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Civilian Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Civilian, Department of Defense, and/or Intelligence Community agencies. * Deep understanding of the federal procurement lifecycle, acquisition process, and government contracting ecosystem.

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Civilian Defense Contractor information

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$54K

$142.7K

$249.5K

How much do civilian defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian defense contractor in the United States is $142,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a civilian defense contractor?

Civilian defense contractors are individuals or companies that provide products, services, or expertise to military or defense organizations while not being enlisted members of the armed forces. They can work in a wide variety of roles, including engineering, logistics, IT, security, and consulting, helping to support defense operations both domestically and abroad. These contractors are often employed by private companies that have contracts with government defense agencies, and their work is crucial to the functioning and modernization of military infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civilian defense contractor?

To thrive as a Civilian Defense Contractor, you generally need specialized expertise in engineering, logistics, cybersecurity, or project management, often backed by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with government procurement systems, defense industry regulations, and tools like SAP or project management software is common. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with military personnel and navigate complex, high-stakes environments. These competencies ensure compliance, operational effectiveness, and the successful delivery of critical defense projects.

What are some common challenges faced by civilian defense contractors working on government projects?

Civilian defense contractors often navigate complex regulatory requirements and strict compliance standards when working on government projects. Adhering to security protocols, managing sensitive information, and meeting tight project deadlines can be challenging. Additionally, contractors may need to coordinate with both military personnel and other civilian teams, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Successfully managing these aspects is essential for project success and career advancement in the defense industry.

What is the difference between Civilian Defense Contractor vs Security Specialist?

AspectCivilian Defense ContractorSecurity Specialist
CredentialsMilitary or defense-related certifications, security clearancesSecurity certifications (e.g., CPP, PSP), sometimes military background
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, defense facilities, remote sitesCorporate, government, or private security settings
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agenciesPrivate security firms, corporations, government agencies

Both roles involve security and defense-related work, often requiring similar certifications and clearances. Civilian Defense Contractors typically work on defense projects and military sites, while Security Specialists focus on protecting assets, personnel, and facilities across various industries. The main difference lies in their specific work environments and project focus.

How do you become a civilian defense contractor?

To become a civilian defense contractor, candidates typically need relevant military or defense industry experience, security clearances, and specialized skills such as engineering, cybersecurity, or logistics. Many employers also require a background check and adherence to government contracting regulations, with certifications like PMP or security clearances often advantageous.

How much do civilian defense contractors get paid?

Civilian defense contractors typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and security clearance level. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of projects, location, and whether the role involves fieldwork or office-based tasks.
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What cities are hiring for Civilian Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities with the most Civilian Defense Contractor job openings:

What states have the most Civilian Defense Contractor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Civilian Defense Contractor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Civilian Defense Contractor jobs?

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Infographic showing various Civilian Defense Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,683 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Public Sector Services Sales Leader

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$150/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Apply now: Public Sector Services Sales Leader, location is Ashburn, VA. The start date is ASAP for this permanent position.

Job Title: Public Sector Services Sales LeaderLocation-Type: Onsite in Ashburn, VAStart Date Is: ASAPDuration: PermanentCompensation Range: $150-200k Base Salary OTE $300,000Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTOMust be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for sponsorship .

Job Description:Our client is seeking a President, Public Sector Services Sales to lead and scale its federal services growth organization. This executive will own strategy, business development, capture management, proposal oversight, partnerships, and revenue growth across Federal Civilian, Department of Defense, and Intelligence Community markets. The ideal candidate is a proven federal growth leader with extensive experience winning large-scale government contracts, building high-performing growth organizations, and driving revenue through strategic federal contract vehicles.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:• Own and execute the federal services growth strategy and revenue objectives.• Lead business development, capture management, proposal operations, and account management functions.• Develop and execute growth plans across Federal Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence markets.• Drive revenue growth through GWACs, IDIQs, BPAs, and agency-specific contract vehicles.• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with federal agencies, contracting officers, acquisition leaders, and industry partners.• Lead strategic pursuits ranging from $10M to $500M opportunities.• Oversee bid/no-bid decisions, capture strategies, pricing strategies, and proposal development efforts.• Expand market presence through teaming agreements, strategic partnerships, and technology alliances.• Leverage past performance, customer success stories, and contract vehicles to secure new business and task orders.• Manage and mentor high-performing business development, capture, and growth teams.• Collaborate with executive leadership to align growth objectives with overall business strategy.• Identify emerging opportunities within federal markets and develop actionable growth plans.

Minimum Requirements:

• 10-15 years of federal services sales, business development, capture, and growth leadership experience.• Proven track record of winning and scaling business through GWACs, IDIQs, BPAs, and major federal contract vehicles.• Experience leading large, complex federal pursuits valued at $50M .• Strong relationships across Federal Civilian, Department of Defense, and/or Intelligence Community agencies.• Deep understanding of the federal procurement lifecycle, acquisition process, and government contracting ecosystem.• Experience managing high-performing growth organizations with significant revenue responsibility.• Demonstrated success developing capture strategies and leading opportunities from identification through award.• Executive-level communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.• Experience building and executing long-term federal growth strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:• Experience with contract vehicles such as OASIS , CIO-SP4, Client 3, SEWP, Polaris, VETS 2, NITAAC, SPARC, or similar.• Familiarity with AI, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, data analytics, and digital transformation services.• Existing network of government and industry decision-makers.• Experience leading growth efforts for mid-sized or rapidly growing federal contractors.• Experience expanding partnerships with technology providers and systems integrators.