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Defense Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Systems Engineering & Test Capabilities team discipline is seeking a Systems Engineer II to support important Air Defense programs. Every day presents a different set of challenges to overcome.

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Defense Systems information

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$46K

$102.1K

$153K

How much do defense systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense systems in the United States is $102,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are defense systems?

Defense systems refer to the technologies, strategies, and equipment designed to protect a nation or organization from threats, such as military attacks, terrorism, or cyber intrusions. These systems can include missile defense, surveillance networks, cybersecurity protocols, and physical barriers. Defense systems are developed and maintained by defense contractors, military forces, and government agencies to ensure national security and public safety. The field is broad, encompassing both hardware like radar and weapons, as well as software and intelligence analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in defense systems roles?

Professionals in defense systems often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, strict security protocols, and the need for precise attention to detail. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, analysts, and military personnel—requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, many projects involve long development cycles and must meet rigorous government or military standards, which can add pressure but also offer rewarding, impactful work.

What is the difference between Defense Systems vs Security Analyst?

AspectDefense SystemsSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications (CISSP, Security+), technical degreesSecurity certifications (CISSP, Security+), technical degrees
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government agencies, defense contractorsCorporate, government, or consulting firms
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, governmentIT, cybersecurity, corporate security
Common Search/ComparisonDefense Systems vs Security Analyst

Defense Systems and Security Analysts both require cybersecurity certifications and technical knowledge. Defense Systems roles are typically within military or government defense sectors, focusing on national security technology. Security Analysts work mainly in corporate or private sectors, monitoring and protecting organizational data. While both roles involve security expertise, Defense Systems focus on national defense technology, whereas Security Analysts focus on protecting organizational assets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Defense Systems, and why are they important?

To thrive in Defense Systems, you need a solid background in engineering, computer science, or related fields, with knowledge of defense technologies and security protocols. Familiarity with simulation software, cybersecurity tools, and systems such as radar, sonar, or missile guidance is commonly required, along with relevant security clearances. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications ensure the development, operation, and maintenance of safe, reliable, and effective defense solutions.
More about Defense Systems jobs
What job categories do people searching Defense Systems jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Systems jobs are:
Infographic showing various Defense Systems job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,067 per year, or $49.1 per hour.
Principal Systems Engineer- Air Defense Systems

Principal Systems Engineer- Air Defense Systems

Raytheon

Tewksbury, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-05-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-MA-TEWKSBURY-TB3 ~ 50 Apple Hill Dr ~ CONCORD BLDG, Tewksbury Tb3 300 Concord

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Are you passionate about turning innovative concepts into reality? Do you thrive in dynamic environments? The Systems Engineering & Test Capabilities team discipline is seeking a Systems Engineer II to support important Air Defense programs. Every day presents a different set of challenges to overcome. Whether in hardware, software, networking, or some combination of all three, you'll be stretched to learn about how our systems work and identify the sources of new and unexpected issues through lots of troubleshooting and data analysis. You'll be expected to collaborate across disciplines and collaborate to implement solutions.

What You Will Do

  • Support Testing Efforts: Develop and implement test plans, procedures, integration, and verification documentation in both simulated and real-world environments.
  • Troubleshoot and Analyze: Identify and resolve hardware, software, and system issues through detailed data analysis and debugging.
  • Drive Performance: Collaborate across functions to drive performance improvements and resolve system issues.
  • Modeling and Simulation: Utilize modeling and simulation tools to predict system performance and support verification and validation.
  • Integrate Systems: Integrate hardware and software into tactical systems, evaluating their functionality and impact.
  • Collaborate: Work with a multi-disciplinary team to achieve seamless integration and system functionality.
  • Document and Communicate: Develop integration documentation, execute plans, analyze data, verify requirements and effectively communicate results to leadership and stakeholders.
  • Perform Data Analysis: Conduct statistical and numerical analysis of radar performance data to ensure optimal system performance and verify requirements.
  • Requirements Development: Decompose and track specifications throughout complex systems architectures
  • Support Missions: Travel as needed (up to 10%) to support mission execution at various locations including local RTX facilities, test sites, vendor facilities, and customer locations.

This is a full-time onsite role based in Tewksbury, MA or Andover, MA.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience with one or more of the following: systems software, systems hardware, systems requirements, systems integration, systems test.

Qualifications We Prefer.

  • Experience leading teams of engineers in the technical completion of complex tasks
  • Experience with generating technical documentation, such as test plans, procedures, or technical reports.
  • Experience working in an integration lab, test facility, or in the field, supporting requirements development, integration and/or verification.
  • Experience with DOORS, Rhapsody, Cameo, or other digital engineering tools.
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, C/C++, and/or other programming languages.

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.
    • Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
  • Clearance Information: This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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