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National Defence Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with ...

Senior Space Systems Program Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$112K - $112K/yr

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with ...

Senior Space Systems Program Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$112K - $112K/yr

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with ...

Experience selling to or through government, defence, law enforcement, intelligence, critical infrastructure, cyber, data, risk, national security or regulated-industry customers. * Demonstrated ...

ICT Support Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with ...

Exposure to defence, national security, and AI/ML workloads at production scale Essential requirements * Experience with US Government Cloud systems * Experience in the FEDRAMP process * Hands-on ...

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Showing results 1-20

National Defence information

See Virginia salary details

$31.7K

$79.1K

$149.2K

How much do national defence jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for national defence in Virginia is $79,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is National Defence?

National Defence refers to the efforts and measures taken by a country's government, usually through its military and related agencies, to protect its citizens, territory, and interests from external threats and aggression. This can include the planning, organization, and execution of military operations, intelligence gathering, and maintaining strategic alliances. National Defence also encompasses disaster response, peacekeeping missions, and other activities that ensure the nation's safety and security. Careers in National Defence can range from military service members to civilian roles in administration, engineering, intelligence, and logistics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a National Defence role?

To thrive in a National Defence role, you need physical fitness, discipline, problem-solving abilities, and relevant educational background, often supported by completion of basic military training. Familiarity with defense technologies, weapon systems, and secure communication tools, as well as specialized certifications, is typically required. Leadership, teamwork, resilience, and strong decision-making skills help individuals excel in high-pressure, dynamic environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring mission success, operational readiness, and national security.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in National Defence roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in National Defence often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing security environments, working under high-pressure situations, and maintaining confidentiality. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as tasks frequently require collaboration across various departments and with allied organizations. Staying current with evolving technology and protocols is also a regular part of the job. Many organizations offer ongoing training and support systems to help team members manage these challenges and succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between National Defence vs Military Police?

AspectNational DefenceMilitary Police
Required CredentialsMilitary training, security clearancesMilitary training, law enforcement certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, government facilitiesMilitary bases, law enforcement settings
Employer & IndustryGovernment, defense sectorMilitary, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

National Defence personnel focus on protecting national security through military operations, strategic planning, and defense initiatives. Military Police personnel specialize in law enforcement within the military, maintaining discipline, security, and law enforcement on military bases. While both roles serve the military, National Defence roles are broader in strategic defense, whereas Military Police focus on law enforcement and security within military environments.

What does national defence do?

National defence involves protecting a country's sovereignty, security, and interests through military forces, intelligence, and strategic planning. It includes maintaining armed forces, developing defense policies, and responding to threats or emergencies to ensure national safety.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for National Defence jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most National Defence job openings:

Infographic showing various National Defence job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,082 per year, or $38 per hour.

Senior Space Systems Program Manager

Norfolk, VA

$112K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.


Who we are supporting

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO's leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.


The program 

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)

 DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO's strategic objectives.


Role ID: ACT-CDMS-26-02C-LC52 

 Role Duties and Responsibilities  

  • Support the ACT Space Branch PMT in the delivery, synchronization, and implementation of the NATO Space Capability Programme (CPP) across all tranches and associated projects. 
  • Coordinate programme execution activities between HQ SACT, SHAPE, AIRCOM Space Theatre Component (STC), NCIA, NSPA, nations and commercial partners. 
  • Support the development, refinement, and implementation of programme artefacts, including project proposals, implementation plans, programme reviews, risk registers, dashboards, and capability roadmaps. 
  • Support the synchronization of Operational Space Support (OSS), Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Domain Coordination (SDC) capabilities and associated dependencies. 
  • Contribute to programme governance activities, PMT meetings, Bi-SC coordination mechanisms, and senior leader engagements. 
  • Support the identification, analysis and mitigation of programme risks, interdependencies, and critical paths across all space projects. 
  • Support experimentation, wargaming, operational demonstrations and exercises, including Arctic Sentry, Cosmic Sentinel, and/or related activities. 
  • Coordinate with NCIA Architects PMT SMEs, and national experts to maintain programme coherence and support architecture development and analysis of alternatives. 
  • Support engagement with industry and commercial space actors in support of NATO Commercial Space Strategy implementation. 
  • Produce reports, briefings, and recommendations for ACT Space Branch leadership. 
  • Directly supports the Branch Head CR and will be required to travel to meetings and conferences both within and outside NATO's boundaries for up to 30 days per year. 
  • Performs additional tasks as required by the COTR related to the LABOR category. 

 Essential Skills and Experience 

  • Minimum 5 years' experience within NATO capability development, programme management, or defence acquisition. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of NATO Space policy, CPP governance and PMT processes. 
  • Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years operational knowledge of C2 systems within the last 10 years either as a military officer or as a civilian. 
  • Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years in the last 10 years a sound knowledge of Capability Development and Management processes in the C2 area. 
  • Experience supporting multinational programmes and senior-level governance bodies. 
  • Programme and Project Management experience in the past 10 years within a complex and dynamic programme environment. 
  • Working knowledge of Configuration Management methods and practices. 
  • Working knowledge of Capability Architectures 
  • Experience with IBM Rational DOORS or equivalent (provide certificates). 

 Education 

  • A University/ Bachelor's degree in Science. 

 Language Proficiency 

  • Advanced Proficiency in English 

 Working Location 

  • Norfolk, VA, USA  

 Working Policy 

  • On-Site 

 Contract Duration 

  • January 2027 – December 2030 

 Security Clearance 

  • Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance