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Missile Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Missile Defense Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

Parsons is looking for a talented Missile Defense Engineer (TS/SCI) to join our team! In this role you will get to explore the performance implications of missile defense architecture variations ...

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Missile Defense information

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$34.5K

$90.7K

$133K

How much do missile defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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 positions?

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 the Missile Defense position, 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 job?

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:
Missile Defense Architecture Engineer

Missile Defense Architecture Engineer

Nou Systems Inc

Fort Belvoir, VA โ€ข On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% ESOP company! We value teamwork and collaboration, and this transition allows us to take that commitment to a new level. nSI empowers our customers by supplying products, services, and expertise with powerful, data driven insights that transform defense systems and improve capabilities.

We are pleased to announce an opening for a Missile Defense Capabilities Engineer/Architect who will join our Engineering Services Team in Fort Belvoir, VA and become part of our rapidly growing technology company operating in missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control marketspaces. Qualified candidates will be part of an exceptional team supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) mission to develop and deploy a layered Missile Defense System to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies, and friends from missile attacks in all phases of flight.

Responsibilities:

We have a critical opening for a Missile Defense Advanced Concepts Engineer supporting the MDA Advanced Architectures, Advanced Concepts Evaluation Team. This team performs evaluations for emerging advanced concepts and technologies to increase the effectiveness of the globally deployed Missile Defense System and makes recommendations to the MDA Chief Architect for new concept demonstrations and potential inclusion in future deliveries of MDS Elements. The selected candidates will provide specialized engineering and analytical support to the Director, Advanced Concepts Evaluation, providing Missile Defense System Architecture updates and plans, and conducting qualitative and quantitative performance analyses, assessments, and special studies.

Duties include:

  • Evaluate Missile Defense System capabilities and assess system performance against projected threats
  • Leverage knowledge of OUSD(R&E) Critical Technology Area research to enhance existing MDS capability evaluations and propose potential future capability concepts
  • Attending presentations, conferences and working groups from organizations spanning the DoD in order to capture Defense developments and their potential utility for missile defense
  • Recommend and assess unconventional methods for missile defense and defeat
  • Document results in study and analysis reports, point papers, and briefings
  • Develop new missile defense concepts and assess feasibility, characterize and assess the fundamental scientific requirements to realize new concepts, and document the results
  • Perform mission and component analysis to establish capability and performance baselines
  • Formulate and recommend strategies for achieving the desired Missile Defense System architecture in a Capability Development Roadmap
  • Validate developing solutions and mission needs. As solutions progress through development, iteratively assess predicted performance and test plans against operational requirements

Basic Qualifications:

At a minimum, qualified candidates must have:

  • A bachelorโ€™s degree in a technical field such as engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or computer science.
  • At least 5 years of full-time professional experience in a technical field related to missile defense and/or technical analysis of a complex Department of Defense (DoD) weapon system.
  • Must be eligible to obtain or have an active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility.
  • Must be able to work at our customer site on Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Lacking any one of these disqualifies any applicants from this job.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience working in, or with, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, OUSD(R&E), in Critical Technology Areas relevant to missile defense systems or potential future missile defense elements (including, but not limited to, directed energy, hypersonics, integrated sensing and cyber, advanced computing, space technology, microelectronics, integrated network systems-of-systems, and advanced materials).
  • Special Access Program (SAP) experience
  • Prefer master's degree in STEM field
  • Prefer 7 years of relevant professional experience (or, without a master's degree, 20 years of experience is preferred)
  • Prior experience analyzing one or more MDS elements or components including Infrared (IR) or Radio Frequency (RF) sensor systems; missile; space systems; Battle Management, Command and Control, Communication (BMC3); and missile tracking systems
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: conducting complex analytical studies, developing or modifying tools to suit analysis tasks, building reusable and well-documented MATLAB/Python utilities, assessing advanced concepts and technologies, and evaluating threat intelligence information with respect to technological developments
  • Capability to work independently and/or lead sub-teams, applying engineering rigor to analyze and resolve problems
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and MS Office automation tool proficiency

nou (pronounced โ€˜newโ€™) Systems:

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-art products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions.

We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Our culture is firmly established in treating our employees like family.

Benefits of working at nSI

nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment. Benefits may vary based on status but the majority of our positions include the following:

  • Competitive Wages*
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
  • Company-funded Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Personal Time Off, Vacation, and Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Norton LifeLock
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Personal Development, Technical Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidateโ€™s relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidateโ€™s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.nou-systems.com/workingatnou. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.