1

National Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

National Defense information

See salary details

$29.5K

$79.1K

$129.5K

How much do national defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for national defense in the United States is $79,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between National Defense vs Military Intelligence?

AspectNational DefenseMilitary Intelligence
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, military or defense-related educationSecurity clearances, intelligence analysis training, military or civilian intelligence certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, military bases, defense facilitiesIntelligence agencies, military units, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageDepartment of Defense, military branches, governmentDefense agencies, intelligence community, military units

National Defense focuses on protecting the country through military operations, policy, and strategic planning. Military Intelligence specializes in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support military decision-making. While both roles serve the defense sector and require security clearances, National Defense has a broader scope, whereas Military Intelligence is more specialized in intelligence activities.

What jobs pay 200,000 a year in the USA?

In the field of national defense, high-paying roles such as senior military officers, defense contractors, and cybersecurity specialists can earn $200,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, security clearances, and extensive experience. Executive leadership roles in defense organizations also typically reach or exceed this salary level.

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

To thrive in a National Defense role, you generally need a solid educational background in fields like political science, engineering, or international relations, along with relevant security clearances. Familiarity with intelligence analysis tools, defense communication systems, and sometimes specialized certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or PMP are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork abilities are crucial soft skills for success in high-pressure and collaborative environments. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure national security, effective mission execution, and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving threats.

What is national defense?

National defense refers to the protection and security of a nation against external threats, such as military attacks or espionage. This typically involves the use of armed forces, intelligence agencies, and strategic planning to safeguard a country's interests and maintain its sovereignty. National defense also includes efforts to prepare for and respond to emergencies, support allies, and participate in international security arrangements. The overall goal is to ensure the safety, stability, and prosperity of the nation and its citizens.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the field of national defense, high-paying roles such as private security contractors, specialized technical consultants, or certain military support positions can pay around $4,000 weekly without requiring a college degree, often relying on experience, skills, or certifications. These jobs typically involve skills in security, logistics, or technical operations and may require background checks or specialized training.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of national defense, high-level executive roles such as Defense Contractors, senior military officers, and specialized consultants can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and benefits. These positions often require advanced degrees, security clearances, and extensive experience in defense strategy, technology, or management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in national defense roles?

Professionals in national defense roles often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, maintaining strict confidentiality, and responding to high-pressure situations. The work environment is typically collaborative, involving coordination with multiple government agencies, military branches, and private contractors. Additionally, national defense roles may require ongoing training and flexible schedules to meet mission-critical objectives, but they also offer unique opportunities for career advancement and skill development within a highly structured system.

What kind of jobs are in the Department of Defense?

Jobs in the Department of Defense include roles such as military personnel, engineers, cybersecurity specialists, intelligence analysts, logistics managers, and administrative staff. These positions often require security clearances, specialized training, and knowledge of defense systems and technologies.
More about National Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for National Defense jobs? Cities with the most National Defense job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense jobs? The most popular types of Defense jobs are:
What states have the most National Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for National Defense jobs include:
Infographic showing various National Defense job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 25% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,083 per year, or $38 per hour.
Missile Defense Systems Architect, Senior

Missile Defense Systems Architect, Senior

Booz Allen Hamilton

Colorado Springs, CO

$86K - $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

9th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

Missile Defense Systems Architect, Senior

The Opportunity:

At a certain point, software design can start to look like clairvoyance. You've developed so many organization-wide software architectures that you can not only orchestrate the best solution for any technical challenge, but you can also anticipate future concerns. That's because you're a software architect with a background in mission-critical operations and expertise in modern software development ecosystems. At Booz Allen, you can use those skills to work in a complex and dynamic environment to improve the software technology supporting national defense capabilities.

On our team, you'll translate external interfaces and operational needs into resilient, scalable, and secure technical solutions. You'll use the latest software control systems to design an effective software architecture. Your technical expertise will be vital as you lead the building of a software prototype solution using Agile development.

In this role, you'll directly impact national defense by providing system architecture that drives modernization, interoperability, and longterm sustainability. With your advanced technical expertise, mentoring, and opportunities to learn new tools and skills, you'll guide a team that develops the best solutions for our customers.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 10+ years of experience developing software architectures, Agile methodologies planning, and executing system integration of complex systems
  • 5+ years of experience with the design, development, testing, or analysis of Missile Defense Weapons Systems or Fire Control Systems
  • Experience supporting overall engineering integration of systems engineering and integration efforts for the DoD, government agencies, or commercial programs
  • Experience with containerization and orchestration using tools such as Kubernetes and Agile methodologies, or the software development lifecycle (SDLC)
  • Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining software messaging bus systems using protocols and frameworks such as Java Message Service (JMS), Zenoh, MQTT, gRPC, or Protocol Buffers (ProtoBuf)
  • Experience developing software within an Agile framework and DevSecOps infrastructure as part of a Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline
  • Knowledge of Systems Modeling Language (SysML), DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), Zero Trust principles, and cybersecurity frameworks
  • Ability to effectively lead 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 OPIR or Missile Warning Operations
  • Experience architecting and implementing cloud-based solutions and cloud-based development to enable scalable, efficient, and reliable systems
  • Experience with risk assessments and threat modeling techniques
  • Experience with codequality andstaticanalysis toolssuch as SonarQube, Clippy, cargo-deny, or cargo-audit
  • Experience withsecurecodingpractices and vulnerabilityremediation
  • Knowledge of DoD 5000.01 or 5000.02
  • Ability to display apersonal or professional GitHub profiledemonstrating projects
  • TS/SCI clearance
  • Master's degree

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access 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.


What Booz Allen Hamilton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Booz Allen Hamilton logo

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