ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Contract Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Defense Unicorns

Mission Director - Air Force

OR · On-site +1

$290K - $370K/yr

... Defense Unicorns products, and lead opportunities from initial discovery through contract award. Once awarded, you will remain accountable for the contract throughout its lifecycle, including cost ...

Defense Unicorns

Mission Director - Space

OR · On-site +1

$290K - $370K/yr

... Defense Unicorns products, and lead opportunities from initial discovery through contract award. Once awarded, you will remain accountable for the contract throughout its lifecycle, including cost ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDefense Contract JobsDefense Contract Jobs in Oregon

Defense Contract information

See Oregon salary details

$16

$38

$57

How much do defense contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contract in Oregon is $38.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.98 and $46.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense contract?

Defense contracts are legally binding agreements between a government, typically the Department of Defense, and private companies or organizations to provide goods, services, or research that support national defense objectives. These contracts can cover a wide range of needs, including weapons systems, military equipment, technology development, construction, and logistical support. Defense contracts are awarded through a competitive bidding process, and they are subject to strict regulations to ensure transparency, accountability, and national security. Companies that secure these contracts must comply with specific requirements and standards set by the government.

What are some common challenges faced when working on defense contracts, and how can professionals prepare for them?

Working on defense contracts often involves navigating complex compliance requirements, strict confidentiality, and tight deadlines. Professionals may face challenges such as adhering to government regulations (like ITAR or DFARS), coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and adapting to changing project scopes. To prepare, it's helpful to gain familiarity with relevant regulations, develop strong project management skills, and build effective communication channels within interdisciplinary teams. Proactively seeking training and staying updated on industry standards can also make the transition smoother.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contract professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contract professional, you need a solid understanding of government procurement regulations, contract negotiation, and compliance, often supported by a degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), contract management software, and security clearance requirements is typically necessary. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure compliance with complex regulations, minimize risk, and facilitate successful contract execution within the defense sector.

What is the difference between Defense Contract vs Defense Analyst?

AspectDefense ContractDefense Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, contracting certificationsSecurity clearances, analytical and research skills
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractorsMilitary, government agencies, think tanks
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contractors, government procurement officesMilitary organizations, defense analysis firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on procurement, contracts, and complianceFocus on strategic analysis, intelligence, and policy

While both roles operate within the defense industry, Defense Contract professionals primarily handle procurement, negotiations, and contract management for defense projects. Defense Analysts focus on evaluating military strategies, intelligence, and policy development. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals within the defense sector.

How can I work for a defense contract?

To work on a defense contract, you typically need to apply through government or defense contractor job portals, meet security clearance requirements, and possess relevant skills such as engineering, cybersecurity, or logistics. Many positions require U.S. citizenship and background checks, and some roles may require specialized certifications or training.

What does a defense contract do?

A defense contract involves an agreement between a government agency and a company or individual to provide goods or services for national defense, such as military equipment, technology, or support. Defense contractors often work on projects requiring security clearances, technical expertise, and adherence to strict regulations to support military operations and national security objectives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Defense jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Defense Contract jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Defense Contract job openings:

Defense Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contract job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,915 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Contract Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Portland, OR • On-site

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position: This position is located within the US Army Corps of Engineers, Contracting Division where you will function as a Senior Contract Specialist managing all aspects of the functional area of contract preparation and management for the Temporary Emergency Power mission supporting FEMA in emergency response activities that range from no notice events such as wildfires, earthquakes, or tornados, or notice events such as a hurricane or severe winter storms.
Qualifications:

This job announcement will fill one vacancy at the full performance level (FPL) of GS-13 in one of the locations listed.
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience and your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Contract Specialist:
Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
OR
Exemption: You are exempt from the education requirements above if (A) you are a current civilian employee in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000; OR (B) you are a current military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 on or before September 30, 2000.
In addition to the Basic Requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below.
TO QUALIFY FOR THE FPL GS-13:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes working independently as a contract officer or senior contract specialist, procuring a wide variety of supplies and services, construction, and/or architect/engineering services; administering terms and conditions of contracts; developing a wide variety of solicitation documents; developing and coordinating justification and approval documents; negotiating and awarding contracts and contract modifications; performing price/cost analysis; and monitoring contractor's performance. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply