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Defense Contractor Sales Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience in a B2B sales Business Development or Account Management role, with a focus on value ... contractor or defense materials supplier * Requires technical knowledge of aerospace-grade ...

Research, identify, and qualify defense contractors, aerospace companies, aviation suppliers, and ... Outbound Sales Development * Execute outbound prospecting through calls, email, LinkedIn, and multi ...

New

Tax Manager

Mesa, AZ

$110K - $144K/yr

Nammo Defense Systems Inc., a defense contractor, manufactures and supports shoulder-fired systems ... KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Tax Compliance • Prepare, file, and reconcile sales and use tax returns ...

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Defense Contractor Sales information

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$16.5K

$56.3K

$118K

How much do defense contractor sales jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor sales in the United States is $56,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Defense Contractor Sales professionals when navigating government procurement processes?

Defense Contractor Sales professionals often encounter complex and lengthy government procurement processes, which can involve strict compliance requirements, extensive documentation, and multiple approval stages. Navigating these procedures requires a strong understanding of federal acquisition regulations and the ability to build relationships with key decision-makers. Staying updated on changes in policy, adapting proposals to meet specific contract needs, and managing long sales cycles are crucial for success in this role.

What are defense contractor sales?

Defense contractor sales involve the marketing and selling of products, services, or technologies to military organizations, government agencies, or allied nations. Sales professionals in this field typically work for companies that manufacture or supply defense equipment, such as weapons, vehicles, electronics, or cybersecurity solutions. Their responsibilities include identifying potential clients, understanding government procurement processes, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations like the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The work often requires security clearances and a strong understanding of both technical products and governmental policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Contractor Sales professional, and why are they important?

To excel in Defense Contractor Sales, you need a deep understanding of military procurement processes, government contracting regulations, and a track record in B2G (business-to-government) sales, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with CRM software, federal acquisition systems such as SAM.gov, and compliance certifications like ITAR or FCPA is typically required. Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for navigating complex sales cycles, maintaining regulatory compliance, and building trust with government clients.
More about Defense Contractor Sales jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Contractor Sales jobs? Cities with the most Defense Contractor Sales job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Sales jobs? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Sales jobs are:
What states have the most Defense Contractor Sales jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Contractor Sales jobs include:
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Sales job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,329 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Key Account Manager Defense

Key Account Manager Defense

Henkel group

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Henkel rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 92 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

About this Position At Henkel, you’ll be part of an organization that’s shaping the future through innovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trusted brands like Persil®, ‘all®, Loctite®, Snuggle®, and Schwarzkopf® and our cutting-edge technologies, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore new paths and grow.
This position is with our Adhesive Technologies business unit – where we empower our people to transform industries and provide our customers with a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.
Dare to learn new skills, advance in your career and make an impact at Henkel. What you´ll do
  • The Key Account Manager, a remote position, is responsible for building and growing business relationships with high opportunity emerging defense and aerospace accounts
  • Implement new customer acquisition plans & develop customer-specific success metrics beyond revenue (e.g., innovation impact)
  • Demonstrate and communicate technical knowledge of aerospace-grade materials, their specifications and application, an understanding of quality and compliance requirements, and forecast management
  • Leverage understanding of emerging defense technologies (CCAs, UAS, autonomous systems, counter-UAS, hypersonics, advanced materials) to identify new customer materials opportunities
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between Henkel and Customer across departments (procurement, engineering, quality, supply chain, etc.)
  • Develop and build long-term strategic plan tailored to Customer’s business goals and production plan e.g. Defense platforms
  • Identifies opportunities to expand the relationship through new product offerings, innovations, or process improvements
  • Internal champion of Customer needs within the Henkel cross-functional organization, ensuring alignment and responsiveness
  • Builds strong relationships with Customer stakeholders in supply chain, program, and engineering
  • Translates customer’s strategy and priorities into a joint innovation roadmap
  • Facilitate executive-level meetings and Business Reviews to maintain alignment
  • Effectively manages escalations, delivery issues, or quality concerns with professionalism and urgency
  • On-Time Delivery & Quality Performance management through KPI tracking and ensuring performance meets Customer’s needs
  • Oversees pricing agreements, long-term contracts (LTAs), and terms & condition negotiations
  • Uses analytics and forecasting tools to anticipate customer needs and add strategic value
What makes you a good fit
  • Bachelor\'s degree in science, engineering, business, or related discipline required
  • Experience in a B2B sales Business Development or Account Management role, with a focus on value-add and solution selling required
  • Strong passion for defense technology innovation and ability to translate evolving mission needs into strategic customer engagement and growth opportunities
  • 5+ years\' experience in Aerospace Defense market working directly with a major defense contractor or defense materials supplier
  • Requires technical knowledge of aerospace-grade materials, their specifications and application, an understanding of quality and compliance requirements, and forecast management
  • Familiar with government funded programs, including both development and production phase
  • Experience with structural adhesives, composite materials, electronics adhesives, thermal management, EMI shielding materials, and sealants required
  • Strong relationship skills, project management, presentation, and communication skills
  • Deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing and supply chain dynamics
  • Ability to balance customer needs with internal resources
  • Proficient in tools like SAP, Salesforce, Excel, etc.
  • Travel will be on average 30-50%, depending on the location of the candidate.
  • Preference will be given to candidates that reside in the Mountain West region – Texas, Colorada, California, Utah, Arizona. Candidate must be located in proximity to a major airport.
Some benefits of joining Henkel
  • Health Insurance: affordable plans for medical, dental, vision and wellbeing starting on day 1 
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and volunteer time, flexible & hybrid work policies (depending on role), and vacation buy / sell program 
  • Financial: 401k matching, employee share plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares, annual performance bonus, service awards and student loan reimbursement 
  • Family Support: 12-week gender neutral parental leave (up to 20 weeks for parents giving birth), fertility support, adoption & surrogacy reimbursement, discounted child and elderly care, and scholarships 
  • Career Growth: diverse national and international growth opportunities, access to thousands of skills development courses, and tuition reimbursement

The salary range for this role is $120,000.00 and $160,000.00. This range represents the good‑faith minimum and maximum wages the Company reasonably expects to offer for this role at the time of posting. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for incentive pay or other forms of compensation, as applicable.  The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package as described above. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate’s skills, experience, education, training, and work location. This posting is intended to comply with all applicable state and local pay transparency laws.
Henkel does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Henkel property and therefore, Henkel will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral.
At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.



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