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Defense Contractor information

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How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in California is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defense contractor do?

A Defense Contractor is a private company or individual that provides products or services to a nation's military. These can include weapons, vehicles, technology, logistics, and consulting services. They work closely with government agencies to support defense and national security efforts. Contractors must comply with strict regulations and often require security clearances.

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

To thrive as a Defense Contractor, you need expertise in project management, engineering or technical disciplines, and a thorough understanding of government procurement processes, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with defense standards, specialized software tools (like CAD or project management suites), and compliance with regulations such as ITAR or DFARS is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you navigate complex projects and collaborate with multiple stakeholders. These abilities are essential for delivering mission-critical solutions while adhering to strict security and contractual requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by defense contractors, and how can they be managed?

Defense Contractors often navigate strict regulatory requirements, complex project specifications, and tight deadlines, all while maintaining high standards for security and quality. Adaptability and proactive communication are essential to successfully manage frequent changes in project scope or government priorities. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including military personnel and subcontractors, is also a key aspect of the job. Building strong organizational and problem-solving skills can help you meet these challenges and contribute to the success of mission-oriented projects.

How do you become a defense contractor?

To become a defense contractor, individuals typically need a strong background in engineering, science, or technology, along with relevant security clearances. Gaining experience through military service, government agencies, or defense-related industries, and understanding government contracting processes, are also important steps.

How much do defense contractors get paid?

Defense contractors' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $60,000 to $80,000 annually. Experienced professionals with specialized skills or security clearances can earn over $100,000 per year, with some senior roles exceeding $150,000. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, especially for those working on complex projects or in high-security environments.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,230 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

PROGRAM MANAGER (Aerospace & Defense)

Marvin Group

Inglewood, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Salary is based on experience, skills, and education

This position is 100% onsite

The Marvin Group is a Strategic Partner for Global Alternate Mission Equipment and Sustainment
The Marvin Group, a leading defense contractor, plays a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of various systems for military aerospace and vehicles. Based in Southern California near the Los Angeles International Airport, The Marvin Group consists of Marvin Engineering (MEC), Marvin Test Solutions (MTS) and Marvin Land Systems (MLS).  Marvin Engineering designs and produces military Alternate Mission Equipment.  Marvin Test Solutions designs and manufactures armament Test Equipment. Marvin Land Systems specializes in the design and build of power and thermal management systems. For over 60 years we have maintained “A Tradition of Excellence”, serving as a trusted source for our unwavering commitment to supporting all branches of the Department of Defense and our global allies. Our collaboration extends across a diverse array of programs and platforms, including major military prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon.

SUMMARY

Marvin Engineering Company (MEC), a long-standing defense contractor supporting all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations, is seeking an experienced Program Manager. For more than 60 years, MEC has partnered with major prime contractors including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, SAAB, and KAI on a wide range of aerospace and defense platforms. This position is based is 100% onsite. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage all aspects of assigned contracts, including budget oversight, reporting, and adherence to product line responsibilities. Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) is preferred.
  • Review contracts, purchase orders, and contract amendments.
  • Participate in proposal and quoting activities, including pricing and lead-time assessments.
  • Collaborate across functional groups—sales development, contracts, supply chain, production planning, operations, machining, quality, and engineering—to ensure on-time product delivery.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with internal teams and external customers.
  • Prepare and present program updates and financial metrics for executive, PMO, and customer reviews.
  • Travel to customer sites, trade shows, or conferences as required.
  • Execute all duties in compliance with MEC policies and procedures.


SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, and 5+ years of directly applicable experience; or 10+ years of relevant industry experience and/or military background in aviation, ground-based defense, or weapon systems, in lieu of a degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required, along with the ability to meet federal government access requirements for controlled unclassified information.
  • Experience in the military, defense, or aerospace fields—particularly involving U.S. fighter, bomber, or helicopter platforms, or defense weapon systems—is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and integrate strategies, goals, and objectives; experience coordinating cross-functional programs and resources.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical manuals.
  • SAP experience highly desired; proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Project, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Program Management, Purchasing Management, Production & Inventory Control) are preferred but not required.
  • Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment managing multiple programs.
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
  • Must meet ITAR requirements as a “U.S. person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee).

This position must meet export control compliance requirements. All applicants must be “U.S. persons” within the meaning of ITAR, as defined: a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee.
Interested parties please apply online and submit resume to https://jobs.marvingroup.com/
Visit us at https://http://marvingroup.com/
The Marvin Group is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.
Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact People & Culture at 310.674.5030.

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