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Defense Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ITC Defense

Senior Program Manager

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARs), and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency ...

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 ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

Contracts Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$86K - $115K/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 ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA · Hybrid

$91K - $122K/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 ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Annapolis Junction, MD · Hybrid

$97K - $130K/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 ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$91K - $122K/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 ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA

$91K - $122K/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 ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Huntsville, AL

$87K - $117K/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 ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA

$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 ...

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Albuquerque, NM

$86K - $115K/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 ...

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Defense Contract information

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$15

$36

$54

How much do defense contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contract in the United States is $36.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are defense contracts?

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.
More about Defense Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Contract jobs? Cities with the most Defense Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense jobs? The most popular types of Defense jobs are:
What states have the most Defense Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Contract jobs include:
Defense Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contract job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,585 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Supervisory Contract Specialist

Supervisory Contract Specialist

Defense Contract Management Agency

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$126K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Defense Contract Management Agency rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

See below for important information regarding this job.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
Multiple Locations:
Chantilly, VA: $145,065 - $195,362
Fort Lee, VA: $132,437 - $178,355
Orlando, FL: $126,783 - $170,741Qualifications:To qualify for a Supervisory Contract Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support:
A. Basic Contracting Requirement:
A.) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees
OR
B.) a current civilian employee in DoD or member of the Armed Forces, who occupied an 1102 position, contracting officer position, or comparable military contracting position with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold on or before September 30, 2000 are excluded from the requirements of "A" above.
B. CAP Requirement: Highest category of certification in the applicable functional area, except for Program Management, which requires Practitioner or higher category certification; must execute 3-year tenure agreement, except as tailored by the CAE; GS-14 or equivalent/O-5 level or above; and 4 years of acquisition experience.
C. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in, or related to, this position. To qualify for the NH-04 level, specialized experience must be at the NH-03 or GS-13 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.
  • Experience with providing direction, maintaining ethical standards, and leading teams in executing complex contract management and operational responsibilities in a high-accountability Department of War (DoW) environment.
  • Leading and/or supervising personnel responsible for the oversight and implementation of all contracting processes and initiatives.
  • Developing and/or providing guidance on contract administration processes, policies and procedures.
  • Monitoring programs to ensure efficient and effective contract administration.
  • Overseeing and monitoring employee training and development.
Education:

This position has a minimum education requirement you MUST provide transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at the time of application) to support your educational claims. Or, if you are using education to qualify in lieu of specialized experience you MUST provide transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at the time of application) to support your educational claims. The transcripts must include your name, the name of the college or university, class/course list, completed number of credits/hours, and the date degree conferred (if applicable). Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Licenses must be current at time of application.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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.

Employment Type: OTHER

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