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Homeland Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Participate in and support critical infrastructure related conferences including those hosted by Joint Staff (JS) and Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense - Homeland Defense and Global ...

The staff is dedicated to supporting, training, and innovating existing and emerging technologies in the Homeland Defense community, Environmental Investigations, and direct-to-consumer applications.

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Homeland Defense information

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$70.5K

$134.4K

$350K

How much do homeland defense jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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 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.

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 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Homeland Defense jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Homeland Defense jobs are:
Infographic showing various Homeland Defense job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,409 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Missile Defense Expert, Senior

$86.80K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Missile Defense Expert, Senior

The Opportunity:
As an expert in missile defense systems, your unique background inspires you to think bigger, push further, and ask questions others don't. We need your extensive knowledge and skills to guide teams as they solve some of our clients' most complex problems and find solutions that keep our nation safe.


As a Missile Defense Expert, you'll bring your technical, analytical, and strategic expertise to work on projects related to fire control and weapon-target pairing for complex weapons systems. You'll analyze and capture functional needs of the user community to enhance design and system capabilities for a critical defense system. We'll look to you to identify, analyze, and evaluate complex systems, policies, and processes to improve operations.


You'll develop the next generation of U.S. missile defense systems and deliver solutions and capabilities to meet the homeland defense mission. Further, your career with us as you solve complex design, integration, and analytical problems.


Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 5+ years of experience with the design, development, testing, or analysis for Missile Defense Weapons Systems or Fire Control Systems

  • Experience with weapon system requirements, design, and performance analysis for features such as engageability, interceptability, and lethality

  • Ability to effectively communicate, work independently and collaboratively on a cross-functional team, and demonstrate initiative to complete complex tasks to achieve program goals in a fast-paced environment

  • Secret clearance

  • Bachelor's degree

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience with strategic and operational-level missile defense planning, employment, and concepts of operations

  • Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines such as GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Jenkins

  • Experience with embedded programming and scripting languages such as Rust, C, C++, Python, Java, or JavaScript

  • Experience developing software within an Agile framework and DevSecOps infrastructure as part of a CI/CD pipeline

  • Experience designing the architecture and containerized services with Kubernetes

  • Knowledge of Systems Modeling Language (SysML), DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF), and Unified Architecture Framework (UAF)

  • TS/SCI clearance

  • Master's degree

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements foraccess to classified information; Secret clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914