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Defense Contractor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP) * Investment Casting (Foundry Operations) * Workplace Safety & EHS Management * Pasteurization Process * Lockout/Tagout (LOTO ...

Eng Sr - Elec

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$55 - $58/hr

Client is one of the world's leading defense contractors is seeking an Electrical Engineer for our Combat Mission Systems business. * The Electrical Engineer supports the development, testing ...

Eng Sr Prin II - Mfg

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$149K - $254K/yr

BAE Systems, one of the world's leading defense contractors, is seeking a Senior Principal II Production Support Electrical Test Engineer to join the Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) team within the ...

Established network of relationships within federal civilian agencies, defense agencies, prime contractors, or leading federal systems integrators * Experience with IDIQs, GWACs, task orders, RFIs ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Contractor information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$27

$46

How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Minnesota is $27.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $31.78 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 16% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,796 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Construction Control Representative

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Hastings, MN • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position:
This position is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, Engineering and Construction Division (E&C). The St. Paul District E&C designs water resource projects to benefit the people of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northeastern North Dakota, portions of South Dakota and Iowa, and the nation. These projects support inland navigation, flood risk management, and environmental restoration. E&C also provides emergency response to disasters.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience 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 in this document.
GS-7
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes meeting one of the following: 1) Interpret plans and/or specifications; 2) inspect materials to ensure quality, safety, and/or compliance with contractual requirements; 3) review contractor submitted documents for accuracy; 4) provide input to project engineers toward solutions or courses of action for observations made at project sites; 5) Conducted field inspections to verify compliance with contract specifications; and 6) Coordinate with contractors and/or engineering staff to resolve construction issues.This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).
GS-8
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes meeting two of the following: 1) Interpret plans and/or specifications; 2) inspect materials to ensure quality, safety, and/or compliance with contractual requirements; 3) review contractor submitted documents for accuracy; 4) provide input to project engineers toward solutions or courses of action for observations made at project sites; 5) Conducted field inspections to verify compliance with contract specifications; and 6) Coordinate with contractors and/or engineering staff to resolve construction issues. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
GS-9
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes meeting three of the following: 1) Interpret plans and/or specifications; 2) inspect materials to ensure quality, safety, and/or compliance with contractual requirements; 3) review contractor submitted documents for accuracy; 4) provide input to project engineers toward solutions or courses of action for observations made at project sites; 5) Conducted field inspections to verify compliance with contract specifications; and 6) Coordinate with contractors and/or engineering staff to resolve construction issues.This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-08).
GS-10
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes meeting four of the following: 1) Interpret plans and/or specifications; 2) inspect materials to ensure quality, safety, and/or compliance with contractual requirements; 3) review contractor submitted documents for accuracy; 4) provide input to project engineers toward solutions or courses of action for observations made at project sites; 5) Conducted field inspections to verify compliance with contract specifications; and 6) Coordinate with contractors and/or engineering staff to resolve construction issues. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).
GS-11
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes meeting five of the following: 1) Interpret plans and/or specifications; 2) inspect materials to ensure quality, safety, and/or compliance with contractual requirements; 3) review contractor submitted documents for accuracy; 4) provide input to project engineers toward solutions or courses of action for observations made at project sites; 5) Conducted field inspections to verify compliance with contract specifications; and 6) Coordinate with contractors and/or engineering staff to resolve construction issues.This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10).
"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".
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS).
For GS-07: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level GS-06.
For GS-08: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level GS-07.
For GS-09: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level GS-08.
For GS-10: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level GS-09.
For GS-11: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level GS-10.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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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