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Defense Contractor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer - SI

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand ...

As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand ...

Senior Electrical Engineer - SI

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand ...

As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand ...

Cost Accountant

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$62K - $83K/yr

As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand ...

As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand ...

Cost Accountant

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand ...

BAE Systems, one of the world's leading defense contractors and a stable Fortune 500 Company, is hiring a Sr. Principal Subcontract Administrator for our GOCO (government owned contractor operated ...

A&P Mechanic I

Millington, TN · On-site

$26.75 - $35/hr

... defense contractors, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service providers worldwide. They were founded in 2008 and are headquartered in Florida. Constant Cash Constant Cash is a ...

A&P Mechanic Sr

Millington, TN · On-site

$26.75 - $35/hr

... defense contractors, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service providers worldwide. They were founded in 2008 and are headquartered in Florida. Constant Cash Constant Cash is a ...

A&P Mechanic III

Millington, TN · On-site

$26.75 - $35/hr

... defense contractors, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service providers worldwide. They were founded in 2008 and are headquartered in Florida. Constant Cash Constant Cash is a ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Contractor information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$25

$43

How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Tennessee is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $29.47 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 16% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,632 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Scientific Instruments Manufacturing Engineer-Oak Ridge,Tennessee

Ametek

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The SI Manufacturing Engineer supports Manufacturing and Engineering teams by collaborating closely with managers, electronic technicians, Quality Assurance, and Service teams to execute new product development activities and drive manufacturing and service efficiency improvements.
Reporting to the SI Manufacturing Manager, this role supports product sustenance, production support activities, and participates in new product design, product validation, and product scaling efforts. The position also focuses on developing and optimizing board-level circuit designs, with an emphasis on analog and mixed-signal circuitry, including low-noise amplifiers, power supplies, analog-to-digital converters, and basic digital interfaces.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Process Support
  • Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, test procedures, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI), pilot builds, production transfers, and manufacturing readiness activities.
  • Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), deviations, process validations, and related manufacturing activities.
  • Monitor manufacturing metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement, standardization, productivity gains, and cost reduction.
  • Support manufacturing needs through occasional testing activities associated with sales or service orders.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, throughput, productivity, and cost reduction.
  • Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions for production and field-related issues.
  • Perform root cause analysis on manufacturing rigs and systems where failure rates and labor routings require improvement.
  • Oversee troubleshooting and diagnostics of failed PCBAs and box-built systems.
  • Identify and resolve product lifecycle issues by researching and qualifying alternate components.

Product & Test Development
  • Design, maintain, and improve production fixtures, tooling, and test equipment.
  • Perform bench-level and hands-on testing of prototype systems and fixtures.
  • Participate in new product design, validation, and scaling activities.
  • Support production readiness and product sustainment throughout the product lifecycle.

Quality & Supplier Support
  • Work directly with suppliers and contract manufacturers to resolve manufacturing and quality-related issues.
  • Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities, compliance requirements, and quality audits.
  • Help ensure compliance with applicable industry and regulatory requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as a key interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Service teams to support successful product introduction and ongoing production support.
  • Collaborate across functions to ensure effective issue resolution and manufacturing execution.

AI Utilization
  • Demonstrate the ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and cost efficiency.
  • Identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Requirements
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in electronics testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing support.

Technical Qualifications
  • Knowledge of analog, digital, and power supply design.
  • Strong technical understanding of electronic components.
  • Good electronics troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret electronic component datasheets, schematic drawings, and PCB layouts.
  • Knowledge of component specifications and quality requirements.
  • Familiarity with RoHS, REACH, and other compliance standards.

Required Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and diagnostics.
  • Effective collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and service functions.
  • Ability to investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.

About the Business Unit
Advanced Measurement Technology (AMT), part of AMETEK's Materials Analysis Division, is a global leader in high-precision measurement and detection solutions. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, AMT designs and manufactures advanced instrumentation for nuclear spectrometry, radiological measurement, electrochemical analysis, and electronic signal recovery. Our technologies enable customers in research, defense, homeland security, and industrial markets to solve their most complex challenges with accuracy and reliability.
AMT combines renowned brands such as ORTEC, Amptek, and Sunpower, delivering differentiated solutions for applications ranging from radiation detection and semiconductor analysis to cryogenic cooling systems. As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand globally, leveraging decades of expertise to drive advancements in safety, security, and scientific discovery.
Visit us online:
  • www.ametek.com
  • www.ortec-online.com
  • www.sunpowerinc.com
  • www.ameteksi.com
  • www.ortec-online.com/innoriid
  • www.amptek.com

Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 80,000
Salary Maximum: 100,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville

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