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Defense Contracting Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

Chicago, IL · Remote

$140 - $400/hr

Contractor Location: Remote (United States Only) Job Overview We are seeking experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys to contribute their legal expertise to an innovative project focused on advancing ...

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

Experience with defense contracting and government compliance standards (e.g., ITAR, FAR/DFARS). Skills & Certifications * Strong knowledge of quality management systems and tools. * Familiarity with ...

Fairbanks Morse Defense

Experience with defense contracting and government compliance standards (e.g., ITAR, FAR/DFARS). Skills & Certifications * Strong knowledge of quality management systems and tools. * Familiarity with ...

Global Ordnance LLC

Manufacturing Engineer

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Our highly talented, agile and hardworking team understands the complexities of US and allied defense contracting, helping GO grow to one of the regions largest defense contractors and one of Tampa ...

SupplyCore

Attorney - Government Contracts

Rockford, IL · On-site

SupplyCore is a Certified Small Business federal contractor to the Department of Defense (DoD) and General Services Administration (GSA). We prioritize supporting our Military, allies, and Government ...

Broadwind, Inc.

Business Development Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site +1

Familiarity with defense contracting environments and compliance expectations (e.g., ITAR/EAR awareness, DFARS, controlled technical data handling, flow-down requirements). * Experience with AS9100 ...

New

AAR Corporation

Manager, Defense Contracts

Wood Dale, IL

$91K - $112K/yr

The Contracts Manager (Defense) is responsible for managing and administering the full life cycle ... Manage the transactional and day-to-day operations of team of contracting professionals in support ...

AAR Corporation

Manager, Defense Contracts

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$91K - $112K/yr

The Contracts Manager (Defense) is responsible for managing and administering the full life cycle ... Manage the transactional and day-to-day operations of team of contracting professionals in support ...

AAR

Manager, Defense Contracts

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$91K - $112K/yr

Description The Contracts Manager (Defense) is responsible for managing and administering the full ... Manage the transactional and day-to-day operations of team of contracting professionals in support ...

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy ...

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All JobsDefense Contracting JobsDefense Contracting Jobs in Illinois

Defense Contracting information

See Illinois salary details

$27.6K

$45.7K

$68.3K

How much do defense contracting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contracting in Illinois is $45,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $45,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is defense contracting?

Defense contracting refers to the process where private companies provide goods or services to military or defense agencies, such as the Department of Defense. These contracts can cover a wide range of products and services, including weapons, equipment, technology, consulting, and logistical support. Defense contractors may work on projects ranging from research and development to large-scale manufacturing. The industry is highly regulated, requiring strict adherence to government standards and compliance with security protocols. Working in defense contracting often involves background checks and security clearances due to the sensitive nature of the work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor, you need a strong understanding of government procurement processes, compliance regulations (such as FAR/DFARS), and often a background in engineering, logistics, or project management. Familiarity with contracting software systems, security clearance requirements, and certifications like PMP or ITAR compliance is typically necessary. Exceptional attention to detail, negotiation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively under strict deadlines are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure legal compliance, secure project delivery, and effective client relationships in a highly regulated and competitive industry.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in defense contracting, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in defense contracting often encounter challenges such as navigating complex government regulations, meeting strict compliance standards, and managing evolving project requirements. They must stay updated with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and ensure all documentation meets security and confidentiality guidelines. Effective communication with both clients and cross-functional teams is essential to handle shifting priorities and tight deadlines. Building strong organizational and time-management skills, as well as staying proactive about industry changes, can help mitigate these challenges and lead to a successful career in the field.

How do you get into defense contracting?

To get into defense contracting, candidates typically need relevant experience in engineering, logistics, or cybersecurity, along with a security clearance which requires a background check. Many roles also require a bachelor's degree in a related field and familiarity with government procurement processes and compliance standards.

Is defense contracting a good career?

Defense contracting is a stable career option that involves working on government defense projects, often requiring security clearances and specialized skills such as engineering, logistics, or cybersecurity. It offers competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but may involve strict regulations and security protocols. Job satisfaction depends on individual interests in defense and government work environments.

What does a defense contracting do?

A defense contracting professional works for a company that provides products and services to military and government agencies, such as developing technology, manufacturing equipment, or offering technical support. They often require knowledge of security protocols, government regulations, and technical skills related to defense systems. The role may involve working on projects that enhance national security and military capabilities.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Contracting jobs in Illinois?

For Defense Contracting jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contracting jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contracting jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Defense Contracting jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Defense Contracting job openings:

Defense Contracting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contracting job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,701 per year, or $22 per hour.

SAP Aerospace & Defense- Solution Architect

Chicago, IL

United Airlines
Aviation • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 26 rated airlines

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People enjoy working here

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$84.75 - $114.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Choosing Capgemini means choosing a company where you will be empowered to shape your career in the way you'd like, where you'll be supported and inspired bya collaborative community of colleagues around the world, and where you'll be able to reimagine what's possible. Join us and help the world's leading organizationsunlock the value of technology and build a more sustainable, more inclusive world.

About the Job You're Considering

Capgemini is seeking an experienced SAP Aerospace & Defense Solution Architect to lead complex business transformation initiatives for clients across the Aerospace & Defense, Defense Contracting, and highly regulated manufacturing sectors. In this role, you will help organizations modernize their operations through SAP S/4HANA, designing and delivering end-to-end solutions that support engineer-to-order (ETO), project-based manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and defense program execution.

As a SaaS Solution Architect, you will bring your SaaS - and also non-SaaS - technology capabilities to architect solutions, converting business ambitions into Multi-Pillar SaaS architectures that enable agile, flexible and end-to-end business outcomes.  Steer the client thinking on business transformation, tuned to their needs, and applying the specific SaaS Solutions on a global scale. As SaaS Solutions architect, one must lead pursuits, group offerings and have a broad understanding of SaaS Solutions across multiple platforms and the way they can interwork to achieve business needs of clients. At group level, one should aggregate thinking, strategy and roadmap for collaborating and driving Capgemini goals at grouporSBU level. Develop trusted relationships across client stakeholder groups and key partners such as SaaS product companies and complementary services providers.

As a trusted advisor and solution leader, you will work closely with business stakeholders, manufacturing leaders, and executive sponsors to architect scalable SAP solutions that improve operational efficiency, enhance cost visibility, strengthen compliance, and enable successful digital transformation. This position offers the opportunity to lead large-scale global programs while shaping innovative solutions for some of the industry's most complex manufacturing and defense environments.

Your Role
  • Serve as the lead SAP Solution Architect for Aerospace & Defense and project manufacturing transformation programs.
  • Design and architect integrated SAP S/4HANA solutions spanning PMMO/GPD, Project System (PS), Production Planning (PP), Quality Management (QM), Materials Management (MM), Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), and Finance/Controlling (FI/CO).
  • Lead business and solution design workshops with client stakeholders to define future-state operating models and solution roadmaps.
  • Drive the implementation of SAP Project Manufacturing Management & Optimization (PMMO) and legacy GPD capabilities to support project-based manufacturing, material traceability, and cost control requirements.
  • Define and optimize end-to-end business processes supporting Make-to-Order (MTO), Make-to-Project (MTP), and Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing models.
  • Architect SAP Project System solutions supporting project planning, WBS structures, cost collection, revenue recognition, profitability tracking, and financial settlement processes.
  • Provide expertise in manufacturing product costing, project cost management, profitability analysis, and financial integration.
  • Ensure SAP Quality Management solutions support supplier quality, production quality, aerospace compliance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead solution governance, architecture reviews, and program-level decision making throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders to drive successful delivery of global SAP transformation programs.
Your Skills and Experience
  • Minimum- Bachelor's Degree 
  • 15+ years of SAP consulting experience with strong expertise in Aerospace & Defense, Defense Contracting, Engineer-to-Order (ETO), Project Manufacturing, MRO, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
  • Minimum of five full lifecycle SAP S/4HANA implementations, including at least two within Aerospace & Defense or project-based manufacturing environments.
  • Deep expertise in SAP PMMO (Project Manufacturing Management & Optimization) and legacy GPD (Grouping, Pegging & Distribution).
  • Strong hands-on experience with SAP Project System (PS), including project planning, WBS management, project accounting, revenue recognition, cost collection, and settlement.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Make-to-Order (MTO), Make-to-Project (MTP), and Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing processes.
  • Expertise in product costing, project cost control, cost allocation, profitability analysis, and FI/CO integration.
  • Experience implementing and integrating SAP Quality Management (QM) within complex manufacturing environments.
  • Proven ability to design enterprise-wide SAP solutions that integrate manufacturing, supply chain, warehousing, quality, and financial processes.
  • Strong client-facing consulting, architecture, and advisory experience, with the ability to communicate effectively with business and executive stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated success leading design workshops, solution governance activities, and large-scale transformation initiatives.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with SAP Production Engineering & Operations (PEO).
  • Understanding of FAR/DFARS compliance requirements and defense contracting regulations.
  • Experience integrating SAP solutions with Deltek Costpoint.

The base compensation range for this role in the posted location is:  $123,750- $340,750

Capgemini provides compensation range information in accordance with applicable national, state, provincial, and local pay transparency laws. The base compensation range listed for this position reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation Capgemini, in good faith, believes it may pay for the role at the time of this posting. This range may be subject to change as permitted by law.

The actual compensation offered to any candidate may fall outside of the posted range and will be determined based on multiple factors legally permitted in the applicable jurisdiction.

These may include, but are not limited to: Geographic location, Education and qualifications, Certifications and licenses, Relevant experience and skills, Seniority and performance, Market and business consideration, Internal pay equity.

It is not typical for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the posted compensation range.

In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for additional compensation such as variable incentives, bonuses, or commissions, depending on the position and applicable laws.

Capgemini offers a comprehensive, non-negotiable benefits package to all regular, full-time employees. In the U.S. and Canada, available benefits are determined by local policy and eligibility and may include: 

  • Paid time off based on employee grade (A-F), defined by policy: Vacation: 12-25 days, depending on grade, Company paid holidays, Personal Days, Sick Leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (or provincial healthcare coordination in Canada)
  • Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) in the U.S., RRSP in Canada)
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Other benefits as provided by local policy and eligibility

Important Notice: Compensation (including bonuses, commissions, or other forms of incentive pay) is not considered earned, vested, or payable until it becomes due under the terms of applicable plans or agreements and is subject to Capgemini's discretion, consistent with applicable laws. The Company reserves the right to amend or withdraw compensation programs at any time, within the limits of applicable legislation.

Disclaimers

Capgemini is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging inclusion in the workplace. Capgemini also participates in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program which supports meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities across Canada by promoting fairness, accessibility, inclusion and respect.  We value the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and actively work to create a welcoming and respectful environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This is a general description of the Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications required for this position. Physical, mental, sensory or environmental demands may be referenced in an attempt to communicate the manner in which this position traditionally is performed. Whenever necessary to provide individuals with disabilities an equal employment opportunity, Capgemini will consider reasonable accommodations that might involve varying job requirements and/or changing the way this job is performed, provided that such accommodation does not pose an undue hardship. Capgemini is committed to providing reasonable accommodation during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodation, please reach out to your recruiting contact.

Please be aware that Capgemini may capture your image (video or screenshot) during the interview process and that image may be used for verification, including during the hiring and onboarding process.

Click the following link for more information on your rights as an Applicant in the United States.  http://www.capgemini.com/resources/equal-employment-opportunity-is-the-law

Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem.

United Airlines logo

About United Airlines

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

United Airlines is embarking on an exciting journey to become the best airline in aviation history. Our purpose, "Connecting People, Uniting the World," extends beyond transportation, emphasizing our commitment to uplift and create opportunities in the places we serve. With a global presence and diverse workforce, we value inclusivity and are dedicated to hiring tens of thousands of individuals across various roles. Our comprehensive benefits package, including perks like space available travel, parental leave, and 401k, aims to support your well-being and growth.

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Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1926

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