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Systems Defense Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Threat Modeling & Risk Assessment - Guide and conduct technical threat modeling for AI/ML systems ... AI Defense Engineering - Evaluate and operationalize security controls, guardrails, and enforcement ...

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Threat Modeling & Risk Assessment - Guide and conduct technical threat modeling for AI/ML systems ... AI Defense Engineering - Evaluate and operationalize security controls, guardrails, and enforcement ...

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Threat Modeling & Risk Assessment - Guide and conduct technical threat modeling for AI/ML systems ... AI Defense Engineering - Evaluate and operationalize security controls, guardrails, and enforcement ...

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$124K - $170K/yr

Threat Modeling & Risk Assessment - Guide and conduct technical threat modeling for AI/ML systems ... AI Defense Engineering - Evaluate and operationalize security controls, guardrails, and enforcement ...

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Threat Modeling & Risk Assessment - Guide and conduct technical threat modeling for AI/ML systems ... AI Defense Engineering - Evaluate and operationalize security controls, guardrails, and enforcement ...

Senior AI Defense Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$124K - $170K/yr

Threat Modeling & Risk Assessment - Guide and conduct technical threat modeling for AI/ML systems ... AI Defense Engineering - Evaluate and operationalize security controls, guardrails, and enforcement ...

$200 - $250/hr

As a Principal Active Defense Engineer, you will set the technical direction for how Workday ... Experience setting technical direction, leading complex multi-system initiatives, and raising the ...

As a Principal Active Defense Engineer, you will set the technical direction for how Workday ... spans several systems, or has no obvious owner. The breadth here is real. Our work runs from ...

Showing results 21-40

Systems Defense Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do systems defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems defense engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are popular job titles related to Systems Defense Engineer jobs?

For Systems Defense Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Systems Defense Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Principal Cyber Defense Engineer

Washington, DC • On-site

Accenture Federal Services
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 10 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

51st of 501 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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