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Entry Level Defense Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstone Defense

Entry Level Hardware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space ... We are seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer to join our IT/Hardware Support team. This role ...

Augur Consulting

Entry-Level Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

Entry-Level Analyst U.S. citizenship required. Are you a critical thinker with acumen for problem ... of cutting edge defense technologies and energy projects. Analysts collaborate with cross ...

Agile Defense

Registration Authority I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Sec+) The Junior RA role provides entry level, on-site support as a Registration Authority for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) J6 C4E supporting the DoD's Public Key Encryption ...

Agile Defense

Registration Authority I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Sec+) The Junior RA role provides entry level, on-site support as a Registration Authority for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) J6 C4E supporting the DoD's Public Key Encryption ...

Agile Defense

Registration Authority I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Sec+) The Junior RA role provides entry level, on-site support as a Registration Authority for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) J6 C4E supporting the DoD's Public Key Encryption ...

JCS Solutions LLC

Entry Level Analyst

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary JCS Solutions LLC is seeking an Entry-Level Analyst to support data-driven decision ... defense, national security, and civilian sectors. JCS offers enterprise-wide solutions including ...

JCS Solutions LLC

Entry Level Analyst

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary JCS Solutions LLC is seeking an Entry-Level Analyst to support data-driven decision ... defense, national security, and civilian sectors. JCS offers enterprise-wide solutions including ...

HII

DECK ELECTRICIAN ENTRY LEVEL

Newport News, VA · On-site

$57K - $62K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled ...

Moog, Inc.

2nd Shift Entry Level Machinist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ATDM (Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing) graduates encouraged to apply. * Proficiency in general mathematics * Knowledge of machine shop gauges and machines As an Entry Level Machinist ...

Moog, Inc.

3rd Shift Entry Level Machinist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ATDM (Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing) graduates encouraged to apply. * Proficiency in general mathematics * Knowledge of machine shop gauges and machines As an Entry Level Machinist ...

Moog, Inc.

3rd Shift Entry Level Machinist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ATDM (Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing) graduates encouraged to apply. * Proficiency in general mathematics * Knowledge of machine shop gauges and machines As an Entry Level Machinist ...

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Entry Level Defense information

What is an entry level defense job?

Entry level defense jobs are positions within the defense industry or military that require little to no prior experience and are suitable for recent graduates or individuals starting their careers. These roles can include administrative support, logistics, engineering, information technology, and security positions, among others. Entry level positions in defense may be found with government agencies, the armed forces, or private defense contractors, and often provide opportunities for on-the-job training and career advancement. Applicants typically need at least a high school diploma or associate’s degree, and some positions may require security clearances.

What is the difference between Entry Level Defense vs Entry Level Security Guard?

AspectEntry Level DefenseEntry Level Security Guard
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, background check, basic physical fitnessHigh school diploma, background check, basic physical fitness
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, defense facilities, government sitesCommercial buildings, retail stores, event venues
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agenciesPrivate security companies, retail, hospitality

Entry Level Defense roles typically involve working in government or military-related environments with a focus on national security, requiring similar credentials as security guards. However, defense roles may demand additional clearances or specialized training. Security guards generally work in commercial settings, focusing on property and personnel safety. Both roles serve security purposes but differ mainly in work environment and scope.

What types of projects or assignments can I expect as an entry level defense professional?

As an entry-level defense professional, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from supporting senior analysts on research tasks to assisting with the development, testing, or maintenance of defense systems. Your daily responsibilities may include data analysis, report preparation, participating in project meetings, and ensuring compliance with security protocols. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, such as engineers, project managers, and security personnel. This exposure provides valuable learning opportunities and can help you identify areas for future specialization within the defense sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level defense professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Defense professional, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with a strong understanding of defense protocols and security principles. Familiarity with defense-related software, cybersecurity tools, and sometimes active security clearance is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring national security, supporting mission-critical projects, and collaborating effectively in high-stakes environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Defense jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Defense jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Defense job openings:

Entry Level Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Entry Level Hardware Engineer

Cornerstone Defense

Herndon, VA • On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

  • Location: Herndon, Virginia
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #4038

Hardware Engineer/Help Desk Support
Herndon, VA
Active TS/SCI
Salary Range: $80,000 - $140,000
Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Job Responsibilities:
We are seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer to join our IT/Hardware Support team. This role will focus on triaging help desk tickets, performing hardware installations and removals, and providing first- and second-line technical support for desktop/laptop/workstation systems. The ideal candidate has basic experience with Windows or Linux, strong troubleshooting skills, and a customer-service mindset.
  • Respond to and resolve help desk tickets in a timely manner (hardware-related issues, peripheral and connectivity problems, basic OS troubleshooting).
  • Install, configure, image, upgrade, and decommission desktops, laptops, monitors, docking stations, printers, and other peripherals.
  • Perform hardware diagnostics and basic repairs; escalate complex hardware or firmware issues to senior engineering or vendor support.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records and asset tagging for hardware lifecycle tracking.
  • Apply operating system updates, drivers, and firmware as required.
  • Assist with cable management, workstation setup, and office moves or reconfigurations.
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation for common tasks.
  • Provide courteous and professional support to end users; communicate ticket status and resolution steps clearly.
  • Follow IT security and compliance policies when handling equipment and data.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and an attention to detail.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills; customer-service oriented.
  • Ability to lift and move hardware (typically up to 50 lbs.) and work in office or data-center environments.
  • Willingness to work occasional extended hours for deployments or hardware refreshes.
  • Ability to lift and carry hardware; climb ladders and work in confined spaces if needed.
  • Must adhere to safety procedures for handling hardware and batteries.

Required Skills:
  • 0-2 years of professional experience in IT support, desktop support, or hardware technician roles.
  • Basic familiarity with Windows or Linux operating systems (installation, configuration, troubleshooting).
  • Comfortable working with PC hardware components (SATA/SSD/HDD, RAM, power supplies, motherboards) and common peripherals.

Desired Skills:
  • Security+ certification required.
  • Experience with Jira ticketing systems desired.

Company Benefits:
Cornerstone Defense offers a comprehensive list of benefits, designed to give employees and their families several options to choose from when selecting benefits that best fit their needs. These offerings include not only a full suite of the traditional Medical/Dental/Vision insurances, but also a number of other benefits and perks to include, but not limited to: A 401(K) plan with a company match, tuition and training assistances, paid vacation/leave, a fitness reimbursement program, college savings plan, commuter benefits, financial advisory services, flex spending accounts, health savings accounts, STD/LTD coverage, life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance programs, life financial planning assistance, and legal resources.

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