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$34.5K

$90.7K

$133K

How much do missile defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for missile defense in the United States is $90,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in missile defense?

A typical day in a Missile Defense role often involves ongoing monitoring of defense systems, conducting system checks or simulations, analyzing threat data, and collaborating with engineers and military personnel to maintain operational readiness. You may participate in briefings, update technical documentation, or help troubleshoot and resolve system anomalies. Depending on your specific role, you might also be involved in developing new defense strategies or participating in field exercises. The environment is dynamic, with a mix of hands-on technical work and strategic planning, making it both challenging and rewarding for those who enjoy fast-paced, mission-critical operations.

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

To thrive in Missile Defense roles, candidates typically require expertise in aerospace engineering, systems analysis, and military defense operations, often supported by a relevant technical degree and security clearances. Familiarity with advanced radar systems, missile guidance technologies, simulation software, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or DoD 8570 compliance is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help professionals succeed in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring accurate threat detection, reliable system performance, and seamless coordination in high-stakes defense environments.

What is a missile defense?

A Missile Defense job involves developing, operating, and maintaining systems designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming missile threats. Professionals in this field work with advanced radar, sensor networks, interceptor missiles, and command and control systems. Roles can vary from engineering and software development to analysis and operations support. These jobs are commonly found in defense agencies, military branches, and private defense contractors.

More about Missile Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Missile Defense jobs? Cities with the most Missile Defense job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Missile Defense jobs? The most popular types of Missile Defense jobs are:
What states have the most Missile Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Missile Defense jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Missile Defense jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Missile Defense jobs are:
Missile Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Missile Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,674 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Missile Defense Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description

Are you interested in exciting opportunities solving the most important challenges defending the United States, our forces, and our allies from air and missile threats?

If so, we'd love to have you join our team!

The Cross-Domain Battle Management Group is seeking innovative and hard-working professionals with a degree in a technical field to work with our Colorado Springs team. Join us to work in an exciting and collaborative environment where we tackle challenging technical national security problems. Our group specializes in bridging the missile defense and space domains, with the objective of building capabilities across the services to increase and maintain the Nation's superiority in missile defense.

As a Missile Defense Engineer, you will be...

  • Conducting research and development activities creating concepts that identify and fill gaps in the U.S. Defense systems
  • Implementing novel algorithms that redefine the state of the art in our nation's defensive systems
  • Developing sophisticated Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning approaches for solving complex problems
  • Crafting novel data fusion, object tracking, and discrimination improvements for distributed defensive concepts
  • Using modern programming languages to develop and test technical solutions
  • Developing prototype capabilities and working with real-world systems to transition ideas to fielded systems
  • Testing contractor algorithm implementation against government performance requirements
  • Effectively communicating technical recommendations to APL leadership, government sponsors, and the engineering community
  • Contributing to a dynamic group culture that values participation in collaborative teams and activities, and dedication to continual improvement, innovation, and risk-taking

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or similar degrees.
  • Are skilled in and/or can build programming skills in MATLAB, C++, C, Python, Java, or similar..
  • Have at least 3 years of experience working with DoD Command and Control systems
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Have working knowledge of configuration management tools.
  • Have domain knowledge of Navy, Missile Defense Agency, or Air Force Command and Control systems.
  • Have a final Top Secret SCI clearance.

#LI-KW1


About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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