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Homeland Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Needed Join Astrion - Shape the Future of National Defense Step into the heart of America's next frontier in homeland defense. The Golden Dome program is a national-level, whole-of-nation ...

Defense Mission Expert

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Knowledge of the Joint Training and Exercise Program, and Homeland Defense (HD) and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations * Knowledge of defense operations in the Arctic * Top Secret ...

As Needed Join Astrion - Shape the Future of National Defense Step into the heart of America's next frontier in homeland defense. The Golden Dome program is a national-level, whole-of-nation ...

General Clerk III

Auburn, WA · On-site

$26.87/hr

... Homeland Defense (DHS). Key responsibilities include: compiling statistical and PSO information and providing communication with all levels of FPS Region 10 Management to gather and convey ...

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Homeland Defense information

See salary details

$70.5K

$134.4K

$350K

How much do homeland defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for homeland defense in the United States is $134,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Homeland Defense, and why are they important?

To thrive in Homeland Defense, you need a solid background in security operations, risk assessment, and emergency management, often supported by a degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or a related field. Familiarity with surveillance systems, threat detection technologies, and certifications like Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with diverse agencies and responding to crises. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safeguarding national security, preventing threats, and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies.

What is the difference between Homeland Defense vs Homeland Security Officer?

AspectHomeland DefenseHomeland Security Officer
Required CredentialsMilitary or federal security training, security clearancesSecurity certifications, background checks, sometimes military experience
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, federal agencies, strategic locationsGovernment agencies, border crossings, public events
Employer & Industry UsageDepartment of Defense, military branchesDepartment of Homeland Security, federal agencies

Homeland Defense primarily involves military and strategic operations to protect the nation from external threats, often working within military or defense agencies. Homeland Security Officers focus on safeguarding borders, public safety, and emergency response within civilian government agencies. While both roles aim to protect the country, Homeland Defense is more military-oriented, whereas Homeland Security Officers work in civilian security roles.

What is homeland defense?

Homeland defense refers to the protection of a nation's territory, population, and infrastructure from external threats and aggression. It primarily involves the military's role in defending the country against attacks by foreign adversaries, including conventional, cyber, and terrorist threats. Homeland defense is coordinated with other government agencies and often includes preparedness, deterrence, and rapid response measures. Its goal is to ensure national security and maintain the safety and stability of the homeland.

What do you do as a homeland defender?

A homeland defender is responsible for protecting national security by monitoring threats, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with law enforcement and military agencies. The role often requires security clearances, specialized training, and knowledge of threat assessment and crisis management. They work in environments such as government agencies, military bases, or security operations centers.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In homeland defense, roles such as private security contractors, cybersecurity specialists, or private investigators can sometimes pay around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience or specialized skills. These jobs often require relevant training, certifications, or security clearances but may not always require a college degree.

How much do Homeland Defenders make?

Homeland Defense professionals, such as homeland security officers, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Higher-level positions or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn over $100,000 per year.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Homeland Defense roles?

Professionals in Homeland Defense often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving security threats, the need for constant vigilance, and staying current with technological advancements. Collaboration across multiple agencies—including federal, state, and local partners—is essential but can be complex due to differing protocols and communication systems. Additionally, the role may involve high-pressure situations and the necessity to make quick, informed decisions to protect public safety. Despite these challenges, many find the work rewarding due to its direct impact on national security.

How hard is it to get hired by homeland security?

Getting hired by Homeland Security typically requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship, a clean background check, and relevant education or experience. The application process can be competitive, often involving multiple interviews, assessments, and security clearances, especially for specialized roles requiring technical skills or law enforcement experience.
More about Homeland Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Homeland Defense jobs? Cities with the most Homeland Defense job openings:
What states have the most Homeland Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Homeland Defense jobs include:
Infographic showing various Homeland Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,409 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Golden Dome Opportunities with Security Clearance

Astrion

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Overview Golden Dome Opportunities with Astrion LOCATION: Huntsville, AL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI Eligibility CERTIFICATION: Based on the role TRAVEL: As Needed Join Astrion - Shape the Future of National Defense Step into the heart of America's next frontier in homeland defense. The Golden Dome program is a national-level, whole-of-nation initiative advancing cutting-edge space and missile defense capabilities - and Astrion is leading the charge. Be part of the Astrion team powering the Golden Dome of America - where innovation meets purpose, and your work truly matters. If you thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and want to be a part of innovative solutions for the Space-Based Interceptor mission, this is your chance to make a direct impact on the future of deterrence and defense. Astrion has exciting opportunities supporting the Golden Dome Space-Based Interceptor mission. As part of the Golden Dome initiative and the Space Based Interceptor program, you will help design, acquire, integrate, test, and validate the systems that form the backbone of America's next-generation missile defense architecture. This is your chance to apply expertise to programs that directly shape U.S. and allied security in space and across the globe. Required Qualifications / Skills * Education and Experience: * Bachelor's degree with 10+ years' related experience in one or more of the below areas; Master's degree is preferred * Model Based Systems Engineering and Digital Engineering * Systems of Systems Engineering and Integration * Space Ground Command and Control * Fire Control and Engagement Systems Integration * Threat System Engineering * Cyber Test Analyst/Engineering * Department of Defense Technical Acquisition Management * Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active Top Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility Preferred Qualifications / Skills * You love solving hard defense/space problems, and you know how to engineer systems that win * Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and modern digital engineering toolsets * Proven ability to drive system integration, test & evaluation, mission assurance, and technical reviews on high-complexity defense systems * Ability to analyze foreign missile threats, capability gaps, and future kill-chain needs - and translate insights into next-gen missile defense architectures * Curiosity and comfort working with AI/ML, advanced analytics, and modern decision-support tech * Experience partnering with engineering teams to define C2, sensor, and targeting system requirements * Strong working knowledge of DoD acquisition, cybersecurity frameworks (RMF/NIST), DISA STIGs, and secure-by-design engineering practices * Background in multi-domain operations, space mission systems, targeting, and kill web / kill chain optimization * Ability to connect space-based ISR and interceptor capabilities with other warfighting domains for rapid threat detection, tracking, targeting, and engagement * Experience assessing and hardening advanced DoD and IC space systems against adversary threats * Ability to evaluate technical baselines, contractor designs, CDRLs, and engineering artifacts for compliance and mission value * Strong analytical mindset to design architectures that increase speed, resiliency, and decision advantage * Understanding of threat systems, counter-space capabilities, space domain awareness, and system risk mitigation strategies * Experience developing countermeasures and resilient system designs for contested, fast-moving operational environments Responsibilities * You'll be part strategist, part hands-on engineer, and part trusted government counselor - building the next era of space-enabled homeland defense. * Drive trade studies, risk assessments, and design improvements across a cutting-edge space defense program * Lead technical working groups, TIMs, and review boards across government and industry partners * Partner with engineering teams to design and integrate spacecraft payloads, C2 systems, ground systems, and communications architectures * Ensure mission-critical designs align with warfighting needs, DoD standards, and national defense priorities * Support key systems engineering functions: requirements, interfaces, risks, verification & validation * Act as a trusted technical advisor to the government for Space-Based Interceptor and Golden Dome efforts * Conduct independent assessments and analysis of alternatives to guide architecture and algorithm decisions * Ensure requirements and contractor approaches stay aligned to mission needs & operational realities * Evaluate contractor architecture proposals, test strategies, integration plans, and risk posture * Enable true system-of-systems integration across sensors, command-and-control, and interceptors for a resilient end-to-end kill chain #cj