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Defense Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Contract Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Prepare and manage terms and conditions for Department of Defense Research & Development (FAR Part 35) contracts and Other Transactions. * Assist in the negotiation and finalization of contracts ...

Contract Specialist II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Responsibilities will include preparing and administering terms and conditions of Department of Defense Research & Development (FAR Part 35) contracts; Assisting in the negotiation of contracts;

Experience working with Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN) * Experience working with the Secret Defense Research and Engineering Network (SDREN) EPO (Trellix) experience - policy, agent ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Research information

What is the difference between Defense Research vs Defense Analysis?

AspectDefense ResearchDefense Analysis
Required CredentialsTypically requires degrees in engineering, science, or technology; certifications in research methodologiesRequires degrees in political science, security studies, or related fields; certifications in analysis techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, R&D departmentsThink tanks, government agencies, defense departments
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contractors, government research agenciesMilitary, government defense agencies, policy institutes

Defense Research focuses on developing new technologies and innovations for defense applications, often involving scientific experimentation and product development. Defense Analysis involves evaluating defense strategies, policies, and threats to inform decision-making. While both roles support national security, Defense Research emphasizes technical innovation, whereas Defense Analysis centers on strategic assessment and policy analysis.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Defense Research jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Defense Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Research job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Subject Matter Expert Defense R&D with Security Clearance

American Systems Corporation

Arlington, VA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering & Analysis, Test & Evaluation, and Training. Responsibilities AMERICAN SYSTEMS is recruiting for multiple SMEs in R&D fields including communications technologies, microelectronics, RF engineering, and cryptography. Working on the Department of War critical technology areas offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment at the forefront of advancing national defense capabilities in areas such as Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance, Applied AI, Scaled Hypersonics, and more. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the Department's most critical modernization efforts. This project requires a high level of professionalism and a commitment to shaping the future of national security capabilities. As a Subject Matter Expert for Defense R&D you will have the opportunity to do the following: * Support the office leadership as a subject matter expert in your technology domain.
* Advise senior DoW leadership on strategic direction, technology modernization priorities, and emerging capability gaps relevant to the portfolio.
* Develop technology roadmaps, strategic assessments, presentations, and executive-level products to support modernization initiatives and investment planning.
* Coordinate and engage with the RDT&E community including government laboratories, industry, academia, FFRDCs, UARCs, and international partners.
* Analyze and track technical programs across the Department; assist in technical evaluations, requirements development, and transition planning.
* Prepare briefings, reports, white papers, and other business and technical products in support of senior leadership decision-making. Qualifications * 15 years of experience in the Scientific, Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation sector for Industry, Academia, or Government relevant to the technical focus of the applicable office.
* PhD in a relevant hard science or engineering discipline (e.g., Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science).
* Demonstrated experience supporting the DoW RDT&E community and working with senior technical and acquisition stakeholders.
* Expertise in one or more of the following technology domains: communications, microelectronics, RF engineering, cryptography, space technology, cyberspace operations, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, directed energy, battlespace awareness, electronic warfare
* Must have a current and active TS clearance with SCI eligibility
* U.S. Citizenship Required for the purposes of obtaining/holding a U.S. security clearance. Pay Transparency Statement AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $180,000.00/Yr. - USD $240,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance. EEO Statement EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status