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Defense Contractor Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist (Spanish)

Green Bay, WI

$32.25 - $34.50/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Only contractor personnel who are U.S. citizens will have access to classified documents. * Minimum ...

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist (Spanish)

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$32.25 - $34.50/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Only contractor personnel who are U.S. citizens will have access to classified documents. * Minimum ...

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist (Spanish)

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$32.25 - $34.50/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Only contractor personnel who are U.S. citizens will have access to classified documents. * Minimum ...

Nwtc

Part-Time Microbiology Instructors

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$45/hr

SALARY: $45.00 per class hour contracted Requires unofficial transcripts to be submitted for ... Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. * Required to ...

Plexus Corp.

Legal & Compliance Generalist

Neenah, WI · On-site

$52K - $79K/yr

Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life ... contracting, labor practices, and ethics compliance. Key Job Accountabilities: * Assist with the ...

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Defense Contractor information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$9

$27

$46

How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Appleton, WI is $27.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 for handling sensitive information. Gaining experience through internships or working for defense-related companies, and understanding government procurement processes, are also important steps in entering the field.
What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor jobs in Appleton, WI are:
Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,582 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

CNC Machinist I / II - 2nd Shift (GibbsCAM)

Ravelin Defense

Green Bay, WI • On-site

$31.65 - $37.80/hr

Full-time, Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

At a glance

Company: Ravelin Defense
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Base Pay: $26.65–$32.80/hr
Shift Premium: Additional $5.00/hr
Total Hourly Pay: $31.65–$37.80/hr
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: 2nd Shift | Monday–Thursday, 3:30 PM–3:00 AM
Experience: Machining education or equivalent hands-on experience
Machines: CNC mills • CNC lathes • Large-format machining equipment
CAM Software: GibbsCAM preferred

Why join Ravelin Defense?

Ravelin Defense manufactures mission-critical components and survivability systems for the U.S. military and major defense contractors. The Green Bay operation—formerly Fox Valley Metal Tech—combines precision machining, fabrication, welding, engineering, and prototyping under one roof.

This is not a repetitive button-pushing position. You’ll work from complex prints, select tooling, set up CNC equipment, inspect your own work, and help produce components used in demanding defense applications.

Ravelin also uses a defined skills matrix to determine pay and advancement. Employees meet with their manager monthly to review where they stand, what skills they need to strengthen, and what is required to move into the next pay level. If you want a clear path from developing machinist to advanced setup and programming work, this structure gives you one.

⚙️ What you'll be doing

  • Set up and operate CNC machining equipment
  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and job specifications
  • Select the appropriate tooling for each job
  • Load, edit, and run CNC programs based on your experience level
  • Set and adjust tooling and work offsets
  • Inspect completed parts using precision measuring equipment
  • Identify and document nonconforming work
  • Troubleshoot basic machining, tooling, and quality issues
  • Maintain accurate job-time and production records
  • Keep machines, tools, and work areas clean and organized
  • Follow established quality and safety procedures

️ Machines, controls & software

Ravelin Defense’s Green Bay machining capabilities include equipment such as:

  • Haas CNC vertical mills
  • Haas CNC turning equipment
  • Feeler and VisionWide bridge mills
  • Toshiba horizontal boring mills
  • Large-format CNC machining equipment
  • GibbsCAM
  • G-code programming
  • Calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection tools

Your specific machine assignment will depend on your current skills and production needs.

⭐ Shop highlights

  • Additional $5.00/hour second-shift premium
  • Four-day Monday–Thursday schedule
  • Defense and military manufacturing
  • Large, complex precision components
  • Defined Level I, II, III, and Lead pay bands
  • Monthly skills-matrix reviews with management
  • Clear expectations for advancement
  • Opportunities to develop setup and programming skills
  • Work supporting major U.S. defense platforms
  • AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified organization

✅ What we're looking for

Required

  • U.S. citizenship
  • CNC machining technical diploma, postsecondary machining education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Ability to read and work from blueprints and technical drawings
  • Familiarity with CNC machines, tooling, and machining processes
  • Ability to use precision measuring equipment
  • Basic computer skills
  • Willingness to work the full second-shift schedule
  • Strong attention to safety, quality, and documentation

Preferred

  • Previous CNC setup experience
  • Ability to edit or program using G-code
  • GibbsCAM or Virtual Gibbs experience
  • Experience inspecting precision-machined components
  • ISO or AS9100 manufacturing experience
  • Experience machining large or complex parts

Why you'll like working here

You’ll have a four-day workweek, an additional $5.00/hour for working second shift, and a defined path to higher-level machining work.

More importantly, advancement is not based on vague promises. Ravelin’s skills matrix outlines what each machining level requires, and monthly manager meetings give you regular feedback on what you need to learn to reach the next pay band.

Pay, benefits & schedule

Level I Base Pay: $26.65–$29.76/hr
Level II Base Pay: $29.76–$32.80/hr
Second-Shift Premium: Additional $5.00/hr
Total Pay Range: $31.65–$37.80/hr

Schedule:
Monday–Thursday
3:30 PM–3:00 AM
Full-Time | 2nd Shift

Additional benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.

About Ravelin Defense

Ravelin Defense is a defense manufacturer specializing in armor, survivability systems, precision machining, fabrication, welding, composites, engineering, and prototyping. The company was formed through the combination of ArmorWorks Enterprises and Fox Valley Metal Tech, bringing together advanced materials expertise and large-scale metal manufacturing capabilities.

Ravelin supports the U.S. Department of Defense and major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems. Its work supports platforms such as Columbia-class submarines, Ford-class aircraft carriers, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and other critical defense programs.

The company operates multiple advanced manufacturing facilities and is AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified, NAVSEA-approved, and ITAR registered.

Apply today

If you’re looking for a CNC machining opportunity with strong second-shift pay, a four-day schedule, and a clear path to higher-level setup and programming work, apply today through hireCNC.

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