Top 10 Defense Tech Jobs in Arlington (TX) for 2026

Arlington, Texas, sits at the heart of a fast-growing defense technology corridor in 2026. With close proximity to major military installations, defense contractors, space and aerospace suppliers, and cybersecurity firms, Arlington’s defense ecosystem is expanding into advanced tech domains. As national security priorities shift toward autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cloud modernization, and mission assurance, demand for defense-tech professionals continues to rise.

Here are the Top 10 Defense Tech Jobs in Arlington for 2026 — each with a role overview, typical salary range, and the industries or companies hiring.

1. Defense Software Engineer

Defense Software Engineers build secure, reliable software for mission-critical systems — from command and control platforms to embedded vehicle software. In Arlington’s defense community, these engineers work on projects for government agencies and defense primes.

Salary Range: $110,000–$160,000+
Hiring: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, defense startups

2. Systems Integration & Test Engineer

Systems Integration Engineers orchestrate complex hardware-software integration, conduct verification and validation testing, and ensure interoperability across defense platforms. This role is central to modern defense programs.

Salary Range: $100,000–$150,000+
Hiring: Government contractors, space/aerospace firms, military tech integrators

3. Cybersecurity Engineer – Defense Networks

Cybersecurity Engineers protect classified networks, secure communication channels, and defend critical defense infrastructure from evolving threats. With Arlington’s strong military presence, these professionals are high-demand.

Salary Range: $115,000–$170,000+
Hiring: DARPA partners, defense JVs, IT security divisions of primes

4. AI/ML Specialist – Autonomous Systems

AI/ML Specialists design algorithms for autonomous platforms, target recognition, decision support systems, and predictive analytics. In defense tech, this work supports drones, robotics, and threat assessment tools.

Salary Range: $120,000–$185,000+
Hiring: Defense AI labs, autonomy startups, aerospace primes

5. Cloud & DevSecOps Engineer – Defense Cloud

Cloud/DevSecOps Engineers ensure mission applications are delivered securely and reliably in cloud environments, automate CI/CD pipelines, and embed security early in the software lifecycle — an essential role as defense modernization accelerates.

Salary Range: $110,000–$160,000+
Hiring: Defense cloud teams, cloud service integrators, federated IT units

6. Embedded Systems / Firmware Engineer

These engineers design and optimize real-time, embedded software for hardware interfaces in systems such as avionics, sensors, and unmanned platforms. The focus is performance, safety, and compliance with defense standards.

Salary Range: $105,000–$155,000+
Hiring: Aerospace suppliers, embedded systems integrators, defense OEMs

7. Network Defense Architect

Network Defense Architects design resilient, secure networks for defense applications, ensuring high availability, segmentation, and layered defenses in support of mission campaigns and distributed operations.

Salary Range: $120,000–$180,000+
Hiring: Defense network ops, IT consulting arms, secure communication firms

8. Data Engineer – Defense Analytics

Data Engineers build and maintain pipelines, warehousing, and distributed data platforms for big data analytics, intelligence fusion, and operational dashboards used by defense planners.

Salary Range: $100,000–$150,000+
Hiring: Defense intelligence groups, analytics teams, defense tech startups

9. Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer

These engineers work on design, control, and implementation of robotics used in surveillance, logistics, remote sensing, or battlefield support. Autonomous systems remain a priority area for defense investments.

Salary Range: $110,000–$165,000+
Hiring: Robotics contractors, defense labs, autonomous divisions of primes

10. Defense Product Manager – Tech Programs

Product Managers in defense tech oversee roadmaps, coordinate cross-functional teams, align requirements with engineering and operations, and drive products from concept to delivery — balancing mission impact and technical feasibility.

Salary Range: $110,000–$170,000+
Hiring: Large defense primes, defense innovation units, federal tech programs

Smarter Job Discovery with DigitalHire

Instead of scanning broad boards and keyword hunting, use DigitalHire’s AI-powered matching system to connect with defense tech jobs in Arlington that fit your skills and goals.

• AI Matching: Get matched with roles based on your experience and career path.

• Video Resumes: Stand out by showcasing your technical communication and experience.

• Video Job Descriptions: Gain deeper insight into teams, technologies, and mission context before you apply.

If you're ready to explore the Top 10 Defense Tech Jobs in Arlington (TX) for 2026, skip the old job-search grind — try DigitalHire’s AI matching system — it’s free to join.