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Defense Contractor Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Defense Contractor Intern information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do defense contractor intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor intern in Illinois is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense contractor intern?

A Defense Contractor Intern assists with projects supporting military and defense operations, often working for private companies that contract with government agencies. Interns may help with research, data analysis, engineering, logistics, or cybersecurity, depending on the organization. They gain hands-on experience while learning about government regulations, security clearances, and the defense industry's role in national security. This position provides valuable exposure to working with classified or sensitive information in a highly regulated environment.

What types of projects or assignments might a defense contractor intern work on during their internship?

As a Defense Contractor Intern, you may assist with a variety of projects such as supporting engineering design, conducting research and analysis, helping with testing and evaluation of defense systems, or preparing reports and documentation. Interns often work alongside experienced engineers, analysts, or project managers, gaining exposure to classified or cutting-edge technology in a structured environment. You might also participate in team meetings, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and contribute to the continuous improvement of products or processes. These experiences offer valuable insight into the defense industry and can be instrumental in launching a full-time career in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the defense contractor intern position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor Intern, you need a solid background in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field, along with analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, and sometimes security clearance or eligibility, is often required. Standout interns demonstrate strong teamwork, attention to detail, effective communication, and adaptability in fast-paced environments. These skills are essential to ensure technical accuracy, security compliance, and productive collaboration on high-stakes defense projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Defense Contractor Intern jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Defense Contractor Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Intern job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,338 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Supervisory General Engineer with Security Clearance

Department of Defense

Rock Island, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * Serves as Chief, Engineering Services Division, providing full range of real property and facilities design engineering, construction, maintenance, energy conservation, and related engineering services for the installation. * Supervises the activities of specialists, engineers, architects, and other technical personnel engaged in engineering activities. * Represent the DPW at conferences and meetings with government and nongovernment representatives, activities, and firms and conducts briefings on a variety of engineering-related aspects and topics. * Oversees the administration and management of the base support contract for engineering, housing, and logistical activities to include establishing policies, reviewing performance and providing acceptance of contractor services. * Maintain close and continuous contacts with Department of Public Works (DPW) division chiefs to exchange information on operational requirements, problems, and accomplishments; obtain support necessary to insure smooth operations. * Directs establishment and implementation of internal policies and operating procedures and control system. Requirements Conditions of employment * Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. * This position requires be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. * This position requires a Financial disclosure OGE form 450. * This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations (natural or man-made disaster) the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled. * This position is supervisory as defined by the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) General Schedule Supervisory Guide (GSSG). A one year probation to assess your ability to perform supervisory duties is required unless previously completed. * This position has a Temporary Duty or business travel requirement of 5% of the time. * Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is . BASIC REQUIREMENT for Supervisory General Engineer: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); OR (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure - Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. 2. Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, or any other written test required for professional registration, by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. 3. Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in A above. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program. 4. Related curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the specialized experience requirement listed below. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-13). Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Serving as a senior technical authority directing the engineering operations, maintenance, and programs for a portfolio of real property facilities and infrastructure. 2) Leading technical assessments and engineering evaluations to resolve highly complex, or unprecedented facility design, construction, and operational challenges. 3) Directing the preparation, review, and approval of engineering designs, technical specifications, Scopes of Work, and Performance Work Statements for high value or mission critical contracts. 4) Ensuring organizational compliance with federal, state, and industry engineering codes, standards, and regulatory frameworks across all facilities and execution programs; AND 5) Exercising formal supervisory authority to lead a professional or technical workforce, including managing staff performance, executing recruitment and hiring actions, and directing formal disciplinary and award determinations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-13. Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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. For further information, visit: Additional information * Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. * You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. * This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. * Direct Deposit of Pay is required. * This position requires you to submit a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter. * Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. * If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet. * This is a(n) Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position. * Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Suppleme

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