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Defense Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mercury Systems

Principal Contracts Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

Experience with defense contract types such as: Cost Reimbursable (CR), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Materials (T&M), incentive-type ...

Mercury Systems

Principal Contracts Manager

Cypress, CA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Experience with defense contract types such as: Cost Reimbursable (CR), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Materials (T&M), incentive-type ...

Mercury Systems

Principal Contracts Manager

Cypress, CA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Experience with defense contract types such as: Cost Reimbursable (CR), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Materials (T&M), incentive-type ...

Mercury Systems

Principal Contracts Manager

Cypress, CA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Experience with defense contract types such as: Cost Reimbursable (CR), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Materials (T&M), incentive-type ...

mercury

Principal Contracts Manager

Cypress, CA

$94K - $126K/yr

Experience with defense contract types such as: Cost Reimbursable (CR), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Materials (T&M), incentive-type ...

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

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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How much do defense contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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
Contract Administrator

Contract Administrator

Defense Contract Management Agency

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

$103K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 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

68th of 643 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Summary
See below for important information regarding this job.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Monitor contractor performance for compliance with applicable laws, data reporting requirements and payment provisions.
  • Communicate with contractor for contract progress review of assigned contracts.
  • Monitor expenditures on cost, incentive and fixed price contracts requiring funds control; reports on anticipated over order to report on anticipated over/underrun of estimated costs; and participates in pre-award surveys.
  • Advise, counsel, and provide technical guidance/instruction to team members regarding contract administration functions
  • Organize team members' assignments for mission accomplishment to ensure efficient processing of contracts.
  • Negotiate various overhead rate agreements, forward pricing rate agreements, and advance agreements.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Security Requirements: Special Sensitive, Sensitive Compartmented Information
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, where reciprocity cannot be applied; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
  • Drug Test Required

Qualifications
To qualify for a Contract Administrator, 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. Contracting Officer Requirement: Must possess at least two years of experience in a contracting position.
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-03 level, specialized experience must be at the NH-02 or GS-11 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.
Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Applying Federal statutes, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to administer a group of complex contracts.
  • Using negotiation and communication techniques in order to conduct post award negotiations and a variety of contractual agreements.
  • Applying cost and price analysis techniques sufficient to compare proposals.
  • Applying business and industry practices to identify factors affecting contractor's costs; to understand commercial pricing policies, use of catalogues, comparative analysis, and price based techniques; and to conduct on-site surveys to assess contractor's ability to perform.
  • Applying cost accounting standards and accounting practices in order to review and draw accurate conclusions on contract provisions.

Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
If the 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.
Additional information
  • This position does not meet criteria for appointment of Reemployed Annuitants. The DoD criteria for hiring Reemployed Annuitants can be found at: DoDI 1400.25-V300.
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • FLSA: Exempt
  • Bargaining Unit: No
  • If selected for an interview, you may be required to provide your last three performance appraisals to the panel.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a trial/probationary period.
  • Financial Disclosure Required
  • Acquisition, Technology & Logistics(AT&L) NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Contracting, Foundational certification within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.
  • Military spouses working remotely are exempt from in-person work under the conditions explained by OPM's February 12, 2025 memorandum and the March 20, 2025 Frequently Asked Questions.
  • The incumbent has up to 12 months of the EOD to obtain a Contracting Warrant (Unlimited) with signature authority IAW DCMA Acquisition Warrants and Appointments Policy.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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