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Defense Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AI Defense Engineering - Evaluate and operationalize security controls, guardrails, and enforcement mechanisms for AI services, enable detections and monitoring for AI‑specific attack patterns, and ...

Calling All Defense Engineers: Your Next Mission Starts Here. You've spent your career solving ... Performance Engineering * Software Engineering * Product Development * Test & Validation

New

Program Manager Senior - Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading larger and more complex technical programs within the Defense Engineering Department. Activities include managing customer communications ...

New

If you are motivated to actively shape the future of defense technology, turn ideas into tangible solutions, and combine engineering with creativity, you are in the right place with us. Here, you do ...

If you are motivated to actively shape the future of defense technology, turn ideas into tangible solutions, and combine engineering with creativity, you are in the right place with us. Here, you do ...

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Defense Engineering information

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$12

$31

$57

How much do defense engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 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.
More about Defense Engineering jobs

What cities are hiring for Defense Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Defense Engineering job openings:

What states have the most Defense Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various Defense Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Mgr, Cyber Defense Engineering

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Thrivent Financial
Insurance Services • 5 - 10K employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Thrivent rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Manager, Cyber Security Engineering leads the engineering teams responsible for Asset Protection and Threat Detection & Response across Thrivent’s enterprise environment. This leader directs the design, delivery, and operation of core security capabilities including firewall engineering, server and endpoint security solutions, data loss prevention (DLP), infrastructure vulnerability scanning, and SIEM and SOAR engineering.Accomplishing results primarily through experienced engineers who exercise significant latitude and independence, this manager sets technical direction, strengthens infrastructure security across servers, endpoints, and network boundaries, and matures enterprise threat visibility, detection, prioritization, and response. The role partners closely with product, security operations, infrastructure, architecture, risk, and technology teams to align engineering execution to business, security, and risk-reduction outcomes.Job Profile SummaryAccomplishes results primarily through management of experienced specialists who exercise significant latitude and independence. Provides strategic direction to cybersecurity engineering teams responsible for Asset Protection—including firewall engineering, server and endpoint security, DLP, and infrastructure vulnerability scanning—and Threat Detection & Response, including SIEM engineering, SOAR, threat intelligence engineering, and vulnerability management engineering. Establishes operating practices, objectives, and metrics derived from organizational and product objectives, and collaborates frequently with technology, cybersecurity, product, and business stakeholders on delivery, operational decisions, engineering priorities, and risk-reduction outcomes.Duties & ResponsibilitiesCybersecurity Engineering LeadershipLead cybersecurity engineering teams responsible for Asset Protection and Threat Detection & Response capabilities across enterprise environments.Set clear priorities, remove delivery barriers, and align engineering execution to product roadmaps, operational needs, and cyber risk reduction outcomes.Coach engineers and technical leads while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.Asset & Infrastructure Protection DeliveryOversee engineering delivery for firewall engineering, server and endpoint security solutions, DLP, and network enforcement and policy controls across enterprise infrastructure.Strengthen infrastructure security across servers, endpoints, and network boundaries, including asset visibility, configuration hardening, and infrastructure vulnerability scanning.Ensure protection platforms are reliable, observable, supportable, and aligned to enterprise architecture and security standards.Threat Detection & Response EngineeringLead engineering for enterprise threat visibility, detection, prioritization, and response across SIEM engineering, SOAR, threat intelligence engineering, and vulnerability management engineering.Guide teams in aggregating and correlating security telemetry to enable scalable detection, investigation, and response workflows.Partner with cyber response and security operations teams to improve operational outcomes, reduce risk, and strengthen resiliency.Product, Platform & Engineering PracticesPartner with product management to define product strategies, roadmaps, objectives, measures, and technical priorities for assigned cybersecurity product areas.Review solution design, architecture, platform health, and operational readiness while ensuring engineering practices remain consistent and sustainable.Promote automation, observability, DevOps practices, secure engineering patterns, and continuous improvement across product teams.Collaboration & Stakeholder PartnershipBuild strong working relationships with cybersecurity, technology, product, infrastructure, architecture, risk, and business stakeholders.Represent cybersecurity engineering priorities, accomplishments, risks, and dependencies in product planning, operational reviews, and cross-team forums.Help teams broker solutions across products and identify cross-team challenges that impact delivery, operations, or risk reduction.Operational Health & Vendor ManagementServe as an escalation point for product-level support, production issues, platform health, and ongoing maintenance of assigned cybersecurity capabilities.Support vendor evaluation, platform selection, build-versus-buy decisions, and vendor relationship management for assigned technology capabilities.Use metrics, monitoring, alerting, and operational insights to prioritize reliability, resiliency, vulnerability remediation, and continuous improvement work.Talent & CultureHold regular one-on-ones and team meetings, provide constructive feedback, and create development plans that help engineers grow their skills and experience.Plan for future people needs, support recruiting, and sustain a high-performing team focused on shared accountability and partnership.Model Thrivent leadership competencies through courage, collaboration, and commitment while supporting a positive team environment.Qualifications & SkillsRequiredBachelor's degree in Computer Science or other technical field or equivalent work experience8+ years of progressively responsible positions in Information Technology including 5+ years’ experience in IT discipline, e.g., customer relationship management, portfolio strategy and roadmap development.3+ years of leadership experience in all aspects of a specific IT discipline, e.g. IT/LOB customer relationship management, portfolio strategy and/or demand management.3+ years’ management/supervisory experience in specific IT functional area discipline, e.g. applications development or equivalent skills leading major technical projects with accountability for enforcing talent management needs and performance standards.Demonstrated leadership and experience managing multidiscipline, high-performance work teams.Strong competency in project management and execution of multiple or large projects.Experience working with customers to develop solutions to complex business problems.Proven ability to communicate effectively with internal/external stakeholders to support business initiatives.Proven ability to function in an environment which requires flexibility, good judgment and intelligent decision making, often based on limited information and/or extreme conditions.Ability to formulate, implement and evaluate plans, programs and procedures applicable to customer relationship and demand management.PreferredFinancial Services industry experienceExperience in IT planning and business relationship managementExperience working in a matrix management organizationExperience with product development and managementPay TransparencyThrivent’s long-term growth depends on attracting, rewarding, and retaining people who are committed to helping others thrive with purpose. We accomplish this by offering a wide variety of market competitive compensation programs to attract, reward, and retain top talent. The applicable salary or hourly wage range for this full-time role is $139,455.00 - $188,676.00 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skills, and knowledge, business needs, market demand, and other factors Thrivent deems important.Thrivent is unique in our commitment to helping people to be wise with money and live balanced and generous lives. That extends to our benefits.The following benefits may be offered: various bonuses (including, for example, annual or long-term incentives); medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account; flexible spending account; 401k; pension; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; disability insurance; supplemental protection insurance; 20 days of Paid Time Off each year; Sick and Safe Time; 10 paid company holidays; Volunteer Time Off; paid parental leave; EAP; well-being benefits, and other employee benefits. Eligibility for receipt of these benefits is subject to the applicable plan/policy documents. Thrivent’s plans/policies are subject to change at any time at Thrivent’s discretion.Thrivent provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all employees and job applicants.Thrivent is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please let us know by sending an email to human.resources@thrivent.com or call 800-847-4836 and request Human Resources.#Remote #J-18808-Ljbffr

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