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Defense Contract Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

JRC Careers

Contracts and Financial Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Ready to Make a Real Impact on National Defense? Join JRC's Systems Engineering & Integration Team as a Contract and Financial Analyst supporting the government client and become a key player in one ...

JB MANAGEMENT, INC.

Contracts Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$121K - $140K/yr

Experience with support and compliance during Defense Contract Auditing Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management (DCMA) audits, fact-finding, and prime contract negotiation * Experience with ...

JB MANAGEMENT, INC.

Contracts Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$121K - $140K/yr

Experience with support and compliance during Defense Contract Auditing Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management (DCMA) audits, fact-finding, and prime contract negotiation * Experience with ...

JRC Careers

Contracts and Financial Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Ready to Make a Real Impact on National Defense? Join JRC's Systems Engineering & Integration Team as a Contract and Financial Analyst supporting the government client and become a key player in one ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$102K - $136K/yr

Liaison with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit agencies. May serve as the primary point of contact for all internal and external audits. * Oversee maintenance of accurate ...

Navier

Head of Defense

Washington, DC

Identify, target, and secure defense contracts with the US DoD (US Navy, SOCOM, ATFP, CBP, Coast Guard etc) and allied international organizations. * Serve as the primary point of contact for defense ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$102K - $136K/yr

Liaison with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit agencies. Additionally, may lead audits both internal and external to the company. * Oversee maintenance of accurate files for ...

Navier

Head of Defense

Washington, DC · On-site

Identify, target, and secure defense contracts with the US DoD (US Navy, SOCOM, ATFP, CBP, Coast Guard etc) and allied international organizations. * Serve as the primary point of contact for defense ...

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Defense Contract information

See Washington salary details

$17

$41

$62

How much do defense contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contract in Washington is $41.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.95 and $49.57 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Defense jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Defense Contract jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Defense Contract job openings:

Defense Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contract job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,607 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Contracts and Financial Analyst

JRC Careers

Washington, DC • On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Ready to Make a Real Impact on National Defense?

Join JRC's Systems Engineering & Integration Team as a Contract and Financial Analyst supporting the government client and become a key player in one of the nation's most critical defense initiatives-the Fleet Ballistic Missile program. You will be the behind-the-scenes powerhouse supporting contract execution and financing efforts. If you're passionate about supporting mission-driven work and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!

What You'll Be Doing

  • Performing technical evaluation on proposal, Statement of Work (SOW), and various other contract documentation
  • Preparing Purchase Orders and Purchase Requisitions
  • Developing Task Instructions, Task Orders, and contract modifications
  • Ensuring compliance with contracting policies, laws and regulations including but not limited to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplements (DFARS), Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, and International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR).  
  • Liaising with Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), enterprise Comptrollers, and Defense Contract Management (DCMA) and other relevant agencies for sources, inspections, and quality checks
  • Advise management of contract risks and provide interpretation of terms and conditions.  
  • Supporting negotiation of terms and conditions, price analyses, and drafting of subcontracts and other contract-related documents.  
  • Crafting and refining project correspondence, memorandums, ordinance documents, presentations, and professional letters
  • Learning and applying SSP protocols for documentation and accreditation

What You Bring

  • A bachelor's degree and 3+ years of professional experience in Contracts or in Budget and Financial Management
  • Active or recently held SECRET clearance (within the last 24 months)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks independently and collaboratively
  • A proactive mindset with a problem-solving attitude

Bonus Points For

  • An MBA or law degree  
  • CFCM/CPCM certification 

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