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Defense Contractors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Intuition

Defense Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The unique advantage: you'll leverage our robust commercial technology and rapidly evolving product suite to deliver capabilities that would take traditional defense contractors years to develop. You ...

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How much do defense contractors jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average weekly pay for defense contractors in the United States is $1,089.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $721.15 and $1,211.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges defense contractors face when working on government projects?

Defense contractors often navigate complex regulatory requirements, such as compliance with federal acquisition regulations and strict security protocols. Meeting tight deadlines while ensuring product quality and adhering to budget constraints can be demanding. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technology and evolving client needs requires continuous learning and flexibility. Strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective communication with government representatives are essential for success in this field.

What is the difference between Defense Contractors vs Security Analysts?

AspectDefense ContractorsSecurity Analysts
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, technical certifications, relevant degreesCybersecurity certifications, degrees in IT or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, military projectsCorporate IT departments, cybersecurity firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and government sectorsPrivate sector, government, cybersecurity industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in defense projectsCybersecurity responsibilities and skills

Defense Contractors and Security Analysts both work in security-related fields but differ mainly in their focus and environment. Defense Contractors typically work on defense projects requiring security clearances and are employed by government or defense firms. Security Analysts focus on protecting information systems within organizations, often without needing security clearances. Both roles require technical skills, but their work settings and primary objectives vary significantly.

What are defense contractors?

Defense contractors are private companies or individuals that provide products or services to a nation's military or defense agencies. This can include manufacturing weapons, vehicles, and equipment, or offering specialized services such as logistics, cybersecurity, and technical support. These contractors play a crucial role in supporting national defense by supplying advanced technology and expertise that may not be available within government agencies. They typically work under strict government regulations and oversight to ensure security and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor, you need a solid background in engineering, project management, or logistics, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like CAD software, project management systems, and compliance frameworks such as ITAR or DFARS is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure the delivery of secure, high-quality solutions that meet strict government and military requirements.
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Defense - Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

Defense - Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

Applied Intuition

Washington, DC • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the Role

Applied Intuition is redefining vehicle intelligence across commercial and defense sectors. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, your responsibilities will look similar to those of a startup CTO: you'll work in small teams and own end-to-end execution of high stakes projects. You'll be the technical bridge between Applied Intuition's novel vehicle intelligence platforms and our customers' real-world operational environments.

This role demands both technical depth and operational excellence. You'll primarily work with defense and government customers, integrating our tools, Vehicle OS, and autonomy stacks with DOD platforms in challenging operational environments. The unique advantage: you'll leverage our robust commercial technology and rapidly evolving product suite to deliver capabilities that would take traditional defense contractors years to develop. You'll tackle problems spanning core software engineering, system deployment, hardware integration, and everything in between to ensure mission success.

At Applied Intuition, you will
  • Work directly with defense and government customers to deploy, integrate, and operationalize Applied Intuition's vehicle intelligence products in military and government environments, from defense contractors to forward operating bases
  • Tackle a broad range of technical challenges, including software engineering, operating system configuration, system deployment, and hardware integration
  • Bridge customer-built systems and Applied's solutions to deliver tangible value
  • Design and implement scalable, consistent approaches for customer engagement and project execution
  • Develop architectural solutions that improve consistency and scalability across projects
  • Collaborate with internal engineering, product, and customer teams to ensure successful outcomes
  • Take ownership of technical outcomes and drive projects to completion, adapting to changing requirements and priorities
We're looking for someone who has:
  • Strong engineering background, preferred in fields such as Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
  • Strong coder with demonstrated proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python
  • Broad technical experience across software engineering, operating systems, and some hardware
  • Experience supporting integration and deployment of complex systems
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and a proven ability to thrive and innovate independently within highly ambiguous and rapidly evolving operational environments
  • Excellent communication skills and focus on solving customer problems 
Nice to have:
  • Prior experience working with government customers, defense contractors, or in military environments
  • Familiarity with system architecture and designing scalable solutions
  • Experience in defense, automotive, robotics, or adjacent industries
Security Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

For more information about U.S. security clearances: click here.

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Please reference the job posting's subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $150,000 - $200,000 USD annually.

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