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Vp Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ROUSH

Vice President Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

The Vice President of Defense will define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to ... Responsible for the direction of engineering, contracting, security, IT and compliance operations ...

ROUSH

Vice President Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

The Vice President of Defense will define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to ... Responsible for the direction of engineering, contracting, security, IT and compliance operations ...

ROUSH

The Vice President of Defense will define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to ... Responsible for the direction of engineering, contracting, security, IT and compliance operations ...

HIPP PROFESSIONAL SEARCH LLC

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Vice President Finance - Defense Contracting

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

S. defense contractor, aerospace & defense company, or government contracting organization , along ... What You'll Do The Vice President of Finance will have responsibility for the company's financial ...

HIPP PROFESSIONAL SEARCH LLC

Be Seen First

Vice President Finance - Defense Contracting

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

S. defense contractor, aerospace & defense company, or government contracting organization , along ... What You'll Do The Vice President of Finance will have responsibility for the company's financial ...

NextGenEnergyJobs

$132K - $171K/yr

Vice President Defense and Intelligence Engineering Planet designs, builds, and operates the ... of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate's ability to access all applicable export ...

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Vp Defense Contractor information

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$43.5K

$157.5K

$277.5K

How much do vp defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for vp defense contractor in the United States is $157,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a VP Defense Contractor do?

A VP Defense Contractor is a senior executive responsible for overseeing major aspects of a defense contracting company, such as business development, client relations, program delivery, and compliance with government regulations. They lead teams that secure and manage contracts with military or government agencies, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Additionally, they play a strategic role in shaping the company's growth, managing risk, and maintaining strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders in the defense sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VP Defense Contractor?

To thrive as a VP Defense Contractor, you need extensive experience in defense industry operations, program management, and a relevant degree, often accompanied by security clearance. Familiarity with defense acquisition systems, compliance frameworks (like ITAR and DFARS), and project management tools is typical, along with knowledge of government contracting processes. Strategic leadership, negotiation, and strong interpersonal skills set top performers apart in this high-stakes environment. These competencies ensure effective contract execution, regulatory compliance, and the ability to lead teams in delivering complex defense solutions.

How does the role of a VP Defense Contractor typically collaborate with government agencies and internal teams?

As a VP Defense Contractor, you will regularly liaise with government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations, clarify contract requirements, and report on project progress. Internally, you will lead cross-functional teams—including engineering, legal, and business development—to align project deliverables with contractual obligations and organizational goals. Effective communication and relationship management skills are essential, as you’ll often bridge the gap between client expectations and your company’s operational capabilities. This collaborative environment offers opportunities to shape strategic direction and foster innovation within your teams.

What is the difference between Vp Defense Contractor vs Program Manager?

AspectVp Defense ContractorProgram Manager
CredentialsOften requires security clearances, industry certifications (e.g., PMP), and relevant defense experienceTypically holds PMP or similar project management certifications, with security clearances preferred
Work EnvironmentCorporate or government defense contractor settings, overseeing multiple projectsProject-focused environment, managing specific defense programs within organizations
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contractors, government agencies, aerospace firmsDefense contractors, government agencies, aerospace companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in defense contractingManaging defense projects and programs

The Vp Defense Contractor typically holds a higher strategic leadership role overseeing multiple projects and contracts, while a Program Manager focuses on managing specific defense programs. Both roles require relevant certifications and security clearances, but their scope and responsibilities differ within the defense industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor jobs?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Vp Defense Contractor jobs?

For Vp Defense Contractor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Vp Defense Contractor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,532 per year, or $75.7 per hour.

Vice President Defense

Warren, MI • On-site

ROUSH
See more jobs at ROUSHexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to-market strategy for the defense industry.

  • Oversee complex defense programs, manage client interfaces, and lead organizational teams across multiple locations.

  • Provide leadership in financial management, business development, and operational functions within the defense organization.

Roush rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers in a diverse range of industries. Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and manufacturing services to the transportation industry, Roush also provides significant support to the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America, our unique combination of creativity and tenacity activates big ideas. We want motivated, ambitious people who put the needs of our customers first, bring creativity to their work and will do whatever it takes to achieve success. If you share our passion for providing innovative solutions to complex challenges, we want you on our team.
At Roush, we work alongside the best and brightest to do incredibly cool things you wouldn't believe. At Roush, you are part of building the future.
The Vice President of Defense will define business strategy, investment priorities, and go-to-market strategy across the defense industry. The role will manage multiple client interfaces and work locations while overseeing complex programs in a dynamic environment. The role will provide organizational leadership across all teams and require strong communication skills as this position speaks to all parts of the organization (locally and globally), in addition to customers, vendors, etc. This role will be located onsite in Warren, MI.
As the Vice President Defense, you will:
  • Provide Strategy, Leadership and Direction for the Defense business.
  • Lead and oversee financials (profit, loss & sales margins) for Defense business including projections, forecasting, reconciliation, and presentation to executive leadership.
  • Provide leadership and direction on business priorities, client priorities, new business development and proposals to assure that business growth, sales and income targets are met.
  • Responsible for the direction of engineering, contracting, security, IT and compliance operations within the defense organization.
  • Work to continuously improve and reinforce the quality system to ensure quality is as expected.
  • Identify defense business focus areas for continuous improvement, development and execution of business initiatives, financial growth, and company culture.
  • Oversee and manage staff development strategies that support the business plan and strategic direction.
  • Create an environment supportive of positive employee engagement.
  • Oversee management and performance expectations of directors, managers, supervisors and leaders through performance feedback. Ensure strategic goals are created, cascaded, and implemented throughout the organizations that foster growth.

To be considered for the VP of Defense, you will need:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or related field of study.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience leading organizations executing projects or business in technical or defense industries.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience managing business financials (profit & loss, sales margins).
  • U.S. citizen.
  • Active, ongoing Department of Defense security clearance and ability to maintain clearance, up to Top Secret.
  • Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS), ITAR, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word and Excel) and other business management computer tools.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Strong ability to understand staffing demand and supply data metrics.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to make sound recommendations and provide guidance to effectively meet business priorities.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple business elements to a unified goal.

A successful candidate may also have:
  • Master's degree in engineering or MBA.
  • Experience working with the US Department of Defense.
  • Military proposal and contracting experience.
  • Minimum 10 years' experience in program management, engineering and/or operational experience in a branch of the military relevant to the business area.

Our full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, earned sick time, STD, LTD, 401K, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and paid holidays.
To apply for this position and view all of our other career opportunities at Roush, click here: https://jobs.roush.com/us/en/
Visit our website: www.roush.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoushCareers
Roush is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. If you need reasonable accommodation for our employment application process due to disability, please contact
Roush Talent Acquisition at (734) 779-7087.
#JT #LI-DNI

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