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Defense Engineering Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

World-class operational background with deep hands-on experience building complex, large-scale supply chains for heavy hardware, infrastructure, or aerospace/defense engineering. * Proven ability to ...

VP of Supply Chain Management

Austin, TX · On-site

$180K - $204K/yr

World‐class operational background with deep hands‐on experience building complex, large‐scale supply chains for heavy hardware, infrastructure, or aerospace/defense engineering. Proven ability ...

New

... systems engineering technical contribution and leadership in support of turbine engine technology programs in aerospace and defense. This position is full-time and requires the ability to ...

... systems engineering technical contribution and leadership in support of turbine engine technology programs in aerospace and defense. This position is full-time and requires the ability to ...

Binary Defense is seeking an experienced and motivated Detection Engineer t o join our growing Detection Engineering team. You'll be a hands-on contributor, responsible for building, deploying, and ...

Job Type Full-time Description Binary Defense is seeking an experienced and motivated Detection Engineer t o join our growing Detection Engineering team. You'll be a hands-on contributor, responsible ...

Cyber Defense Director

Temple, TX · Hybrid

$89K - $121K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Engineering information

See Texas salary details

$12

$29

$53

How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense engineer?

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 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 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.

How much do defense engineers make?

Defense engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in systems design, cybersecurity, or missile defense can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Many positions require security clearances and proficiency with engineering tools like CAD or simulation software.

What does a defense engineer do?

A defense engineer designs, develops, and tests military systems, equipment, and technologies such as weapons, communication systems, and defense infrastructure. They often work with specialized tools, adhere to strict safety and security standards, and may require knowledge of engineering principles, materials science, and defense regulations.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Defense Engineering jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Defense Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Engineering job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,139 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

VP of Supply Chain Management

Aalo Atomics

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

About Aalo Atomics
Aalo Atomics is pioneering a new era in clean energy with factory-fabricated microreactors designed to deliver affordable, scalable, and reliable nuclear power. Our mission is to make nuclear energy globally accessible, starting with the Aalo-1, a 10 MWe reactor leveraging cutting-edge safety, modularity, and efficiency. Based in Austin, TX, we're rapidly growing as we work to deploy the world's first fleet of advanced microreactors. Join us and help revolutionize energy for a sustainable future.
About the role
The Vice President of Supply Chain is a critical executive role responsible for leading our global procurement strategy, establishing a resilient nuclear-grade supply chain, and driving complex manufacturing and logistics projects to completion. This role combines world-class operational expertise with hands-on strategic sourcing leadership to navigate the unique constraints of the advanced nuclear energy market. You will scale our multi-disciplinary supply chain organization, optimize specialized supplier networks under strict nuclear quality standards, and ensure the timely delivery of long-lead hardware and components aligned with regulatory and reactor deployment timelines.
How You Can Make an Impact
  • Lead and scale the supply chain organization, aligning procurement and sourcing strategies with corporate growth objectives, manufacturing goals, and reactor deployment timelines.
  • Drive procurement processes to completion, establishing rigorous execution frameworks, supplier performance metrics, and accountability across raw materials, specialized components, and specialized equipment.
  • Architect and oversee solutions for hard, complex supply chain bottlenecks, ensuring systemic resilience, geopolitical risk mitigation, and long-term cost containment.
  • Foster a culture of operational excellence and nuclear safety compliance, setting high standards for quality assurance (NQA-1), supplier qualification, and rigorous supply chain auditing.
  • Own the global manufacturing and logistics lifecycle, optimizing resource allocation, supplier capacity planning, and cross-functional inventory management.
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, regulatory, legal, and operations teams to translate complex technical specifications into actionable supplier development roadmaps.
  • Implement data-driven supply chain metrics, utilizing lead times, cost variances, and vendor defect rates to continuously improve procurement performance.
  • Mentor and develop supply chain leaders, building a high-performing, resilient team capable of tackling next-generation sourcing and advanced manufacturing challenges.
  • Represent the supply chain organization externally, building strategic partnerships with key global suppliers, fabricators, and specialized energy sector vendors.
Qualifications
  • 10-15+ years of progressive supply chain leadership experience, with a proven track record of managing global procurement and strategic sourcing teams in capital-intensive industries.
  • World-class operational background with deep hands-on experience building complex, large-scale supply chains for heavy hardware, infrastructure, or aerospace/defense engineering.
  • Proven ability to drive complex procurement contracts from initial vendor selection to successful material delivery under tight project deadlines.
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a history of personally resolving highly ambiguous vendor failures, capacity constraints, or shipping bottlenecks.
  • Strong expertise in industrial manufacturing processes, strategic sourcing, advanced contract negotiation, and multi-tier supplier risk management.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement rigorous quality management workflows that increase purchasing velocity without sacrificing strict safety and compliance metrics.
  • Experience building, scaling, and structuring high-performing operations teams in rapid-growth or deep-tech hardware environments.
  • Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to negotiate sophisticated commercial terms and explain supply chain risks to C-suite and board members.
  • Strong analytical capabilities, using material requirements planning (MRP/ERP) data to diagnose process inefficiencies and optimize working capital.
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, engineering, or a related industrial operations field required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (Master's or MBA) in Supply Chain, Operations Research, or a business/engineering discipline.
  • Extensive experience navigating highly regulated procurement environments, with explicit exposure to ASME NQA-1 standards, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) compliance, or high-consequence defense procurement.
  • Active network and established credibility with top-tier domestic forge shops, specialty alloy manufacturers, or small modular reactor (SMR) component suppliers.

Requirements
Must be based in the United States
Must be willing to work on-site at our headquarters in Austin, Texas
What It Takes to Succeed at Aalo
We're building technology that will help reshape the future of energy. The pace is fast, the problems are difficult, and the expectations are high. Successful team members consistently demonstrate:
Extreme Ownership - You take responsibility for outcomes, not just tasks. You proactively identify problems, drive solutions, and follow through.
A Passion for Solving Hard Problems - You are energized by challenges that others avoid and enjoy finding practical solutions to complex technical issues.
A Sense of Urgency - You move quickly, make thoughtful decisions, and maintain momentum while balancing quality and execution.
What We Offer
Competitive salary starting at $160,000
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
Corporate Gym Membership
Candidates only. No recruiters or agencies, please.
Additional Information:
Aalo Atomics provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, intellectually challenging careers, and competitive compensation. Aalo Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Persons in compliance with 10 CFR Part 810 and may not hold non-compliant foreign citizenships.