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Department Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Defense Systems Engineer

Mooresville, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities. The MSI ... Position is full-time, Exempt MSI Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action ...

Defense Systems Engineer

Mooresville, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities. The MSI ... Position is full-time, Exempt MSI Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action ...

BI Defense Attorney

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborating with CURE's insureds and Claims Department to establish, communicate, and implement ... Auto defense trial experience is a must. * Excellent research, writing, and presentation ...

BI Defense Attorney

Southfield, MI · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborating with CURE's insureds and Claims Department to establish, communicate, and implement ... Auto defense trial experience is a must. * Excellent research, writing, and presentation ...

BI Defense Attorney

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$100 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborating with CURE's insureds and Claims Department to establish, communicate, and implement ... Auto defense trial experience is a must. * Excellent research, writing, and presentation ...

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Showing results 41-60

Department Defense information

See salary details

$34.5K

$109K

$175K

How much do department defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for department defense in the United States is $109,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense (DoD) is a federal executive department of the United States government responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions related to national security and the armed forces. It oversees the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, as well as numerous defense agencies and intelligence organizations. The DoD's primary mission is to provide military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the country. It is headquartered at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Department of Defense position?

To thrive in a Department of Defense role, you generally need a background in your specific field (such as engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, or administration), often supported by relevant degrees and, frequently, security clearance. Familiarity with defense-specific systems, government regulations, and tools like classified information systems or DoD software platforms is typically required. Strong analytical skills, integrity, and the ability to work collaboratively under pressure are essential soft skills. These qualifications ensure that personnel can effectively protect national interests, maintain operational security, and contribute to mission success.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a Department of Defense role, and how can new employees effectively navigate them?

Working in a Department of Defense (DoD) role often involves handling sensitive information, adhering to strict protocols, and collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds. New employees may find the pace and complexity of projects challenging, especially when adapting to the security requirements and chain of command. To succeed, it’s helpful to seek mentorship, stay proactive in understanding compliance standards, and communicate openly within your team. Building strong relationships and maintaining attention to detail are key to effectively navigating the DoD environment.

What is the difference between Department Defense vs Military Analyst?

AspectDepartment DefenseMilitary Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, security clearance often requiredBachelor's or master's degree in security, defense, or related fields; security clearance may be needed
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense departments, officesMilitary bases, government agencies, research centers
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Department of Defense, federal governmentDefense contractors, military institutions, government agencies

While both roles involve defense-related work, the Department Defense typically refers to the organization itself, focusing on policy and administration, whereas a Military Analyst conducts research and analysis to support defense strategies. The Military Analyst often requires similar credentials and works within government or contractor environments, but their focus is on analysis rather than organizational management.

Is it hard to get a job with the Department of Defense?

Getting a job with the Department of Defense can be competitive and often requires meeting specific security clearance, education, and experience requirements. Candidates typically undergo a thorough background check and may need to pass exams or assessments related to the role. Strong technical skills, relevant certifications, and a clean background can improve chances of employment.

What jobs are considered Department of Defense?

Jobs considered part of the Department of Defense include military roles such as soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, as well as civilian positions in areas like engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, intelligence, and administration. These roles often require security clearances, specialized training, and adherence to strict protocols within defense facilities and agencies.
More about Department Defense jobs

What cities are hiring for Department Defense jobs?

Cities with the most Department Defense job openings:

What states have the most Department Defense jobs?

States with the most job openings for Department Defense jobs include:

Infographic showing various Department Defense job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,024 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Defense Systems Engineer

MSI Defense Solutions

Mooresville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented and experienced Systems Engineer to join our dynamic and growing team in the Defense Industry. The ideal candidate will play a key role in the design, development, integration, and maintenance of complex defense systems. The position requires a strong background in systems engineering, a keen understanding of defense industry standards, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Systems Engineer will report to the Chief Engineer Weapons Integration. This position requires a full-time work week spent in the shop/office. Normal hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00am-4:30pm and Friday 7:00am-12:00pm. (Must be flexible to work additional hours as needed based on project requirements and deadlines).

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of defense systems, ensuring they meet stringent specifications and performance requirements.
  • Support the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule and cost constraints. Work closely with stakeholders to gather and analyze system requirements.
  • Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve system issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify root causes and implement solutions.
  • Deliver technical guidance and recommendations to engineering team, helping them understand and drive innovation and advanced protype concepts into automation, modeling and simulation, software architecture, and integration outcomes.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, incorporating new ideas and innovations into the company.
  • Collaborate with and lead project teams to ensure warfighter requirements are met and integrated seamlessly into the overall system defense design planning and training architectures.
  • Deliver technical acquisition advice to the government program management, DoD/Commercial contractual statement of work (SOW) development, technical contract evaluation, and contract negotiation technical expertise.
  • Have a willingness to work as part of a government integrated product team environment partnering technical outcomes across multiple stakeholders and organizations.
  • Conduct system integration and testing to verify and validate the functionality, performance, and security of defense systems.
  • Participate/lead and coordinate preparation, conduct and closeout of internal and external customers reviews: SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR and Stage Gate reviews.
  • Identify potential risks and cost associated with system development and implementation.
  • Ensure compliance with defense industry standards and regulations.

Skills and Qualifications Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field preferred.
  • Proven experience in systems engineering within the Defense Industry, 6-10 yrs of experience.
  • Experience working in a design and manufacturing environment with continuous improvement focus.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and documents, including: Interface Control. Documents, System/Subsystem Specifications, Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM), etc.
  • Strong understanding of DoD Defense Planning design, training systems design, advanced technologies and capabilities, including automation, virtualization, modeling and simulation.
  • Must be comfortable reporting program opportunities, plans, progress and initiatives to executive-level management, customers, and suppliers.
  • Demonstrated modern program management and agile (SCRUM) management techniques.
  • Highly motivated and dedicated individual capable of functioning in a very fast-paced environment, with the ability to champion change and lead continuous improvement in the processes and performance of their programs.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required for the position.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

The MSI Operating Code

Every employee at MSI is expected to operate in accordance with the MSI Operating Code. These seven principles define how we think, decide, and execute. They are not aspirational. They are the working standard by which all employees are evaluated.

The Seven Principles

  • Own It. If a problem touches your function, it is yours until it is solved or explicitly transferred. Do not wait. Do not delegate upward. Do not hide behind process. Ownership means driving to resolution, not monitoring status.
  • Kill the Wrong Fight. Before optimizing a solution, question whether the problem is yours to solve. If an opportunity requires MSI to become something we are not, kill it fast. The discipline to say no is what protects our ability to say yes to the right things.
  • Move Before You're Told. Speed is MSI's compounding advantage. We move when directionally correct and adjust in motion. Leaders who wait for permission are not leading. We would rather correct a fast decision than wait for a perfect one.
  • Solve Before You Contract. Prove the integration works before formalizing the relationship. Capability first, paperwork follows. Working capability is the strongest negotiating position and the most honest form of business development.
  • Integrate First. MSI's moat is not any single technology. It is the ability to integrate modular systems faster and more effectively than anyone else. Every decision should reinforce our position as the integration hub.
  • Say It Now. Silence is not alignment. If you disagree, say so, with data, with reasoning, and with an alternative path. Passive execution is institutional risk.
  • Build Beyond Yourself. If your function depends on your presence to operate, you have not built anything. Develop your people. Document your processes. Create depth that survives your absence.

Benefits

  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Dental Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Parental and Maternity Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off – 120 hours per year to start (prorated in first year of employment)
  • Continuing Education
  • Annual Year End Paid Holiday Closure

Classification

  • Position is full-time, Exempt

MSI Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.