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Defense Contractor Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

IT Program Manager

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$112K - $113K/yr

As a defense contractor ourselves, SSE recently achieved NIST 800-171/Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 certification, underscoring our expertise in the cybersecurity ...

IT Program Manager

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

As a defense contractor ourselves, SSE recently achieved NIST 800-171/Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 certification, underscoring our expertise in the cybersecurity ...

IT Program Manager

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

As a defense contractor ourselves, SSE recently achieved NIST 800-171/Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 certification, underscoring our expertise in the cybersecurity ...

... defense or to initiate legal action on behalf of client. Attends and assists at trials. Researches ... and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply.

Defense Contracting and Project Management for Dept of War. * Develop accurate cost and lead-time estimates for custom castings. * Review customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.

AP Admin I (80986)

Farmington, MO · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Our customers include the largest aerospace and defense contractors in the industry and major manufacturers in the power generation, fluid control and transportation markets. US Tool Group has been ...

Defense Contracting and Project Management for Dept of War. * Develop accurate cost and lead-time estimates for custom castings. * Review customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.

Defense Contracting and Project Management for Dept of War. * Develop accurate cost and lead-time estimates for custom castings. * Review customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.

Pointer Level 1 (80568)

Farmington, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Our customers include the largest aerospace and defense contractors in the industry and major manufacturers in the power generation, fluid control and transportation markets. US Tool Group has been ...

Our customers include the largest aerospace and defense contractors in the industry and major manufacturers in the power generation, fluid control and transportation markets. US Tool Group has been ...

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Defense Contractor information

See Missouri salary details

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$26

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How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Missouri is $26.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $30.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Defense Contractor position, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Defense Contractor jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor jobs in Missouri? For Defense Contractor jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Defense Contractor job openings:
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,394 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Sr. Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense

watlow

Saint Louis, MO

$110K - $110K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Watlow rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

At Watlow's Global Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, we combine a rich legacy with forward-thinking innovation. Founded in 1922 in the heart of St. Louis, Watlow has grown from a small heating element manufacturer into a global leader in thermal systems. Our headquarters is more than just an office, it's a hub for collaboration, advanced engineering, and customer focused solutions.

#PoweredByPossibility

We are hiring a: Sr. Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense (A&D)

St. Louis, MO (Onsite)

Watlow is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Sr. Program Manager to serve as the critical internal link between our Aerospace & Defense (A&D) commercial sales team and our manufacturing, engineering, quality, and operations functions. This factory-based role owns the full program lifecycle for A&D accounts, from business case development through contract execution, compliance management, and delivery, ensuring Watlow can successfully compete and deliver in a highly regulated, technically complex market. You will build credibility with both customer-facing commercial teams and the internal teams that deliver the work, directly influencing execution from within Watlow's operations.

What you'll do:

  • Business case & commercial support: Partner with the A&D commercial sales team to develop business cases, multi-year program strategies, and go/no-go recommendations, providing feasibility and manufacturing readiness input on new opportunities with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and defense contractors.
  • Program ownership: Own end-to-end program management for all active A&D accounts, from initial order entry through production, delivery, and ongoing program support.
  • Compliance management: Manage all aerospace and defense compliance requirements, including AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, and DFARS, ensuring internal teams understand and can meet customer and regulatory obligations.
  • Cross-functional coordination: Serve as the primary point of coordination across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, IT, and customer service, pulling together the right resources and removing barriers to program execution.
  • Customer engagement & advocacy: Act as the voice of the customer inside Watlow's factory and functional teams, participating in customer visits, site audits, and technical reviews alongside the commercial lead to build long-term customer confidence.
  • Market & industry leadership: Maintain awareness of aerospace and defense industry trends and regulatory requirements, and provide market intelligence and customer insights to leadership and product development teams.

 

What you'll need to succeed?

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace and defense, industrial manufacturing, technical sales, program management, or account management
  • Proven track record of developing customer relationships and growing business within complex technical environments
  • Strong project and program management skills, with excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities
  • Ability to travel up to 30-50% as required

 

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience supporting aerospace OEMs, defense contractors, or Tier 1 suppliers
  • Knowledge of aerospace and defense quality systems and standards (AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, DFARS, etc.)
  • Experience with thermal systems, sensors, controls, industrial components, or engineered manufacturing solutions
  • PMP certification, MBA, or advanced technical degree

What Watlow employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Watlow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1922

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