Texas Defense-Tech Career Guide: 2025 Hot Market Report

Texas dominates the aerospace and defense jobs landscape with over $92.87 billion in economic output for 2024 alone. Ranking #1 for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness nationwide, the Lone Star State hosts 16 of the 19 Fortune 1000 aerospace and defense companies in 2024.

Furthermore, professionals in this sector earn substantial compensation, with the average aerospace and defense employee taking home $114,828 annually. The industry currently supports over 199,000 jobs throughout Texas, accounting for approximately 9% of the national aerospace and defense workforce. For job seekers exploring defense-tech careers in Texas, opportunities span across aerospace manufacturing careers, engineering positions, and specialized roles with defense contractors such as Allen Control Systems in Austin.

Additionally, Texas ranks second nationally for active duty military personnel, with more than 112,000 service members across 15 active installations. This military presence, combined with aerospace giants like NASA’s Johnson Space Center, creates a robust ecosystem for Texas aerospace jobs and defense industry growth. As the state continues investing in innovation through the recently launched Texas Space Commission, professionals with the right skills can expect a thriving job market in 2025 and beyond.

Key Employment Statistics and Growth Areas

The Lone Star State’s defense and aerospace sector continues to achieve record-breaking employment figures in 2025. According to recent data, Texas reached an unprecedented labor force size of 15,770,300 people. Simultaneously, the state hit a new peak for employed individuals at 15,126,900 and total nonfarm jobs at 14,254,200 after adding 20,100 positions in February alone.

Specifically within the aerospace and aviation industry, Texas currently employs over 148,000 workers across more than 1,400 establishments. This robust workforce supports Texas’s position as the nation’s leader in air transportation employment. The state’s job market continues to show remarkable resilience with 603,000 openings reported in February 2025.

Top Cities for Defense-Tech Careers in Texas

Fort Worth stands out as a primary hub for defense-tech careers, housing Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics headquarters where cutting-edge aircraft development occurs, including the F-35 Lightning II program. This area offers competitive salaries, with technology consultants earning approximately $104,690 annually.

Dallas-Fort Worth represents one of the country’s most concentrated regions for aircraft and aircraft parts production, accounting for over 6% of all U.S. aircraft manufacturers. Meanwhile, Austin has emerged as a significant growth center for defense technology jobs, particularly in innovative fields like artificial intelligence and software development.

Other notable defense-tech employment centers include:

• Houston, home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center
• San Antonio, known as “Military City USA” with its substantial Air Force presence
• Austin, with major tech universities, it is one of the leading locations for defense careers in the nation.
• Grand Prairie, where Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops advanced defense technologies

How Texas Compares to Other States

Texas consistently ranks among the top states for aerospace and defense employment. The state proudly holds the #1 position for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness nationwide. Moreover, Texas ranks third in the nation for aerospace product and parts manufacturing firms and third for exports valued at $11.13 billion.

In the broader technology sector, Texas maintains a strong position with approximately 1.33 million tech workers, placing second behind California for net tech employment. With over 17,600 tech companies, Texas has created an environment where defense-tech professionals thrive.

The state’s defense industry presence is particularly impressive, with 16 of the 19 Fortune 1000 aerospace and defense companies maintaining operations in Texas. This concentration of major industry players, combined with the state’s military installations, creates exceptional opportunities for defense-tech professionals seeking career advancement in 2025.

In-Demand Skills and Qualifications

Success in Texas’s defense-tech sector requires specialized skills and credentials that set professionals apart in this competitive field. Employers seek candidates with specific technical abilities, interpersonal qualities, and proper clearances.

Technical Skills for Aerospace and Defense Roles

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++ stands as a cornerstone requirement for many defense-tech positions. Candidates with knowledge of systems engineering and control theory possess a distinct advantage in this sector. Experience with CAD software remains essential for design-focused roles, while understanding of aerodynamics and avionics is fundamental for aerospace engineering positions.

Consequently, the ability to analyze and interpret data using tools like MATLAB or Excel has become increasingly valuable as defense systems grow more sophisticated.

Soft Skills that Employers Value

Beyond technical expertise, defense-tech employers prioritize candidates with strong leadership abilities and exceptional attention to detail. Time management skills are essential due to the deadline-driven nature of defense projects. Adaptability allows professionals to respond effectively to evolving technologies and threats.

Indeed, communication skills—both written and verbal—are critical for conveying technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and teamwork are likewise highly valued in collaborative defense environments. Ethical judgment proves especially important when handling sensitive information.

Importance of Security Clearance

Security clearances serve as gatekeepers to many lucrative positions in the defense-tech industry. The clearance process examines candidates’ loyalty, character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, and judgment. Professionals must be free from conflicting foreign allegiances and potential blackmail risks.

The process typically takes 9-12 months and includes completing Standard Form 86, undergoing background investigations, and potentially taking polygraph tests. Although time-consuming, obtaining clearance significantly enhances employability and compensation potential.

Certifications and Training Programs

Industry-recognized certifications substantially boost candidates’ marketability. The DoD 8570 certification represents the baseline requirement for working on IT systems in defense contexts. Other valuable credentials include Network+ and CCNA Security for DoD 8570 compliance.

For cybersecurity roles, the vendor-neutral CISSP certification demonstrates broad security expertise. AWS Certified Solutions Architect credentials reflect the growing importance of cloud technologies in defense. Notably, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification helps technical professionals transition into management positions.

Exploring Career Paths in Defense-Tech

The Texas defense-tech sector offers diverse career trajectories for professionals seeking challenging and rewarding opportunities. From traditional manufacturing roles to cutting-edge AI applications, the industry presents numerous pathways for career advancement.

Aerospace Manufacturing Careers

Texas has become a powerhouse for aerospace manufacturing jobs, with companies like Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth leading aircraft development programs such as the F-35 Lightning II. Manufacturing specialists can find positions ranging from Production Engineering Manager to Assembly Technician. In San Antonio, Boeing offers manufacturing roles with salaries between $129,200 and $174,800 for production engineering management positions. First-hand technical experience in production lines often serves as an entry point to more specialized roles in this field.

Cybersecurity and Surveillance Roles

As defense systems grow increasingly complex, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand across Texas. Roles include Cyber Security Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer, and AI Red Team Engineer with security compliance focus. These positions typically require strong technical backgrounds in AI/ML, embedded systems, or platform security. Professionals who enjoy thinking adversarially and exploring the boundaries of modern AI technologies are particularly sought after. Many positions offer the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements and competitive compensation packages.

Systems Engineering and Project Management

Systems engineers coordinate complex defense projects, ensuring all components work seamlessly together. In Grand Prairie, Lockheed Martin hires Missile Systems Engineers responsible for requirements analysis and verification. These roles often involve using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles to develop cutting-edge aerospace products. Project managers in the defense sector oversee critical timelines and budgets, with companies like Krypton Solutions in Plano offering project management positions with salaries between $58,125 and $88,262.

Emerging Roles in Space and AI Defense

The intersection of space technology and artificial intelligence has created exciting new career paths. NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston recruits AI Software Engineers with salaries ranging from $76,000 to $155,700 annually. The Space Force also offers multiple career tracks in space operations and intelligence analysis. Lockheed Martin’s Artificial Intelligence Center is building multidisciplinary AI teams dedicated to ensuring AI systems are secure, compliant, and responsibly deployed, offering salaries up to $225,975 for experienced professionals.

How to Land a Defense-Tech Job in Texas

Securing employment in Texas’s thriving defense-tech sector requires strategic preparation and industry-specific knowledge. From resume customization to specialized networking, understanding these crucial steps will maximize your chances of success in this competitive field.

Tailoring Your Resume for Defense Contractors

For defense industry positions, resume customization is essential. Display your security clearance prominently at the top center of your resume, directly below your contact information. When applying to defense employers, include specific clearance level and polygraph status if applicable. Structure your experience section chronologically, highlighting quantifiable achievements rather than just listing responsibilities.

Education credentials should appear before employment history, as both could be required for certain defense contracts. Include relevant technical skills before work history, focusing on operating systems, command line tools, scripting languages, and specialized product knowledge. Use performance-based bullets that demonstrate measurable impacts and achievements in previous roles.

Interview Tips for Technical and Security Roles

Defense industry interviews often employ the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) to assess candidates. Prepare by practicing structured responses to behavioral questions, emphasizing specific examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities. Prior to interviews, thoroughly research the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements to demonstrate genuine interest.

For virtual interviews, test technology beforehand and select a distraction-free environment. For in-person meetings, arrive 20-25 minutes early to account for security check-in procedures. Expect technical assessments that evaluate both your specialized knowledge and adaptability to high-pressure situations.

Networking with Texas-Based Defense Companies

Throughout Texas, defense industry networking offers invaluable opportunities. Attend veteran-specific events where employers actively seek candidates with military backgrounds. Consider conducting informational interviews with professionals in your desired field to gain insights and uncover hidden job opportunities.

Use professional networking platforms to connect with defense contractors, joining relevant groups and participating in industry discussions. Remember that effective networking focuses on building relationships rather than directly asking for jobs—offer value and listen more than you talk.

Resources for Veterans and Transitioning Military

Texas Veterans Commission provides free employment services for veterans, eligible spouses, and family members. The Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program connects transitioning service members with industry partners like RTX during their final 180 days of service.

Lockheed Martin’s Heroes Program helps veterans gain real-world experience through internships and career development programs. The program assigns Military Relations Managers—veterans themselves—who provide personalized guidance throughout the hiring process. Many aerospace companies in Texas actively participate in military recruiting events and maintain dedicated staff for veteran recruitment.

Conclusion

Texas stands firmly established as the premier destination for defense-tech careers in 2025. The state’s remarkable $92.87 billion economic output demonstrates its commanding position in the aerospace and defense landscape. Additionally, professionals enjoy substantial compensation packages, with average annual salaries exceeding $114,000, making these careers financially rewarding as well as technically stimulating.

Employment opportunities span across multiple thriving hubs throughout the state. Fort Worth and Dallas lead with aircraft manufacturing excellence, while Austin emerges as a hotbed for innovative defense technologies. Houston, San Antonio, and Grand Prairie complete this robust ecosystem of defense-tech employment centers.

Success in this competitive field certainly demands specialized skills. Technical proficiencies in programming, systems engineering, and CAD software serve as foundational requirements. These hard skills, combined with leadership abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication capabilities, create the ideal candidate profile. Security clearances function as critical prerequisites for many positions, though the lengthy acquisition process ultimately rewards professionals with enhanced employability and earning potential.

Career pathways within Texas defense-tech offer remarkable diversity. Professionals can pursue traditional manufacturing roles, cutting-edge cybersecurity positions, complex systems engineering responsibilities, or emerging opportunities in space technology and artificial intelligence. Each path provides unique challenges and advancement potential.

Job seekers must approach this market strategically. Tailored resumes highlighting clearance status, relevant technical skills, and quantifiable achievements significantly improve prospects. Thorough interview preparation and active networking with Texas-based defense companies further enhance employment opportunities. Veterans benefit from specialized resources designed to transition military experience into defense industry careers.

The Texas defense-tech sector undoubtedly continues its upward trajectory. With unmatched infrastructure, concentrated industry presence, and sustained investment in innovation through initiatives like the Texas Space Commission, the Lone Star State offers defense-tech professionals a robust career ecosystem unlike any other in the nation.