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Defense Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

PALFINGER

Sales Engineer Defense

Schaumburg, IL

As our Defense Solutions division continues to expand, we are seeking a Sales Engineer to support growth within the government contracting space. In this role, you will combine technical expertise ...

Palfinger

Sales Engineer Defense

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

As our Defense Solutions division continues to expand, we are seeking a Sales Engineer to support growth within the government contracting space. In this role, you will combine technical expertise ...

Parallel Works, Inc.

Defense Sales Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

... defense and intelligence programs, aerospace and structural analysis, molecular and materials ... We are a small engineering company, so engineers here work directly with the people using the ...

Parallel Works

Defense Sales Lead

Chicago, IL · Remote

... defense and intelligence programs, aerospace and structural analysis, molecular and materials ... We are a small engineering company, so engineers here work directly with the people using the ...

Parallel Works

Defense Sales Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

... defense and intelligence programs, aerospace and structural analysis, molecular and materials ... We are a small engineering company, so engineers here work directly with the people using the ...

Parallel Works

Defense Sales Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

... defense and intelligence programs, aerospace and structural analysis, molecular and materials ... We are a small engineering company, so engineers here work directly with the people using the ...

AAR Corp

Director, Defense Contracts

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$125 - $160/hr

Parts Supply, Integrated Solutions, Repair and Engineering and Expeditionary Services. AAR ... Director, Defense Contracts - 18537 Description The Director of Defense Contracts will ensure ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Defense Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.5K

$108K

$167.3K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Chicago, IL is $108,003.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,547.00 and $133,947.00 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,003 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Senior Cyber Defense Engineer Data Protection

CME Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$119K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

As a Senior Cyber Defense Engineer, you will architect and operate the advanced controls that safeguard our most sensitive information. You will lead enterprise-wide initiatives in data discovery, classification, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) across on-premises, cloud, and SaaS environments. This role is pivotal in addressing emerging risks, including those posed by generative AI, ensuring our security posture evolves alongside the global regulatory and threat landscape.
What You'll Get
  • A supportive environment fostering career progression, continuous learning, and an inclusive culture.
  • Broad exposure to CME's diverse products, asset classes, and cross-functional teams.
  • A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Explore our full range of benefits.
What You'll Do
  • Architect & Implement: Design and deploy scalable DLP and Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) solutions across endpoints, email, cloud (GCP/GWS, Azure/O365), and web traffic.
  • Govern Data Discovery: Lead automated classification strategies using content inspection and machine learning to align data with corporate policies and regulatory frameworks (PCI, SOX, NIST).
  • Secure Emerging Tech: Define and operationalize security controls for Generative AI and LLM platforms, preventing sensitive data exposure during model training and prompting.
  • Integrate Ecosystems: Build resilient architectures by integrating data controls with Identity, CASB, SSE, and SIEM platforms.
  • Analyze & Remediate: Investigate data security incidents, refine detection logic to minimize false positives, and produce high-fidelity metrics for risk reduction outcomes.

What You'll Bring
  • Experience: 7+ years in cybersecurity engineering, with at least 3 years of deep, hands-on expertise in DLP and data classification platforms.
  • Technical Mastery: Proven ability to secure hybrid environments and integrate security controls across diverse cloud and endpoint ecosystems.
  • Strategic Knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (PCI, NIST) and a forward-looking approach to AI security risks.
  • Preferred Assets: Experience with DSPM tools, CASB/SSE platforms, and automation via Python or PowerShell.
  • Credentials: Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CCSP are highly valued.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

#LI-DD1
CME Group is committed to offering a competitive total rewards package for our employees that recognizes their contributions to the business and reflects our long-term investment in their future. The pay range for this role is $119,900-$199,800. Actual salary offered will be dependent on a wide array of factors including but not limited to: relevant experience, skills, education and comparison to internal employees (where relevant). Our compensation program also includes an annual target bonus opportunity for all employees, as well as the opportunity to become an owner in the company through our broad-based equity program. Through our benefits program, we strive to offer flexibility, value and choice. From comprehensive health coverage, to a retirement package that includes both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, to highly competitive education reimbursement provisions, paid time off and a mental health benefit, CME Group offers a holistic benefits package for our team and their dependents.
CME Group: Where Futures are Made
CME Group is the world's leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it - all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we're looking for more.
At CME Group, we embrace our employees' unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone's perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal-opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.
Important Notice: Recruitment fraud is on the rise, with scammers using misleading promises of job offers and interviews to solicit money and personal information from job seekers. CME Group adheres to established procedures designed to maintain trust, confidence and security throughout our recruitment process. Learn more here.
CME Group logo

About CME Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group is where the world comes to manage risk. We enable clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products and metals. We meet uncertainty and volatility with confidence and clarity, across the trading lifecycle and around the world.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2007

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