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Defense Contractor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

K2 Ascend

Aerospace and Defense Attorney

Detroit, MI · On-site

This practice advises clients on complex government and commercial contracting matters, including ... defense contractors, suppliers, and emerging technology organizations. The firm offers a ...

Detroit Defense

Corporate Controller

Troy, MI · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Experience in a government contracting, defense, and manufacturing environments * Proficiency in Costpoint ERP is required * Strong knowledge of GAAP, FAR, CAS, cost accounting, and DCAA compliance ...

Attalon, Inc.

Senior Program Manager

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

... defense contractor Preferred Qualifications * Master's degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng, Business Administration, or a related technical field * MBA * 10-15+ years of ...

ROUSH

Business Development Manager - Defense

Troy, MI · On-site

Experience working with the US Department of Defense acquisition process & knowledge of defense contracting, including the various contracting mechanisms * U.S. citizenship * Must have the ability to ...

Atln

Senior Program Manager

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$73 - $142/hr

... defense contractor Preferred Qualifications * Master's degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng, Business Administration, or a related technical field * MBA * 10-15+ years of ...

Attalon, Inc.

Senior Program Manager

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$73K - $142K/yr

... defense contractor Preferred Qualifications * Master's degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng, Business Administration, or a related technical field * MBA * 10-15+ years of ...

ROUSH

Business Development Manager - Defense

Troy, MI · On-site

Experience working with the US Department of Defense acquisition process & knowledge of defense contracting, including the various contracting mechanisms * U.S. citizenship * Must have the ability to ...

Mettle Ops

Director of Finance

Madison Heights, MI

Position Summary Mettle Ops is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and SBA 8(a) certified defense contractor with multiple operating subsidiaries spanning engineering services ...

Mettle Ops

Director of Finance

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

Position Summary Mettle Ops is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and SBA 8(a) certified defense contractor with multiple operating subsidiaries spanning engineering services ...

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Defense Contractor information

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How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Michigan is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $28.27 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,543 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Aerospace and Defense Attorney

Detroit, MI • On-site

K2 Ascend
See more jobs at K2 Ascendexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Aerospace & Defense Attorney


Location: Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, or Washington, D.C.

Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

Compensation: Flexible depending on experience, practice focus, and portable book of business


About the Opportunity


A highly respected and long-established law firm is seeking attorneys to join and help expand its Aerospace & Defense practice. This opportunity is open to both partner-level attorneys with an established portable book of business and associate-level attorneys interested in supporting a sophisticated and growing client base in the aerospace, defense, government contracting, and export controls sectors.


This practice advises clients on complex government and commercial contracting matters, including FAR and DFARS compliance, bid protests, claims, investigations, subcontracting issues, and regulatory compliance. Attorneys in this group work closely with innovative companies operating in highly regulated industries, including aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, suppliers, and emerging technology organizations.


The firm offers a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment with strong long-term growth potential. Attorneys are encouraged to take an active role in client development, practice growth, and leadership initiatives. This opportunity may also appeal to attorneys seeking a platform for expanding an existing practice or building a long-term succession-focused career path within a well-established firm.


Hybrid flexibility is strongly supported, with most attorneys generally working in-office approximately three days per week while maintaining flexibility based on practice and client needs.


What You’ll Do


• Advise clients on federal government and commercial contracting matters involving aerospace and defense industries

• Counsel clients on FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, OFAC sanctions, and related compliance matters

• Draft legal memoranda, bid protests, REAs, claims, and policy-related materials

• Support clients in administrative proceedings, investigations, claims disputes, and compliance planning

• Advise on subcontracting, teaming agreements, joint ventures, mentor-protégé relationships, and supply chain matters

• Handle matters involving data rights, M&A support, security clearances, FOCI, and CFIUS considerations

• Conduct legal research involving government contracts, administrative law, and federal regulatory requirements

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while contributing to business development efforts

• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas on complex and strategic matters


What You Bring


• 3+ years of experience in federal government contracts and related regulatory matters

• Experience with FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, government compliance, and contract-related disputes

• Familiarity with export controls, including ITAR, EAR, and OFAC sanctions

• Strong legal research, writing, communication, and analytical skills

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and client relationships

• Experience handling bid protests, claims, investigations, or compliance-related matters preferred

• Experience with space law, FMS, FMF, IP rights, security clearances, or government cost issues is a plus

• Admission to the Michigan Bar, D.C. Bar, or eligibility for admission by start date

• Portable book of business is a plus for more senior-level candidates

• Interest in long-term practice growth and active business development


What’s Offered


• Unlimited PTO for Attorneys

• 401(k) with 3% employer contribution

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

• Paid Parking

• Professional Dues

• Associate Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program

• Wellness Programs

• Hybrid flexibility

• Strong collaborative culture

• Long-term growth opportunities