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Entry Level Private Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager - Defense Systems

Cocoa, FL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Project Manager - Defense Systems Summary Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company ... Co-ordinate sub-contractors, partners, and suppliers. * Ensure continued resource availability to ...

Project Manager - Defense Systems

Cocoa, FL · Hybrid

$100K/yr

Project Manager - Defense Systems Summary Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company ... Co-ordinate sub-contractors, partners, and suppliers. * Ensure continued resource availability to ...

Salary: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 Project Manager Defense Systems Summary Vaya Space is a privately ... Co-ordinate sub-contractors, partners, and suppliers. * Ensure continued resource availability to ...

$21.76/hr

Serves as the Commissary Contractor Monitor in a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) location. The ... Experience can be under other Federal service pay systems, private sector, or military. You must ...

Entry Level Recruiter

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

We are a privately held organization with over 200+ offices nationwide. We work with 95% of Fortune ... Perform all necessary contractor screening to ensure the contractor's qualifications meet open ...

Entry Level Recruiter

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

We are a privately held organization with over 200+ offices nationwide. We work with 95% of Fortune ... Perform all necessary contractor screening to ensure the contractor's qualifications meet open ...

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Entry Level Private Defense Contractor information

See salary details

$29.5K

$49.6K

$60K

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level private defense contractor in the United States is $49,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Private Defense Contractor, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Entry Level Private Defense Contractor, you typically need a background in security, military, or law enforcement, along with relevant training or certifications such as CPR, firearms proficiency, and possibly a security clearance. Familiarity with surveillance technology, secure communications systems, and basic tactical gear is often required. Strong situational awareness, discipline, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills in this field. These qualifications ensure contractors can effectively protect assets, operate safely under pressure, and collaborate with clients or team members in high-stakes environments.

What can I expect in terms of training and mentorship as an entry level private defense contractor?

As an entry level private defense contractor, you can typically expect to undergo comprehensive training that covers safety protocols, technical skills, and situational awareness. Most organizations pair new hires with experienced mentors or supervisors to help them acclimate to the unique demands of the role and to ensure adherence to strict operational standards. You'll likely participate in regular drills, classroom instruction, and on-the-job training, with opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. This structured support is designed to prepare you for field assignments and foster professional growth within the company.

What are entry level private defense contractors?

Entry level private defense contractors are professionals who work for private companies that provide defense-related services or products to government agencies, usually the military. At the entry level, these individuals may be involved in roles such as logistics, IT support, maintenance, security, intelligence analysis, or administrative support. They typically assist more experienced contractors and gain specialized training on the job. Most positions require at least a high school diploma or some college, and may require security clearance. The work environment can vary widely, from office settings to field operations, depending on the specific role.

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

AspectEntry Level Private Defense ContractorSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, security clearance, basic firearms trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, security training
Work EnvironmentPrivate security firms, military contractors, high-risk areasCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential areas
Employer & IndustryPrivate defense companies, government contractsSecurity companies, private businesses

Entry Level Private Defense Contractors and Security Guards both work in security roles, but private defense contractors often operate in higher-risk environments with specialized training and may require security clearances. Security guards typically work in more accessible, lower-risk settings. The key differences lie in the work scope, environment, and credentials required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Private Defense Contractor jobs? The most popular types of Private Defense Contractor jobs are:
CONTRACT SPECIALIST with Security Clearance

CONTRACT SPECIALIST with Security Clearance

Department of Defense

Silverdale, WA

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Duties * You will review requests for procurement of complex ship repair projects. * You will determine the contractors eligible to bid/propose and whether or not sufficient competition is available in the immediate area or whether the area of competition needs to be expanded. * You will review pre-award survey reports, financial capability audit reports, current workload, contractor facilities, and make a determination of contractor responsibility or non-responsibility.

* You will administer the issuance, pricing and negotiation of contract modifications, changes for new work and growth work items and changes in delivery schedule. * You will receive, review, investigate and negotiate contractor Claims and Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA). * You will conduct conferences upon ship arrival with contractors to provide information and reach understandings of contract requirements, terms and conditions.

* You will evaluate Inspection Deficiency Reports (IDRs) received from the contractor regarding technical and/or progressing problems and evaluates responses provided by the shipbuilding specialist to ensure contractual correctness. Requirements Conditions of employment * Must be a US Citizen. * Must be determined suitable for federal employment.

* Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov * Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.

* Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. * Generally, current federal employees applying for GS jobs must serve at least one year at the next lower grade level. This requirement is called time-in-grade.

Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. * This position is covered under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA). Certification in the Acquisition Functional Area and category assigned to the position is required within established category timeframes.

* You will be required to complete ethics orientation within three months of appointment and submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, within 30 days of appointment. * This is a bargaining unit position. * This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites.

You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time. Qualifications In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position: For the GS-12 : Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional Contract Specialist independently performing the full range of pre-award and post-award functions for a variety of complex contractual actions to include conducting market research, developing solicitations, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, and administering contracts and modifications. For the GS-11 : Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional Contract Specialist applying contracting principles and procedures to perform the full range of pre-award and post-award procurement actions to include drafting solicitation documents, performing cost/price analysis, and administering contracts of moderate complexity and value.

For the GS-09 : Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional Contract Specialist assisting with a variety of procurement and administration functions to include preparing solicitation packages, analyzing bids or quotes, and performing contract administration tasks under supervision for various contractual actions. For the GS-07 : Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional Contract Specialist performing developmental and routine contracting tasks in support of procurement and administration functions to include assisting in the preparation of procurement documents, maintaining contract files, and processing purchase orders or basic contract modifications. Applicant must meet the following Department of Defense qualification requirements for 1102 contracting positions: And the title 10 requirements found here: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Education Applicants must meet the following Basic Education Requirement of the Department of Defense Qualification Standard for Contracting Positions: A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. NOTE: The education requirement listed above applies only to individuals entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000.

Current civilian personnel in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000 are exempt from meeting this requirement. Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent) 1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirement. Additional information This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.

Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants.

Policy information may be found at: . Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.