1

Defense Engineering Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

10870 Cyber Defense Engineer A growing organization in Dallas is seeking an experienced Cyber Defense Engineer to support a cloud-first cybersecurity program. This role is responsible for leading the ...

Posted today

C# Developer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$65K - $134K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

... defense, engineering, logistics, and operational support contracts. This role is ideal for a mid‑level project manager with experience in government or regulated environments who is ready to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Defense Engineering information

See Texas salary details

$12

$29

$53

How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense engineering in Texas is $29.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $35.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defense engineer do?

A defense engineer designs, develops, and tests military systems, equipment, and technology such as weapons, communication systems, and defense infrastructure. They often work with specialized tools, adhere to strict safety and security standards, and may require security clearances. Their work supports national security and defense capabilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Defense Engineering, and how can they be managed?

Defense Engineering professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology requirements, strict regulatory compliance, and the need to maintain confidentiality on sensitive projects. Managing these challenges requires adaptability, strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Building strong relationships with team members and staying current with industry best practices can help engineers effectively navigate these complexities and contribute to successful project outcomes.

What is defense engineering?

Defense engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on designing, developing, and maintaining systems, equipment, and technologies used by the military and defense organizations. This includes everything from vehicles, weapons, and protective equipment to advanced communication and surveillance systems. Defense engineers work to ensure these technologies are reliable, effective, and meet strict safety and regulatory standards. They often collaborate with government agencies, private contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to address evolving security and defense challenges.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In defense engineering, senior roles such as aerospace, systems, or cybersecurity engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with government contracts. These positions often require security clearances, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in complex systems or technologies.

What is the difference between Defense Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectDefense EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, security clearances often requiredBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering, professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agencies, secure facilitiesManufacturing plants, research labs, design firms
Industry UsageMilitary, defense technology, aerospaceAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Defense Engineering and Mechanical Engineering share foundational engineering principles, but Defense Engineering focuses on developing military and security systems within secure environments, often requiring security clearances. Mechanical Engineering has a broader application across industries like automotive and aerospace, with less emphasis on security. Both roles demand strong technical skills, but Defense Engineering emphasizes specialized knowledge related to defense technology and security protocols.

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, systems integration, and security protocols, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, project management systems, and compliance with defense industry standards such as ITAR or DoD regulations is essential. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of defense systems while meeting strict regulatory and operational requirements.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

In defense engineering, senior roles such as aerospace, systems, or electrical engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually. These positions often require security clearances, leadership responsibilities, and proficiency with complex tools and systems.

What engineers make $500,000?

In defense engineering, senior roles such as aerospace or systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. High-level managerial or executive positions in defense companies may also achieve this compensation level.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Defense Engineering jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Defense Engineering job openings:
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 23 hours ago

Posted today


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

Read our CEO Statement

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.