1

Defense Contractor Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Buyer II-III

Roseville, CA · On-site

$78K - $125K/yr

As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft ... The Buyer is responsible for supporting the sourcing, value analysis, bidding, negotiation ...

Quality Engineer III - IV

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft ... Participates in or leads root cause analysis and implementation of corrective action for process ...

Buyer II-III

Roseville, CA · On-site

$78K - $125K/yr

As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft ... The Buyer is responsible for supporting the sourcing, value analysis, bidding, negotiation ...

As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft ... The Buyer is responsible for supporting the sourcing, value analysis, bidding, negotiation ...

Export Compliance Analyst

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

The Export Compliance Analyst role will require creativity and resourcefulness to implement and ... Prior experience working for a defense contractor or U.S. Government * Strong understanding of U.S ...

Uses analytics and forecasting tools to anticipate customer needs and add strategic value What ... contractor or defense materials supplier * Requires technical knowledge of aerospace-grade ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Contractor Analyst information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of defense industry regulations, and a relevant degree such as in business, finance, or engineering. Familiarity with government contracting systems like SAM.gov, proficiency in data analysis tools, and certifications such as Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) are highly beneficial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you interpret complex information and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are critical for ensuring compliance, optimizing contract performance, and supporting mission-critical defense operations.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Analyst vs Defense Contract Specialist?

AspectDefense Contractor AnalystDefense Contract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, security clearance often preferredBachelor's degree, often with certifications like DAWIA or FAC-C
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, consulting firmsGovernment agencies, defense contractors, contracting offices
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in defense contracting firms and government agenciesPrimarily in government contracting offices and defense firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Defense Contractor Analyst focuses on analyzing defense contracts, market trends, and contractor performance, often supporting strategic decisions. The Defense Contract Specialist manages and oversees contract negotiations, compliance, and administration. While both roles require knowledge of defense contracting and security clearances, analysts emphasize data analysis and market insights, whereas specialists focus on contract management and compliance.

What is a defense contractor analyst?

A Defense Contractor Analyst is a professional who evaluates, monitors, and provides recommendations on contracts and projects undertaken by private companies for government defense agencies. They analyze costs, compliance, risks, and performance to ensure that contracts meet legal and regulatory requirements and deliver value to the client, often the Department of Defense. Their work helps improve project outcomes, minimize waste or fraud, and ensure that national security interests are maintained. This role typically requires strong analytical skills, familiarity with government contracting regulations, and sometimes a security clearance.

What are some typical challenges a defense contractor analyst may face when working with cross-functional teams?

Defense Contractor Analysts often collaborate with engineering, legal, and procurement teams to ensure project compliance and efficiency. A common challenge is balancing differing priorities and communication styles across departments, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays. To succeed, analysts need strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a clear understanding of both contractual requirements and technical aspects. Building strong professional relationships and maintaining regular, transparent communication are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and achieving project goals.
What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Analyst jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Analyst jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Defense Contractor Analyst jobs? Cities in California with the most Defense Contractor Analyst job openings:
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Group Manager - Flight Sciences/Aero Engineers

Kratos Defense

Roseville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Come work on the latest advancements in unmanned aircraft. Get to work on groundbreaking designs that will be the future of tactical aviation. Lead a team of flight science engineers in a fast-paced growing market segment that is rapidly pushing the edges of unmanned tactical aviation. Come join Kratos to lead the team designing the flight control systems for all our products. The team you will lead will be developing the control laws, models and simulations for our next generation family of tactical unmanned air systems and target drones while updating the existing products control systems for our ever-expanding footprint of customers and use cases.

Responsible for supervising personnel of assigned engineering disciplines in the execution of engineering projects across company products and programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Supervises and directs the effort of engineering personnel to ensure successful overall project and organizational performance.
  • Ensures maximum productivity and cost-efficiency of assigned team.
  • Monitors and evaluates progress and results.
  • Coordinates with program teams to identify resources and skills required to accomplish planned tasks and assigns personnel to programs as required.
  • Develops and implements improvements in procedures and standards to ensure that output is high quality, accurate, on-time, and within budget.
  • Ensures applicable project metrics (key performance indicators) are maintained and results are achieved.
  • Understands and mitigates risks of technical approaches to meet customer requirements and company objectives.
  • Makes recommendations for the tools and resources, including performing cost analysis, necessary for the team's success.
  • Assists in identifying organizational team's skills and abilities and skill gaps, making recommendations to management.
  • Plans and supervises the development and mentoring of technical personnel.
  • Accomplishes human resource strategies by communicating and enforcing values, policies, and procedures; implementing orientation, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions.
  • Fosters ethical conduct and personal integrity to ensure Kratos's ability to attract and retain employees and customers in a highly competitive environment.
  • Fosters a “center of excellence” attitude within the assigned group and engineering area of expertise. Individual will champion discussions within the group on challenging technical issues, the latest breakthroughs in that particular discipline, new customer desires or verification techniques in related area and tools to support design.
  • May act as the face of the Company to customers ensuring that team's products and services are meeting internal and external customer requirements, goals, and expectations.
  • Reports progress in meeting external/internal customer requirements, goals, and expectations.
  • Supervises the effort of professional and technical personnelin support of design reviews and technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
  • Assigns and oversees the efforts of professional and technical personnel in preparation of quotes and proposals.
  • Follows safety precautions and ensures reporting personnel are trained and adhere to safety procedures/policies.
  • Ensures that the work areas and equipment are kept clean.
  • Complies with QMS procedures.
  • Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.
  • May travel to support new business development and customer maintenance.
  • Assigned project financial performance and indirect spending as appropriate.
  • Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Directly supervises Engineers and/or Designers.

COMPENSATION: $165,000 - $199,000

#LI-Onsite


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

  • Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
  • Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
  • Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
  • Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
  • Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

  • Requires Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Masters preferred.
  • US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance of the appropriate level.
  • 8+ years related technical supervisory/team/project leadership experience.
  • Significant, practical experience in the specific engineering subject matter.
  • Experience with engineering development processes.
  • Experience related to engineering configuration management and change management.
  • Experience monitoring and enforcing engineering budgets.
  • Experience related to change management within the engineering development.
  • Familiarization with engineering development risk management process.
  • Demonstrated passion for management of people and projects.
  • Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills; including strong interpersonal and writing skills.
  • Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties.

Preferred:

  • Experience related to engineering technical publications.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet program requirements.
  • Engineering supervisory experience in the aerospace industry.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Office and manufacturing environment.
  • May work extended hours or weekends and travel occasionally.
  • Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, use tools/equipment).
  • May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Up to 10%

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES



What Kratos Defense & Security Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom