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Defense Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Program Planner

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$32.50 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next‑generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core ...

Project Coordinator I

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$58K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At BioFire Defense, our workplace is as vibrant as our mission: casual vibes, intense execution, and a passion for IMPACT. 15_Project_Coordinator Position Summary: The position assists the BioFire ...

Quality Manager

Cedar City, UT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ABOUT US Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe ...

The Cyber Defense Analyst will investigate and respond to cybersecurity alerts, conduct security investigations, and support the CSIRT team in containing threats and protecting sensitive data. This ...

CNC Operator I (Swing Shift)

Ogden, UT · On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core ...

CNC Operator I

Ogden, UT · On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core ...

Operations Reliability Scientist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At BioFire Defense, our workplace is as vibrant as our mission: casual vibes, intense execution, and a passion for IMPACT. Job Title: Operations Reliability Scientist Reporting Relationships Direct ...

Product Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$94K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At BioFire Defense, our workplace is as vibrant as our mission: casual vibes, intense execution, and a passion for IMPACT. Description of Responsibilities Position Summary The Product Manager is a ...

Quality Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT

$69K - $90K/yr

Nammo Composite Solutions, wholly owned by Nammo Defense Systems Inc. is an agile and growing engineering and composite manufacturing company with more than 20 years of continuous operation and is ...

$54K/yr

Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Interchange Agreement * Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce * Interagency Career ...

Assembler I - Kitco Defense

Provo, UT

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Overview of the Position: Assemble several components into a final assembly using blue prints and or a set of instructions. This is an on-site position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Showing results 41-60

Defense information

See Utah salary details

$53.7K

$84.3K

$124.3K

How much do defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense in Utah is $84,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense job?

Defense jobs refer to a wide range of careers dedicated to maintaining a nation's security and protecting its interests. These roles can be found in the military, government agencies, defense contracting companies, and intelligence organizations. Positions may include roles in engineering, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, logistics, and more. Employees in the defense sector work on projects such as developing advanced technologies, supporting military operations, and ensuring national safety. These jobs often require security clearances and a commitment to public service.

What are defense careers?

Defense careers involve working in sectors related to national security, military operations, or defense technology. These roles can include military service, defense contracting, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and engineering, often requiring specialized skills, security clearances, and adherence to strict protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a defense role?

To excel in a defense role, you need a solid background in security protocols, risk assessment, and often a relevant degree or military experience. Familiarity with surveillance technology, cybersecurity systems, and certifications like Security+ or CISSP are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure the ability to identify threats, implement safeguards, and maintain national or organizational security in high-stakes environments.

What challenges are faced in a defense role, and how can applicants prepare?

Working in the defense sector often involves navigating strict security protocols, handling sensitive information, and adapting to rapidly changing requirements. Team members must balance collaboration with confidentiality, and frequently work on complex projects with tight deadlines. Applicants can prepare by familiarizing themselves with relevant security clearances, developing strong problem-solving abilities, and staying updated on industry trends and compliance standards. Demonstrating adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical practices will help you succeed in this environment.

What is the difference between Defense vs Security Guard?

AspectDefenseSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsMilitary or law enforcement training, security clearancesSecurity guard license, basic training
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, government facilities, defense contractorsCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, military, defense industryPrivate security companies, businesses
Common Search & ComparisonDefense vs Security Guard

Defense roles typically involve working within military or government settings, requiring specialized training and clearances. Security guards focus on protecting property and people in commercial or residential environments, often with basic licensing. While both roles aim to ensure safety, defense positions are more specialized and often involve national security, whereas security guards serve in private security contexts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense jobs in Utah? The most popular types of Defense jobs in Utah are:
Infographic showing various Defense job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,278 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Program Planner

Karman Space & Defense

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$32.50 - $43/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Karman Space & Defense rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next‑generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role supports manufacturing planning activities across diverse products, including machined parts, composites, engineering jobs, and production assemblies. You will collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and program management teams to ensure complete and accurate planning that drives efficient production and timely procurement. Your work directly supports program execution by ensuring materials, process requirements, and supplier inputs are aligned with production needs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

Responsibilities

  • Interprets engineered prints and engineering databases to create complete and accurate manufacturing plans using EPICOR Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
  • Coordinates with program managers and engineers to incorporate product requirements into planning.
  • Works with manufacturing and production leads to include fabrication and assembly processes in plans.
  • Collaborates with quality engineering and quality assurance to integrate quality requirements into planning.
  • Prepares purchase requisitions and creates purchase suggestions based on program needs.
  • Maintains product bills of material (BOMs) and uses them to guide purchasing actions.
  • Solicits supplier quotes and monitors delivery dates and on-time status for manufactured and purchased materials.
  • Builds strong working relationships with manufacturing teams and suppliers to resolve issues and maintain schedule alignment.
  • Keeps program managers informed of changes or deviations from the plan.

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate’s degree in a related discipline.
  • Three or more years of applicable experience.
  • One or more years of experience with EPICOR ERP software.

Special Mentions

  • Occasional travel 0–10% of the time.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company‑paid life and AD &D insurance
  • Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.


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