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Defense Contractor Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Client Service Manager

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Our clients span iconic consumer brands, hospitality leaders, GCs, advanced manufacturers, and next-generation defense contractors. They operate in complex risk environments and need a partner that ...

Client Service Manager

Saint Louis, MO · On-site +1

$100K - $140K/yr

Our clients span iconic consumer brands, hospitality leaders, GCs, advanced manufacturers, and next-generation defense contractors. They operate in complex risk environments and need a partner that ...

Utility Packer-Level 1 (81748)

Farmington, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $16/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 ...

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 ...

PROGRAM MANAGER 1

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

This role requires a basic understanding of government contracting, defense systems engineering, and cross-functional program execution. The ideal candidate will have a technical background, prior ...

PROGRAM MANAGER 1

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The role requires a basic understanding of government contracting, defense systems engineering, and cross-functional program execution. The ideal candidate will have a technical background, prior ...

New

Drill Packer Level 1 (82908)

Farmington, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

We're proud to support some of the world's top aerospace and defense contractors, as well as major manufacturers in power generation, fluid control, and transportation. What sets us apart? Our people.

Tool Crib Attendant (82865)

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$16.75 - $20/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Contractor information

See Missouri salary details

$8

$26

$44

How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Defense Contractor jobs in Missouri look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor jobs in Missouri 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,394 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Supervisory Contract Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$147K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service using Direct Hire Authority.

  • Provide guidance to customers and staff concerning contracting policies and procedures related to acquisition issues.

  • Direct the full range of contract administration actions, including issuing contract modifications, negotiating changes, and resolving contractor delays.


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This is a Critical Acquisition Position. This position is located at the Army Geospatial Center, Alexandria, Virginia
Pay will be set based on duty location of the selectee.
Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the 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.
Basic Requirement for Supervisory Contract Specialist:
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
OR
Exemption: You are exempt from the education requirements above if (A) you are a current DoD employee, in any occupational series, who has served on or before September 30, 2000, as follows: (1) Served as a GS/equivalent-1102 position or contracting officer position with authority to award or administer contracts above the SAT in any Federal agency, OR (2) Served as a military member in a comparable military occupational specialty; OR (B) you are a current member of the armed forces who occupied a position within an occupational specialty similar to the GS-1102 series on or before September 30, 2000.
Basic Requirements for Critical Acquisition Positions:
The Secretary of Defense shall designate the acquisition positions in the Department of Defense that are critical acquisition positions, applicants must:
1) be eligible for GS-14, or equivalent; and
2) hold a bachelor's degree; and
3) have completed all mandatory training requirements for Contracting professional certification as prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to higher level contracting positions; and
4) possess four years of acquisition experience. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower grade level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as one year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Providing specific guidance to customers and staff concerning contracting policies and procedures relative to a broad spectrum of acquisition issues; 2) Reviewing proposed changes to regulations and legislative directives to determine the impact on command activities; 3) Directing the full range of contract administration actions, including the issuance of contract modifications, negotiation of changes, exercise of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance, disposition of claims, disputes, protests, audit resolutions, and past performance evaluations; AND 4) Supervising functions and overall personnel management activities to include positions and pay, selection or participation in the selection of subordinate employees. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-14.
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-14).
This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP) in the Defense Acquisition Workforce. All acquisition Workforce Positions Mandated in DOD INSTRUCTION 5000.66 Acquisition Career Development Program, contain specific requirements for acquisition categories and grades/levels and can be found at https://asc.army.mil/web/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DACMCA_3.pdf. As a condition of employment, selectee(s) must meet the following minimum qualifications or have an approved waiver signed by the DACM before the final job offer is made:
  • Have at least four years of acquisition experience.
  • Be DAWIA Contracting Professional certified within their specified grace period.
  • Sign a written tenure agreement to remain in the Federal service in this position for at least 3 years.
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/
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 permittedEmployment Type: OTHER

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