Defense Contractor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced warfare, the importance of defense contractors has escalated like never before.

As military technology evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop, adapt, and secure our defense systems becomes paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a defense contractor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of defense contracting,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive defense contractor job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Defense Contractor Duties and Responsibilities

Defense Contractors, also known as military contractors, work with the defense sector of the government to provide a range of services, including production and supply of military equipment, logistics, technical support, and more.

Their duties and responsibilities typically include:

• Developing, manufacturing, and supplying military-grade equipment and weaponry
• Providing specialized technical support and maintenance services for military hardware
• Training military personnel on the use and maintenance of supplied equipment
• Designing and implementing security systems and protocols for various defense organizations
• Conducting research and development for the advancement of military technology
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and quality standards in the production and supply of defense equipment
• Providing logistical support services, including transportation and supply chain management
• Developing and maintaining relationships with government representatives and defense officials
• Preparing detailed reports and documentation on contract progress and deliverables
• Performing risk assessment and management to ensure the safety and reliability of provided services and products

 

Defense Contractor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a diligent and professional Defense Contractor to provide valuable services to our federal government clients in the defense sector.

Your duties will involve collaborating with military leaders, assessing security risks, developing defense strategies, and providing expert advice on the best defense equipment and technology.

Our ideal candidate is someone with strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a deep understanding of military operations and defense strategies.

 

Responsibilities

• Work closely with military leaders to assess security risks and develop appropriate defense strategies
• Advise on the procurement of defense equipment, technology, and facilities
• Oversee the manufacturing, testing, and implementation of defense technologies
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal laws, regulations, and contract specifications
• Coordinate with other defense contractors, government agencies, and military personnel
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for military leadership and government officials
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in defense technology and strategies
• Manage budgets and allocate resources efficiently

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Defense Contractor or in a similar role within the military or defense industry
• Deep understanding of military operations and defense strategies
• Knowledge of federal laws and regulations related to defense contracting
• Excellent problem-solving and strategic planning abilities
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• A degree in Military Science, Defense Studies, or a related field is preferred
• Security clearance may be required

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Defense Contractor
• Work Environment: This role may require extensive travel to different military bases and defense facilities, including potential overseas travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Contract Manager or Project Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $120,000 minimum to $200,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Defense Contractor Do?

Defense Contractors are vital players in the defense industry, working closely with government or military agencies to provide them with the resources they need to function and carry out missions efficiently.

They are typically involved in the design, production, and supply of military goods or services, which can range from weapons and military technology to vehicles, aircraft, and other critical infrastructure.

This could include creating cutting-edge radar systems, engineering the latest combat vehicles, or even building military bases and facilities.

Defense Contractors may also provide training, intelligence, and logistical support services.

This might involve preparing military personnel for deployment or even offering strategic advice to government officials.

In addition to this, Defense Contractors are often responsible for conducting research and development activities to pioneer new technologies that can give their country an edge in military operations.

Defense Contractors are also responsible for ensuring their products and services are delivered on time, within budget, and meet stringent quality and safety standards.

They must also comply with all relevant laws and regulations, which can often be quite complex due to the sensitive nature of their work.

Finally, they often serve as liaisons between the government and private sector, helping to negotiate contracts, resolve disputes, and facilitate communication between the two parties.

 

Defense Contractor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient defense contractor should have the skills and qualifications necessary to fulfill their role effectively, such as:

• Technical knowledge in defense systems, weapons, military equipment, and strategies to provide effective solutions for defense-related projects.
• Strong understanding of defense regulations and compliance laws to ensure all projects adhere to necessary legal standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to address and resolve issues that may arise in the planning or implementation of defense projects.
• Superior communication and negotiation skills for liaising with government officials, military personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring each is completed on time and within budget.
• Financial literacy to manage budgets, perform cost analyses, and contribute to the financial planning of projects.
• A good understanding of engineering principles and practices, as many defense projects require an engineering background.
• High level of integrity and a strong sense of ethics, due to the sensitive nature of defense projects and information.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain strong relationships with clients and team members.

 

Defense Contractor Experience Requirements

Defense contractors often require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in fields such as engineering, business administration, or computer science, along with relevant experience in the defense industry.

For entry-level positions, candidates may need 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level roles in defense-related organizations or projects.

These individuals should have gained knowledge about the defense industry, government contracts, and possibly some technical or engineering skills.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience are often expected to have a deeper understanding of their specialization, whether it’s engineering, systems analysis, project management or finance.

They may have worked on defense projects, been involved in procurement processes, or worked directly with defense technologies.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may be suitable for senior roles within the defense contracting industry.

At this level, individuals are often expected to have leadership experience and a well-rounded understanding of the defense industry, including knowledge of defense acquisition regulations, contract negotiation, and strategic planning.

In some cases, a master’s degree or a relevant certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) may be required or preferred, especially for advanced roles.

Top security clearance may also be required for certain roles, which entails a thorough background investigation and the ability to pass stringent security checks.

 

Defense Contractor Education and Training Requirements

Defense Contractors typically require a bachelor’s degree in an area related to the defense industry such as engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, or physics.

Some roles may demand specialized degrees such as aerospace engineering or nuclear physics, depending on the nature of the defense project.

They usually need a strong background in their specialized field and should have a clear understanding of governmental regulations and standards.

For certain high-level or specialized roles, a master’s degree or Ph.D. may be required.

This could involve advanced study in areas such as strategic defense planning, defense technology innovation, or international security studies.

In addition to formal education, defense contractors often require security clearances.

These clearances involve thorough background checks and can take a significant amount of time to obtain.

Many defense contractors also undergo specialized training courses and certification programs that are relevant to their area of expertise.

These might include certifications in project management, cybersecurity, or specific defense technologies.

Continuing education is important in this field due to the rapidly evolving nature of defense technology.

This could involve attending workshops, conferences, or courses on new technologies or defense strategies.

Experience in the military or government agencies can also be beneficial in understanding the unique requirements and protocols of defense contracting.

 

Defense Contractor Salary Expectations

A Defense Contractor earns an average salary of $89,450 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary, taking into consideration factors such as years of experience in the defense industry, area of expertise, level of security clearance, and the geographic location of the job.

 

Defense Contractor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Defense Contractor need?

Defense Contractors need to have strong strategic planning and project management skills, as they are often tasked with overseeing complex projects that involve various stakeholders.

They also need to have a deep understanding of military operations, equipment, and technology.

Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills are also crucial in this role.

 

Do Defense Contractors need a degree?

Most Defense Contractors are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as engineering, computer science, or business.

However, extensive experience in the defense industry or military service can sometimes be considered in lieu of a degree.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work, many employers also require defense contractors to have security clearance.

 

What should you look for in a Defense Contractor resume?

When looking at a Defense Contractor’s resume, you should look for experience in managing projects, working with military operations, and dealing with defense technology.

Degrees in engineering, computer science, business or related fields should also be considered.

Certifications in project management can be a plus.

Additionally, check for any indication of security clearances or the ability to obtain one.

 

What qualities make a good Defense Contractor?

Good Defense Contractors are disciplined, reliable, and adept at managing complex projects.

They have a solid understanding of military operations and can work well under pressure.

Their problem-solving skills are top-notch, and they are able to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.

They are also ethical, as they often deal with sensitive information.

 

Is it difficult to hire Defense Contractors?

Hiring Defense Contractors can be challenging due to the specialized skills and clearance requirements often associated with these roles.

It is important to have a rigorous selection process in place to ensure candidates have the necessary experience, skills, and ethical standards.

It may also be helpful to work with a recruitment agency specializing in the defense sector.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it truly means to be a defense contractor.

Surprise surprise?

It’s not just about strategizing defense.

It’s about safeguarding our nation’s security, one contract at a time.

With our spot-on defense contractor job description template and real-world examples, you’re well on your way to making your mark.

But why halt your momentum?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your key to meticulously designed listings or perfecting your resume to the highest standard.

Keep this in mind:

Each contract is a piece of the national defense puzzle.

Let’s safeguard our future. Together.

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