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Defense Contractor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rivencore US, Inc.

Accounting Assistant

Norfolk, VA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

This position is based in our Norfolk, Virginia office and offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow with a dynamic, expanding defense contractor. Responsibilities * Process vendor ...

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Defense Contractor information

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How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Virginia is $27.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $32.16 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,492 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Machinist / Manufacturing Estimator - Defense & Ship Repair

ITL LLC

Hampton, VA • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 5 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

ITL LLC is hiring an experienced manufacturing professional to support estimating and planning for complex defense, maritime, machining, engineering, and ship-repair projects.

This is not a traditional machine-operator position. It is an opportunity for someone with strong machining and manufacturing knowledge to apply that experience to technical estimating, proposal development, production planning, and cross-functional coordination.

At a glance

Company: ITL LLC
Location: Hampton, Virginia
Pay: $80,000–$110,000 annually
Job Type: Full-time
Experience: 5+ years
Industries: Defense • Maritime • Ship Repair • CBRN
Systems: Microsoft Excel • ERP/ODOO
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required

Why join ITL LLC?

ITL LLC is a fast-growing AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015-certified defense contractor supporting the U.S. military and federal government across the maritime and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear sectors.

In this role, your manufacturing knowledge will directly influence how complex machining, fabrication, ship-repair, engineering, and defense projects are evaluated and executed. You will work across engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and program management to develop estimates that are technically accurate, commercially sound, and achievable in production.

This position is particularly well suited for an experienced machinist, manufacturing estimator, planner, engineer, or ship-repair professional who understands how parts and projects are actually produced—not just how costs appear on a spreadsheet.

The role is also intended to grow into a senior technical estimating and proposal leadership position as ITL continues to expand.

⚙️ What you’ll be doing

  • Review RFQs, engineering drawings, technical data packages, specifications, statements of work, and customer requirements
  • Determine project scope, manufacturing requirements, and the appropriate estimating strategy
  • Develop detailed estimates covering materials, labor, outside processing, freight, packaging, testing, inspection, and project risk
  • Analyze machining, fabrication, additive manufacturing, assembly, and repair requirements
  • Evaluate manufacturability, production constraints, sequencing, schedules, and technical execution risks
  • Serve as the primary estimating contact for ship-repair and modernization packages
  • Review waterfront work specifications, subcontracted services, labor requirements, and production considerations
  • Coordinate with engineering, production, quality, suppliers, subcontractors, and program personnel
  • Support proposals for government, defense, maritime, and commercial customers
  • Account for inspection, testing, certifications, traceability, preservation, and packaging requirements
  • Maintain estimating records, proposal documentation, and quote tracking in ERP/ODOO systems
  • Help improve estimating tools, costing models, and proposal processes
  • Participate in technical discussions with customers, shipyards, suppliers, and program stakeholders

️ Manufacturing knowledge & systems

This role requires a practical understanding of how manufacturing and repair work is planned, priced, and completed.

Relevant knowledge may include:

  • CNC machining and precision manufacturing
  • Fabrication and assembly processes
  • Manufacturing planning and cost estimating
  • Engineering drawings and bills of material
  • Additive manufacturing applications
  • Ship repair and waterfront operations
  • Inspection, testing, and quality documentation
  • Microsoft Excel
  • ERP systems, with ODOO experience preferred
  • FAR/DFARS requirements
  • MIL-SPEC and federal contracting requirements
  • CUI, NOFORN, ITAR, and EAR documentation

⭐ Opportunity highlights

  • $80,000–$110,000 annual salary
  • Fast-growing defense contractor
  • AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015-certified organization
  • Work supporting U.S. military and federal government customers
  • Exposure to machining, additive manufacturing, engineering, and ship repair
  • Cross-functional role with significant technical responsibility
  • Opportunity to improve estimating and proposal processes
  • Intended path toward senior technical estimating leadership
  • Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply
  • Paid federal holidays

✅ What we’re looking for

Required:

  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, machining, estimating, engineering support, ship repair, defense contracting, or industrial operations
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing, fabrication, machining, repair, or production processes
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and bills of material
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to coordinate with multiple departments, suppliers, and external partners
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP systems
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Ability to work with controlled technical and government-contract documentation
  • U.S. citizenship

Preferred:

  • Experience developing manufacturing estimates or technical proposals
  • Familiarity with government contracting and FAR/DFARS clauses
  • Experience with defense procurement or federal contracting
  • Exposure to ship repair, maritime, naval, or waterfront operations
  • Familiarity with additive manufacturing
  • Experience using ODOO
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, business, or another relevant technical field; equivalent experience will be considered

Why you’ll like working here

This position gives you the opportunity to use hands-on manufacturing knowledge in a broader technical and commercial role.

Rather than operating one machine or supporting one production area, you will help determine how complex defense and maritime projects should be manufactured, inspected, scheduled, and priced. Your work will connect engineering requirements with real production capabilities and directly support projects serving the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.

For someone ready to move from the shop floor or production environment into technical estimating and planning—or for an experienced estimator looking for more responsibility—this offers a clear path for growth.

Pay & benefits

Pay: $80,000–$110,000 annually

Benefits include:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) match
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid federal holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Flexible schedule

This is an in-person position in Hampton, Virginia.

About ITL LLC

ITL LLC is an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015-certified defense contractor supporting customers in the maritime and CBRN sectors.

The company provides manufacturing, engineering, ship-repair, additive-manufacturing, and technical support for U.S. military and federal government customers. Its work requires a strong commitment to quality, documentation, traceability, regulatory compliance, and technical execution.

ITL is building a team of hardworking professionals who bring a positive attitude, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. Employees have an opportunity to contribute to projects that directly support the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.

Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.

Apply today

If you have strong machining or manufacturing experience and are ready to apply that knowledge to estimating, planning, and defense project execution, apply today through hireCNC.

Pursuant to government-contract requirements, this position is only open to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are not eligible for this specific opening.

Apply