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Defense Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Senior Sales Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in ...

Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in ...

Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in ...

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with 10,000 employees, built on proven expertise in technologies that underpin sovereignty. By combining human and artificial intelligence, we ...

Staff Accountant I

West Henrietta, NY · Hybrid

$52K - $69K/yr

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with 10,000 employees, built on proven expertise in technologies that underpin sovereignty. By combining human and artificial intelligence, we ...

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with 10,000 employees, built on proven expertise in technologies that underpin sovereignty. By combining human and artificial intelligence, we ...

Staff Accountant

West Henrietta, NY · Hybrid

$52K - $69K/yr

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with 10,000 employees, built on proven expertise in technologies that underpin sovereignty. By combining human and artificial intelligence, we ...

Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Defense information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$58.2K

$91.3K

$134.7K

How much do defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense in Rochester, NY is $91,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are defense jobs?

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

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 are some common challenges faced when working in a defense sector role, and how can applicants prepare for them?

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the defense sector, high-paying roles such as private security contractors, cybersecurity specialists, or technical consultants can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly without a formal degree, often requiring specialized skills, certifications, or military experience. These positions typically involve contract work, technical expertise, or operational responsibilities in secure environments.

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the defense sector, high-paying roles such as senior military officers, defense contractors in executive positions, and specialized cybersecurity or engineering experts can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities.

What are the career options in defence?

Career options in defense include roles such as military personnel, defense analysts, engineers, cybersecurity specialists, logistics managers, and administrative staff. These positions often require relevant training, security clearances, and skills in areas like technology, engineering, or strategic planning, depending on the specific job. Opportunities exist across various branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense research organizations.

What are the different types of defense jobs?

Defense jobs encompass a variety of roles including military personnel, cybersecurity specialists, intelligence analysts, defense contractors, and technical engineers. These positions often require security clearances, specialized training, and knowledge of defense systems, weapons, or cybersecurity protocols.
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Defense jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Defense job openings:
Infographic showing various Defense job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,341 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Program Manager - Space & Defense

Eoptic, Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Program Manager - Space & Defense 

Would you like to be part of a team of technical experts designing unique hardware and embedded software systems to solve complex optical imaging problems? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join the Eoptic team!


Job Summary

At Eoptic, we create cutting-edge imaging solutions that play a crucial role in some of the most mission-critical sectors, to include national defense and space dominance. We are looking for a skilled and detail-focused Program Manager to join the Eoptic team. This role is responsible for overseeing cost, schedule, and performance for direct B2B subcontracts with DoD prime contractors.


We are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and disciplined Program Manager to lead space and defense contracts. The Program Manager for Space & Defense will oversee all phases of programs and projects, from inception to completion. This role involves coordinating the preparation of proposals, business plans, work statements, specifications, and financial terms/conditions of contracts, reporting, and customer deliverables. As the primary customer contact, the Program Manager will support the management and daily activities of the program(s), including planning, tracking, contractual correspondence, baseline change management, documentation, proposal approvals, negotiations, and more. This customer-facing leader will represent Eoptic from contract award through the full execution of the program.


Job Responsibilities (not limited to):

  • Use core Program Management skills to manage the cost, schedule, and performance of multiple programs.
  • Defines the objectives and strategies of the program, to include strategic and company objectives consistent with customer and contractual requirements.
  • Develops and implements effective customer communications plans to provide timely communications, represent the Voice of Customer, build customer relationships, define customer objectives, and manage customer satisfaction.
  • Controls the timely start and completion of program tasks to assure fulfillment of program cost and schedule objectives. Makes effective use of kickoff packages, material plans and program directives to formally communicate program direction and changes.
  • Coordinates the program activities with cognizant support functions. Assures the optimum utilization of manpower and program resources. Assures effective management of subcontracts and execution of the program material plan.
  • Conducts regular reviews of program performance, evaluating the current and projected status against the approved plan via active Earned Value Management techniques.
  • Implements a proactive risk management process. Assures regular team identification, mitigation planning and review of program risks, both during the program-planning phase and regularly during program execution.
  • Implements an effective issues resolution process. Assures regular team identification, action planning, closure and review of program issues.
  • Forecast financial performance and maximize award fee/profit.
  • Establishes an objective roadmap for creating new business opportunities from the present program. Manages customer satisfaction to assure a high rate of repeated business. Participates in planning of company capital, IRAD, B&P resources.


Qualifications Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Engineering, Science, or Business)
  • 10+ years of DoD industry experience
  • 10+ years of technical project or program management experience
  • Experience with earned value management
  • Experience leading proposal teams and developing proposals, participating in negotiations of contract and contract changes, and developing/managing business plans for assigned programs.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Preference for PMP certificate
  • This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by US export laws. To be eligible for this position, you must be a “US Person” under US export laws (or eligible for approval under a U.S. Government export license).
  • Preference for ability to support travel up to 20%


Qualifications Preferred:

  • Active DoD clearance.
  • Strong knowledge of DoD Program Management standards and operating procedures.
  • Experience managing a $1,000,000+ US Space/Defense related production program.


About Us

Eoptic is a leading innovator in multispectral and digital imaging systems, serving diverse applications across various industries. Located in the heart of Rochester, NY’s optics community, Eoptic’s team of specialists have inhouse expertise from optical and imaging system design to full scale production and support. Eoptic tailors a solution to your specific measurement and analysis needs, from concept, through manufacturing. Working closely with customers to frame problems completely and deliver tailored solutions optimized for success, our engineers are equipped to solve any optical, inspection, or metrology challenge that comes our way.