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Entry Level Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry-Level Engineer

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$52K - $82K/yr

... Contractor providing Engineering, Logistics, and Program Support Services to the Department of ... Defense (DoD). Our team of over 200 employees is committed to delivering practical, innovative, and ...

Entry-Level Engineer

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$52K - $82K/yr

... Contractor providing Engineering, Logistics, and Program Support Services to the Department of ... Defense (DoD). Our team of over 200 employees is committed to delivering practical, innovative, and ...

Interacting with the prime contractor and government leads to ensure that all system requirements ... Active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security Clearance. * Demonstrated experience working ...

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Entry Level Defense Contractor information

See salary details

$25K

$47.8K

$68.5K

How much do entry level defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor in the United States is $47,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Defense Contractor job?

An Entry Level Defense Contractor job involves working for a private company that provides goods or services to the military and government defense agencies. These roles can vary widely, including engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and project management. Typically, entry-level positions require a relevant degree or technical skills, along with the ability to obtain security clearance if needed. Responsibilities may include assisting with research, supporting senior team members, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. It’s a great starting point for those looking to build a career in the defense industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Defense Contractor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Defense Contractor, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, or business, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with industry-specific tools such as project management software, technical documentation platforms, and sometimes security clearance processes is often required. Strong attention to detail, adaptability, and teamwork are important soft skills for collaborating effectively and meeting project objectives. These abilities are essential for ensuring compliance with industry standards, successful project delivery, and maintaining the trust of both clients and regulatory bodies.

What does the daily work of an Entry Level Defense Contractor typically involve?

As an Entry Level Defense Contractor, your daily responsibilities might include assisting with project documentation, analyzing data, supporting senior team members in proposal preparation, and ensuring compliance with defense regulations. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, such as engineers, analysts, and project managers, to help execute specific project tasks. Many roles involve a balance of desk work and occasional meetings or briefings to discuss project progress and requirements. This position offers valuable exposure to complex national security projects and allows you to build technical and collaborative skills that are highly regarded across the industry.

More about Entry Level Defense Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor jobs? The most popular types of Defense Contractor jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Defense Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Defense Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,831 per year, or $23 per hour.

Calling all Welders! with Security Clearance

HII Mission Technologies

Bremerton, WA

$23 - $30.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Requisition Number: 21050 Required Travel: 51 - 75% Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt Anticipated Salary Range: $54,000.00 - $83,200.00 Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain Level of Experience: Entry Level Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class.

Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.

To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072 Who We Are Are you looking to join a team of professionals for a long term secure and rewarding employment opportunity? Then join our System Integration (SI) team whose accomplishments make a positive impact supporting the U.S. Navy and national defense!

We are currently seeking shipboard Marine Welders for fleet modernization in the Seattle, WA and Bremerton, WA areas. The selected Welders will be supporting our Systems Integrations department working on active class submarines, surface ships, and shore-based communication facilities using various mechanical tools to install, upgrade and remove industrial equipment to assist with alterations and installations. Selected candidate will be required to travel to shipyards and military bases located around or out of the country when not assigned to a local task.

Per Diem available based on location when on travel, travel and lodging expenses are covered by the company. As the top-ranked defense contractor on the Forbes list of America's Best Large Employers, HII is committed to serving our employees, our communities, our service members, and our nation! We offer competitive benefits, education reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.

What You Will Do Installs, operates, maintains, repairs and modifies equipment. Performs a variety of maintenance and technical support on products such as equipment, integrated systems and subsystems, and software at customer and/or field locations. Analyzes and evaluates products and related performance.

Troubleshoots and diagnoses malfunctions to eliminate problem in minimum time. Installs, upgrades and removes products ensuring coordinative engineering field change. Maintains effective customer communications and relations.

May provide onsite training of customer support personnel. Applies understanding of production and processes to assignments. Performs a variety of complicated tasks.

May assist in the development and use technical documents including controlled work packages, formal work processes and procedures, test documents, reports and task or trip reports. Performs duties outside of specialty in order to complete installation or work assignment. What You Must Have * Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

* Must have formal weld and/or brazing training and/or combination piping and plate welding qualifications. * Must be able to work from blueprints, engineering sketches, charts or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction. * Must provide own hand tools as designated per trades specialty.

* Must be a U.S. citizen. * High School education, or Trade School or equivalent, and 2 years of related experience.

Prefer technical/professional certifications. Bonus Points For... * Prefer candidates with an active Secret clearance or above.

* Current welding qualification certificates applicable with MIL-STD-248 is preferred. Current OSHA 10 Maritime Certificate preferred. * Current or prior certified steel stick welding (SMAW) certificate applicable with MIL-STD-248.

* Current Shipyard Competent Person Certification preferred. * Prefer candidates with 4 - 8 years experience. * Prior AIT or active duty experience on current active class submarines is preferred.

Candidates possessing a current U.S. Travel passport are preferred. Physical Requirements Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes.

The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 30 lbs. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces. Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.

May ride ships at sea for extended periods. May require wearing a respirator. Travel may be required within and outside of the continental United States.

HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills. Why HII We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber.

Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Do You Need Assistance?

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.