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Defense Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Walmart

(USA) Staff, Dynamic Defense Engineer

Johnson, AR · On-site

$110K - $220K/yr

Join Walmart as a Staff Dynamic Defense Engineer, applying advanced expertise in cyber threat analysis, incident management, and vulnerability mitigation to protect critical systems. This role ...

Wilmerhale

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Boston, MA

$124K - $170K/yr

About the Role The Senior AI Defense Engineer is a technical leader responsible for securing AI in a global law firm environment. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, driving ...

WilmerHale

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

About the Role The Senior AI Defense Engineer is a technical leader responsible for securing AI in a global law firm environment. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, driving ...

WilmerHale

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

About the Role The Senior AI Defense Engineer is a technical leader responsible for securing AI in a global law firm environment. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, driving ...

Wilmerhale

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Washington, DC

$129K - $177K/yr

About the Role The Senior AI Defense Engineer is a technical leader responsible for securing AI in a global law firm environment. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, driving ...

WilmerHale

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

About the Role The Senior AI Defense Engineer is a technical leader responsible for securing AI in a global law firm environment. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, driving ...

WilmerHale

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$124K - $170K/yr

About the Role The Senior AI Defense Engineer is a technical leader responsible for securing AI in a global law firm environment. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, driving ...

Workday

Sr Active Defense Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$144K - $258K/yr

About the Team Our Active Defense team is a group of highly skilled and dedicated professionals who ... Experience in a general-purpose programming language like Python, Java, Kotlin, Scala, or ...

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Defense Engineer information

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$36.5K

$105.2K

$163K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in the United States is $105,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $130,500.00 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.
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Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,223 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Principal Cyber Defense Engineer

Accenture Federal Services

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Accenture Federal Services rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 492 rated business services

Job description

Overview: AFS is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Principal Cyber Defense Engineer to join our team. This role will focus on leading technical efforts in cybersecurity, working closely with federal law enforcement clients to ensure their cybersecurity systems are robust and effective. We are growing in this space and are looking for technical leaders to drive this work forward. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Lead the design, implementation, and management of advanced cybersecurity systems. 
  • Perform hands-on technical work, including system configuration, integration, and optimization. 
  • Engage in incident response activities, including threat hunting, forensic analysis, and remediation efforts. 
  • Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies and initiatives to enhance system security. 
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate security risks. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to develop and deploy customized cybersecurity solutions. 
  • Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies, and apply this knowledge to improve security posture. 
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance on cybersecurity best practices, policies, and frameworks. 
  • Ensure compliance with relevant federal regulations and standards. 
  • Prepare and present technical reports, documentation, and analysis to internal stakeholders and clients. 

Required Experience: 

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in a cybersecurity role, with a strong focus on hands-on technical work. 
  • Experience in managing technical teams 
  • Hands-on design and engineering experience with three or more cybersecurity tools and technologies such as (but not limited to): firewall security configuration and best practices, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), endpoint protection, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR), network security monitoring, Network micro-segmentation, Secure Access Service Edge(SASE), Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) 
  • Proficiency in scripting and automation using languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash. 
  • Hands-on experience with forensic tools and techniques for incident response and investigation. 
  • Active Secret Clearance. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related field. Advanced degree preferred. 
  • Relevant certifications such as CISSP, SANS Defensive Certifications, CISM, OSCP, or equivalent. 

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