ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Methods

Project Manager Defense Systems

Englewood, CO · On-site

$113K - $144K/yr

... system requirements. The Project Manager serves as the primary project execution leader and is ... Qualifications * Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional aerospace or defense ...

Prattwhitney

$90 - $120/hr

Overview The Systems Engineering & Test Capabilities team seeks a Systems Engineer II to support Air Defense programs. The role involves hardware, software, and networking across simulated and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsDefense Systems Jobs

Defense Systems information

See salary details

$46K

$102.1K

$153K

How much do defense systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense systems in the United States is $102,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense system?

Defense systems refer to the technologies, strategies, and equipment designed to protect a nation or organization from threats, such as military attacks, terrorism, or cyber intrusions. These systems can include missile defense, surveillance networks, cybersecurity protocols, and physical barriers. Defense systems are developed and maintained by defense contractors, military forces, and government agencies to ensure national security and public safety. The field is broad, encompassing both hardware like radar and weapons, as well as software and intelligence analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in defense systems roles?

Professionals in defense systems often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, strict security protocols, and the need for precise attention to detail. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, analysts, and military personnel—requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, many projects involve long development cycles and must meet rigorous government or military standards, which can add pressure but also offer rewarding, impactful work.

What is the difference between Defense Systems vs Security Analyst?

AspectDefense SystemsSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications (CISSP, Security+), technical degreesSecurity certifications (CISSP, Security+), technical degrees
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government agencies, defense contractorsCorporate, government, or consulting firms
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, governmentIT, cybersecurity, corporate security
Common Search/ComparisonDefense Systems vs Security Analyst

Defense Systems and Security Analysts both require cybersecurity certifications and technical knowledge. Defense Systems roles are typically within military or government defense sectors, focusing on national security technology. Security Analysts work mainly in corporate or private sectors, monitoring and protecting organizational data. While both roles involve security expertise, Defense Systems focus on national defense technology, whereas Security Analysts focus on protecting organizational assets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in defense systems, and why are they important?

To thrive in Defense Systems, you need a solid background in engineering, computer science, or related fields, with knowledge of defense technologies and security protocols. Familiarity with simulation software, cybersecurity tools, and systems such as radar, sonar, or missile guidance is commonly required, along with relevant security clearances. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications ensure the development, operation, and maintenance of safe, reliable, and effective defense solutions.
More about Defense Systems jobs
What job categories do people searching Defense Systems jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Systems jobs are:
Defense Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Systems job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,067 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Business Development Lead, Defense Systems

KH Aerospace

Reno, NV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA) is an aerospace company specializing in long-endurance unmanned aerial platforms for a wide variety of industries. KHA supports a number of customers to carry out missions involving aerial reconnaissance, survey, communication relay and communications provisioning. Endurance, enabled by effective design, is key to these applications and KHA aircraft utilize cutting-edge aircraft design together with on-board intelligence to deliver value for these customers.

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA) builds unmanned aerial technologies that save lives and connect the world. KHA delivers intelligent autonomous aerial systems for defense and national security missions, including the K1000ULE ultra-long-endurance UAS, ATNE++ airborne communications and network extension capabilities, and software and AI-enabled multi-domain problem solving, war gaming and teaming solutions. Its systems are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. and have been tested, deployed, and proven across defense, commercial, and international missions.

Position Summary
KHA is seeking a mission-driven Sales and Business Development Lead, Unmanned Defense Systems to lead growth across U.S. defense, national security, and selected allied markets. This individual will own opportunity shaping, account strategy, capture leadership, and specific revenue targets across priority customers including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Department of Energy, and selected international partners.

This is not a transactional sales role. It is a hands-on growth role at the intersection of mission need, defense acquisition, technical differentiation, and cross-functional execution. The successful candidate will help KHA scale from individual selling to a disciplined, repeatable business development engine.

Location: Remote, within proximity to Reno, Nevada.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute growth strategies for priority defense and national security accounts.
  • Identify, qualify, shape, and advance a pipeline spanning prototypes, demonstrations, OTAs, SBIR/BAA pathways, production, sustainment, and follow-on expansion.
  • Build trusted relationships with operators, requirements owners, PMs/PEOs, labs, test communities, acquisition officials, primes, integrators, and partner organizations.
  • Translate customer mission needs into compelling positioning for KHA's K1000ULE, ATNE++, and AI-enabled autonomy offerings.
  • Lead capture planning, account plans, contact plans, white papers, partner strategies, proposal support, and win themes.
  • Partner with engineering, product, finance, contracts, flight operations, and executive leadership to align pursuit strategy with product roadmap and company priorities.
  • Represent KHA at customer sites, demonstrations, exercises, trade events, and industry engagements.
    Build repeatable operating rhythm for pipeline reviews, forecast updates, competitive intelligence, and capture decision-making.
  • Help KHA selectively expand with allied and international defense customers where strategically aligned and compliant.

Requirements:

  • 6+ years in defense business development, capture, strategic accounts, or related growth leadership roles.
  • Track record of winning or materially advancing business with the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, DOE, border/security, or allied defense organizations.
  • Understanding of defense acquisition environments and the pathways from mission problem to funded program.
  • Ability to sell complex technical capabilities rather than commodity products.
  • Strong executive presence and the ability to engage credibly with military operators, acquisition professionals, technical leaders, and partner executives.
  • Experience collaborating cross-functionally in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
  • Willingness to travel extensively.

Preferred:

  • Prior military service or direct support experience in aviation, ISR, UAS, communications, or networked operations.
  • Experience with autonomy, AI-enabled systems, tactical communications, JADC2/Next Gen C2, or multi-domain operations.
  • Experience with OTAs, BAAs, rapid prototyping efforts, or operational demonstrations.
  • Exposure to allied and international defense business and relevant export-control environments.
  • Active clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Why Join KHA

  • Opportunity to help scale a category-defining company in ultra-long-endurance, fully electric autonomous systems.
  • Mission with real-world relevance: protect, save lives, connect, and monitor in contested or infrastructure-denied environments.
  • Ability to shape the company's growth model at a pivotal inflection point.
  • Work closely with founders and technical leaders on products with clear operational differentiation.

What Success Looks Like:

  • Qualified pipeline built and segmented by priority account, mission area, and funding path.
  • Documented account plans for top customers and partner pathways.
  • Consistent operating rhythm for pipeline review, capture decisions, and forecast updates.
  • Reduced dependency on the CEO for day-to-day pursuit leadership.
    Meaningful opportunity progression: demos, white papers, partner agreements, downselects, proposals, and awards.
  • Improved visibility into near-term wins versus strategic bets.

Who We Are:
KHA develops the world's longest endurance fully electric Unmanned Aerial System ("UAS") in our size and weight category. We solve large-scale worldwide problems by providing persistent overhead services to help our soldiers remain safe in theater, provision rapid emergency communications for disaster relief efforts, enable search-and-rescue services to assist emergency response efforts, help anti-poaching to protect the world's most endangered species and provide geospatial data to assist in slowing climate change.

https://krausaerospace.com/

Compensation:
Competitive base salary plus a significant performance-based incentive opportunity. Final compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and the agreed incentive structure.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience. We look forward to hearing from you!

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, Inc. ("Company") collects and uses Personal Information (as defined by the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 ("CCPA")) for human resources, employment, health and safety, and business-related purposes and to be in legal compliance. For more information, please read the full notice.

If you are an EU applicant, by sharing your personal information with Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, Inc. you hereby (a) acknowledge and consent to the international transfer of your personal information to the United States, despite the risks associated due to the absence of an adequacy decision and appropriate safeguards, and (b) acknowledge that you have carefully read and understood this notice.

EEO Statement

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.