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Defense Contract Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Contracts

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$91K - $170K/yr

... defense programs and US Government and Foreign Military Sales * Preparing, negotiating, and ... Ensuring contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Contracts

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$91K - $170K/yr

... defense programs and US Government and Foreign Military Sales * Preparing, negotiating, and ... Ensuring contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal ...

Laborup

Technical Program Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Overview We're hiring a Technical Program Manager for our aerospace and defense contract manufacturing company. We're a low-volume manufacturer building complex machined, welded, and fabricated ...

Laborup

Technical Program Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Overview We're hiring a Technical Program Manager for our aerospace and defense contract manufacturing company. We're a low-volume manufacturer building complex machined, welded, and fabricated ...

Laborup

Technical Program Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Overview We're hiring a Technical Program Manager for our aerospace and defense contract manufacturing company. We're a low-volume manufacturer building complex machined, welded, and fabricated ...

CNIC Careers

Contract Specialist

Millington, TN · On-site

$75K/yr

Fleet and Family Support Centers; and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).Qualifications ... contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or ...

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Defense Contract information

See Tennessee salary details

$14

$32

$49

How much do defense contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contract in Tennessee is $32.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.99 and $39.71 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Defense jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Defense Contract jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Defense Contract job openings:

Defense Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contract job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,602 per year, or $33 per hour.

Senior Specialist, Contracts

Nashville, TN • On-site, Remote

L3HHCM20
See more jobs at L3HHCM20external

$91K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Contracts

Job Code: 41479

Job Location: Nashville-TN; Tulsa-OK, Melbourne-FL, Huntsville, AL; Greenville, TX; Loveland, CO

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

L3Harris is currently hiring for the role of Senior Specialist, Contracts. This position is responsible for conducting proposal preparation, pre-contract data collection, and administering, extending, negotiating and terminating standard and nonstandard US Government and International contracts.

 

Essential Functions:

  • Proposing, negotiating, and administering Direct Commercial Sales contracts for international defense programs and US Government and Foreign Military Sales
  • Preparing, negotiating, and administering a large volume of contracts of various types for a variety of customers.
  • Ensuring contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, customer specifications, FAR, DFAR and ITAR.
  • Reviewing RFPs; preparing proposals including engineering changes; performing associated negotiation and defining activities.
  • Performing risk assessment of proposal/contract terms and conditions; formulating and executing strategies to minimize potential risks to the business.
  • Working with customers, management, and program teams to resolve issues, secure approvals, and ensure successful contract execution.
  • Serving as point of contact for the customer during all phases of a program.
  • Generating and maintaining contract documentation.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • 6-10 years experience in Contracts management.
  • Experience working Defense contracts.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working International, DCS, and/or Commercial contracts.
  • Experience effectively interfacing at all levels of company management.
  • Experience in problem solving through creative solutions drawing from prior experience is preferred.
  • Be able to manage complex projects or processes.
  • Experience leading a team/project in gathering comprehensive data from multiple disciplines and lead a team to address complex issues and concerns.  Problems typically require consideration from multiple areas or specialties.
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency.
  • Strong communication skills.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $91,500 - $170,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

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