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Defense Contractor Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

CNC Programmer

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

... and defense programs utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies.This is an on-site position located in St. Joseph, Missouri.As a federal government contractor, Van-Am Tool & Engineering is ...

CNC Programmer

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

... aerospace and defense programs utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies. This is an on-site position located in St. Joseph, Missouri. As a federal government contractor, Van-Am Tool ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Contractor information

See Missouri salary details

$8

$26

$44

How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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.

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Interpret USACE-wide contracting and acquisition policies and regulations for worldwide contracting activities.

  • Ensure accurate interpretation and application of acquisition laws, policies, and directives to automated contracting systems and procurement evaluation programs.

  • Plan and lead complex studies, steering committees, and strategic initiatives to assess and improve contracting and acquisition functions and recommend changes to procurement regulations and procedures.


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

About the Position: This position is located with Headquarters, US Army Corps of Engineers, Directorate of Contracting, Program Evaluation Division.
Salary range reflects the lowest and highest pay across all duty locations; actual pay depends on the duty location of the selectee.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.
  • This is a Limited Area of Consideration for applicants that are Current Civilian Employees of the Command, USACE and the other employment authority categories listed above.
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Command
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • 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 education and 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.
Basic Requirement for Procurement Analyst: 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 civilian employee in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000; OR (B) you are a current military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 on or before September 30, 2000.In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Interpreting the development of USACE-wide contracting and acquisition policies and regulations for worldwide contracting activities; 2) Ensuring accurate interpretation and application of acquisition laws, policies, and directives to automated contracting systems and procurement evaluation programs; 3) Assisting in the development and implementation of workforce development policies and programs, including monitoring training and establishing acquisition training metrics; and 4) Planning and leading complex studies, steering committees, and strategic initiatives to assess and improve contracting and acquisition functions and recommend changes to procurement regulations and procedures.
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork

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-12).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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