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Defense Contractor Jobsexternal in Eugene, OR (NOW HIRING)

Lane County

Peer Support Specialist

Eugene, OR · On-site

$22.51 - $30.03/hr

... defense. This is a position for someone who is interested in systems level engagement along with ... This position supports engagement between the client and the community, contracted housing ...

VETCO

Vetco Relief Veterinarian - Eugene, OR

Eugene, OR · On-site

$103.32 - $165.31/hr

Unleash total career flexibility as an independent veterinary contractor with Vetco , a division of ... Ability to provide Professional Liability Insurance + license defense policy * Compliance with all ...

All JobsDefense Contractor JobsDefense Contractor Jobs in Eugene, OR

Defense Contractor information

See Eugene, OR salary details

$9

$28

$48

How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Eugene, OR is $28.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $32.60 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 job categories do people searching Defense Contractor jobs in Eugene, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor jobs in Eugene, OR are:

What cities near Eugene, OR are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities near Eugene, OR with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Eugene, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 15% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,240 per year, or $28 per hour.

Business Development Director

Western Protective Solutions

Eugene, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

The Strategic Business Development role drives growth across U.S. DoD and allied military clothing and soldier-worn equipment programs. This position identifies and captures program-level opportunities, builds and manages a global military pipeline, and shapes requirements early through direct engagement with users, program offices, and acquisition stakeholders. Serving as Serket's primary customer-facing representative, the role develops strategic relationships with military customers, prime contractors, and partners, leads opportunities from identification through award, and supports proposal and pricing strategies. This position is assigned to Serket, a member of the Western Protective Solutions family, and will report to the Serket President.

Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

Identify, qualify, and pursue program-level opportunities with U.S. DoD and allied militaries, including clothing, apparel, and soldier-worn equipment programs.

Develop and execute capture strategies for Programs of Record, IDIQs, framework agreements, and multi-year contracts.

Shape requirements early by engaging with end users, program offices, and acquisition stakeholders, particularly in soldier systems and sustainment communities.

Build and manage a pipeline that includes U.S., allied, and partner-nation programs.

Customer & Partner Engagement

Serve as Serket's primary interface with military customers, acquisition professionals, and international counterparts.

Build and manage relationships with prime contractors, integrators, textile/apparel partners, and in-country representatives.

Represent Serket at industry days, user trials, demonstrations, military exercises, and select international events.

Capture & Proposal Support

Lead opportunities from identification through award.

Support responses to RFPs, RFQs, and allied-nation tenders, including contributions to pricing strategy, win themes, and competitive positioning.

Coordinate apparel fit, wear trials, testing, and evaluations with military users.

Support transactions executed via direct commercial sales or government channels, as required.

Internal Coordination

Work closely with production and operations to ensure opportunities are executable based on volume, timelines and budgets.

Provide customer feedback related to materials, sizing systems, durability, and performance requirements to inform product roadmap decisions.

Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline reporting, and leadership briefings.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Attributes

Strategic and persistent, with a long-term program mindset.

Credible with senior military, government, research and laboratory and international clients.

Excellent presentation, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Comfortable operating independently in a lean organization.

Strong communicator with disciplined follow-through.

Adept at detailed reporting of sales activity, status and follow thorough.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Engaging in repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and fingers - typing and/or writing.

Working frequently at close visual range (i.e. preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading).

Ability to travel up to 40% of time

Qualifications

7+ years of business development or capture experience supporting U.S. DoD and/or allied military programs.

Proven success winning program-level government or defense contracts, including IDIQs and multi-year vehicles.

Strong knowledge of federal and international defense acquisition processes (FAR/DFARS, NATO, coalition partners).

Experience with military clothing, apparel, or soldier systems, including specifications, testing, sizing, and sustainment.

Familiarity with textile supply chains and apparel manufacturing environments Established relationships within military, acquisition, and defense industry communities.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills Prior military service or government acquisition experience preferred.

Willingness to travel up to 40%, including international travel

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