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Defense Contractor Jobsexternal in Texas (NOW HIRING)

HIPP PROFESSIONAL SEARCH LLC

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Vice President Finance - Defense Contracting

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

S. defense contractor, aerospace & defense company, or government contracting organization , along with strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, indirect rates, cost pools, forward pricing, and ...

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HIPP PROFESSIONAL SEARCH LLC

Be Seen First

Vice President Finance - Defense Contracting

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

S. defense contractor, aerospace & defense company, or government contracting organization , along with strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, indirect rates, cost pools, forward pricing, and ...

New

Kratos Defense

Project Engineer

Arlington, TX

$120K - $150K/yr

As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet ...

Kratos Defense

Project Engineer

Arlington, TX

As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet ...

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How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Texas is $25.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $30.24 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,026 per year, or $26 per hour.

Vice President Finance - Defense Contracting

HIPP PROFESSIONAL SEARCH LLC

Mckinney, TX • On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

We are seeking an accomplished Vice President of Finance to join an established and growing organization serving the aerospace and defense industry.

This is a newly established executive leadership position reporting directly to the CEO. The VP of Finance will lead the finance organization and serve as a strategic business partner to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board.

DEFENSE / GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING FINANCE EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED

This is a highly specialized finance leadership role. Candidates must have meaningful finance experience within a U.S. defense contractor, aerospace & defense company, or government contracting organization, along with strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, indirect rates, cost pools, forward pricing, and government contract compliance.

Candidates whose finance leadership experience is primarily in commercial industries without significant defense/government contracting experience will not be considered.

What You'll Do

The Vice President of Finance will have responsibility for the company's financial strategy and day-to-day finance operations, including:

  • Lead accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, treasury, internal controls, and management reporting.
  • Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board.
  • Oversee defense/government contracting finance requirements, including FAR, DFARS, cost allowability, indirect rates, forward pricing, rate pools, overhead allocation, and contract profitability.
  • Partner with program and operations leadership to improve project-level financial visibility, contract execution, pricing discipline, margins, and profitability.
  • Support government proposals, bid pricing, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
  • Strengthen cash forecasting, working capital management, treasury operations, and commercial banking relationships.
  • Provide executive-level analysis of business performance, financial risks, contract economics, and forward-looking financial strategy.
  • Support potential M&A activity, including financial due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition financial oversight.
  • Manage financial reporting across domestic and international entities and coordinate with outside accounting and financial advisors as appropriate.
  • Develop scalable financial processes, systems, controls, and reporting for a growing defense-contracting organization.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of finance professionals.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
  • Significant progressive finance leadership experience within defense contracting, aerospace & defense, or U.S. government contracting.
  • Strong hands-on knowledge of FAR and DFARS requirements.
  • Experience with indirect cost pools, indirect rates, overhead allocation, forward pricing, rate agreements, cost allowability, and government contract compliance.
  • Strong understanding of project and contract accounting within a government contracting environment.
  • Demonstrated experience with forecasting, cash flow, treasury, working capital, and commercial banking relationships.
  • Ability to evaluate contract profitability and translate complex financial information into practical business decisions.
  • Experience preparing and presenting financial information to CEOs, executive leadership teams, Boards, lenders, investors, or ownership groups.
  • Experience with ERP/accounting systems used in government contracting environments.
  • Strong executive communication, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability and willingness to work on-site in Addison, Texas.

Highly Preferred

  • VP Finance, CFO, Controller, or senior finance leadership experience within a small to mid-sized defense contractor.
  • Experience supporting DoD contracts.
  • Experience with DCAA audits and compliance.
  • Experience supporting proposals, government contract pricing, forward pricing, and contract negotiations.
  • JAMIS experience.
  • Finance experience supporting customized engineering, technical services, manufacturing, analytics, or other complex defense programs.
  • M&A, due diligence, acquisition integration, or private equity/ownership reporting experience.
  • International or multi-entity accounting experience, including foreign exchange or international reporting.
  • Experience developing or improving treasury and cash-management functions.

Who Will Succeed in This Role?

We are looking for a finance executive who is equally comfortable at the strategic and hands-on levels.

You may be presenting financial strategy to the CEO or Board one day and working through indirect rates, contract profitability, pricing, or a cash-flow issue the next.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, pragmatic, business-minded finance leader who understands how defense contractors operate and can bring structure, financial discipline, and visibility to a growing organization.