross-capability and cross-organization integration and coordination, driving effectively alignment of defensive cyber capabilities with USAF enterprise architectures and external acquisition programs. This position will actively collaborate with both acquisition leadership and the operational community for the greatest mission impact and expedited fielding of capabilities. The sponsor for this project is in San Antonio, TX, and requires continuous, on-site engagement for successful execution. For this project, the Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer is required to have a fundamental understanding of Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) concepts and capabilities in support of Department of War (DoW) missions, cybersecurity concepts such as Zero Trust (ZT), enabling effective cyber situational awareness (SA), and implementing automated cyber response actions. Direct, hands-on experience with industry and open-source DCO tools as well as with cyber deception and Operational Technology (OT) monitoring and defense is preferred. Experience decomposing operational needs into system requirements is also desired as this sponsor is focused on acquiring USAF enterprise cyber capabilities. Additionally, the project will work to extend current and future defensive cyber capabilities to the tactical edge for effective operations within environments with potentially limited or denied communications and reduced hardware form factors. Lastly, the Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer needs to understand enabling concepts used in designing, developing, and fielding cyber capabilities, such as Internet Protocol (IP) networking and commercial cloud environments. Roles & Responsibilities: As the Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer, the successful candidate will: Lead and Engage * Work side-by-side with the sponsor to develop a trusted, collaborative relationship built on MITRE's technical capabilities and expertise
* Directly engage with the USAF sponsor and operational community leadership to plan, coordinate, and effectively integrate DCO capabilities into existing USAF networks and mission systems
* Bring technical and USAF cyber operational experience to bear to drive key program decisions Execute and Deliver Mission Impact * Apply System-of-Systems engineering across multiple capabilities areas and USAF sponsors to deliver enterprise scale capabilities
* Engage in high-quality, data-driven technical analyses and proof of concepts with actionable recommendations for the sponsor
* Leverage existing projects and bodies of knowledge across MITRE to ensure leading practices and lessons learned are incorporated in sponsor recommendations Basic Qualifications: * Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
* Active Secret clearance with the ability to acquire and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
* U.S. Citizenship required.
* Strong knowledge of defensive cyber frameworks, capabilities and implementations, to include: Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO); commercial and open-source DCO capabilities; cyber security practices, cyber risk assessment frameworks and mitigation concepts; NIST cyber frameworks and publications
* Knowledge of existing USAF enterprise networks (AFNet), cyber security, and cyber operations capabilities
* Experience briefing senior leadership teams
* Strong written and verbal communications skills
* This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site. Preferred Qualifications: * Active TS/SCI clearance
* Experience with DoW or USAF cyber operations
* Experience with DoW acquisition programs and applying effective Systems Engineering, from requirements definition to system development, to capability testing and fielding
* Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence as applied to DCO and cyber security
* Knowledge of cyber security and monitoring of Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
* Knowledge of commercial cloud and Internet Protocol (IP) networking This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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