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Department Of Defense Contractor Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Department Of Defense Contractor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$69.4K

$107.2K

$161.7K

How much do department of defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for department of defense contractor in Riverside, CA is $107,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $141,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Department of Defense (DoD) contractors in their daily work?

Department of Defense contractors often navigate complex regulatory requirements and strict security protocols, which can be challenging for both new and experienced professionals. Adapting to evolving project scopes, maintaining compliance with federal acquisition regulations, and ensuring timely communication with government counterparts are typical aspects of the role. Contractors also frequently work in multidisciplinary teams, balancing the priorities of both their employer and the DoD client, which requires strong collaboration and adaptability skills. Staying current with industry certifications and security clearances is also crucial to maintain eligibility for ongoing and future projects.

What are Department of Defense Contractors?

Department of Defense (DoD) Contractors are private companies or individuals hired by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide goods, services, or technical expertise in support of military operations and national security objectives. These contractors can work in diverse fields such as engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, construction, and consulting. They play a critical role in supplementing the military's capabilities and often work alongside government employees. DoD Contractors must comply with strict regulations, security requirements, and ethical standards to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Department of Defense Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Department of Defense Contractor, you typically need a relevant educational background, security clearance, and specialized expertise in areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, or project management. Familiarity with government contracting processes, federal acquisition regulations (FAR), and tools like DoD procurement systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help navigate complex requirements and collaborate with diverse teams. These skills and qualities ensure compliance, effective project execution, and mission success in a highly regulated and security-focused environment.

What is the difference between Department Of Defense Contractor vs Military Technician?

AspectDepartment Of Defense ContractorMilitary Technician
CredentialsSecurity clearances, specialized certificationsMilitary experience, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentContractor sites, government facilitiesMilitary bases, government installations
Employer & IndustryPrivate companies, defense industryMilitary branches, government agencies

Department Of Defense Contractors work for private firms providing services and products to the military, often requiring security clearances. Military Technicians are military personnel with technical roles on bases, combining military service with technical duties. While both roles support defense operations, contractors are civilians working externally, whereas technicians are active military members or civilian employees within the military system.

What job categories do people searching Department Of Defense Contractor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Department Of Defense Contractor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Department Of Defense Contractor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Department Of Defense Contractor job openings:
Department Of Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Of Defense Contractor job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,150 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Director, Microelectronics

Director, Microelectronics

Design West Technologies, Inc.

Tustin, CA • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

For more than a decade, Design West Technologies Inc. has served as a trusted partner to the Department of Defense (DoD), delivering mission-critical design engineering and rugged manufacturing solutions that protect our nation's warfighters. As we enter our next chapter, we are blending our deep-rooted defense heritage with a start-up culture designed to take advantage of the current DoD landscape. Operating out of our advanced facilities in Tustin, CA, we are seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking Director of Microelectronics to champion this cultural evolution and lead the aggressive scaling of our high-reliability Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) production. The successful candidate will spearhead our transition toward insourcing comprehensive bare board fabrication and drive increased throughput and production capacity.
While this position demands the speed, adaptability, and entrepreneurship of a tech start-up, it requires uncompromising adherence to rigorous military standards and traditional defense contracting compliance. The Director will ensure all microelectronics operations strictly conform to AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR regulations, and NIST protocols, maintaining the secure supply chain environments and cleanroom certifications essential for defense-grade hardware. Candidates must possess a proven track record of leadership, ability to inspire, problem-solve and have an inherent desire to build.
Key Responsibilities
  • Secure Operations Management: Oversee all SMT and through-hole production while strictly enforcing ITAR controls and data security policies on the manufacturing floor.
  • High-Reliability Leadership: Build and direct highly vetted team of engineers and technicians, ensuring 100% adherence to IPC-A-610 Class 3 (Aerospace and Military) standards.
  • Budget & P&L Ownership: Manage capital expenditure and operational budgets, optimizing yield rates for complex, low-volume, high-mix defense contracts.
  • AS9100 Compliance: Serve as the executive authority for AS9100 aerospace quality management systems, leading regulatory audits and ensuring complete component traceability.
  • Defense Client Relations: Be the face of microelectronics and partner with program management, defense agencies and contractors while executing facility walk-throughs, technical reviews, production and product qualification phases.
  • Risk & Counterfeit Mitigation: Implement rigorous inspection processes to prevent the introduction of counterfeit components into the defense supply chain.

Qualifications
  • U.S. Security Clearance: Must possess U.S. Security Clearance or be capable of obtaining and maintaining a U.S. Department of Defense Security Clearance.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Master's degree or MBA preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience specifically within a defense contractor or aerospace electronics environment.
  • Regulatory Expertise: Deep, verifiable experience managing operations under ITAR regulations and AS9100 quality systems.
  • Technical Standards: Mastery of IPC-A-610 Class 3, J-STD-001 Space Addendum, and automated testing protocols (e.g., X-ray, flying probe, functional testing).

Why Join Us?
You'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by protecting the infrastructure that supports mission-critical defense programs. Working alongside talented engineers and technology professionals, you'll help strengthen our cybersecurity posture, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to innovative solutions that protect those who protect us. EEO employer including veterans & individuals with disabilities.

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