15 Top Defense Companies Hiring in 2025

The defense industry stands at a critical juncture, with over 67% of aerospace and defense companies facing an unprecedented talent crisis in filling critical positions in 2024. This workforce crisis emerges as U.S. defense spending reaches $603.9 billion, marking transformative shifts in defense sector capabilities.

Defense organizations are experiencing milestone achievements in growth, with industry leaders generating substantial defense revenue – Lockheed Martin at $64.65 billion and RTX reporting $40.6 billion for FY23. The defense sector expansion reflects increasingly competitive market conditions, driven by global conflicts affecting approximately 59 countries at war in 2022, establishing one of 2024’s most significant challenges as conflict numbers nearly doubled since 2019.

This JOBSwithDOD comprehensive analysis examines defense contractors actively hiring in 2025, providing detailed insights into compensation structures, benefits packages, and professional development opportunities.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Job Opportunities

The Advanced Technology Center (ATC) stands at the forefront of institutional expertise, with over 500 technologists addressing mission-critical solutions. These professionals implement innovative solutions through space sciences, laser technologies, and advanced engineering capabilities.

Lockheed Martin Salary Ranges

The organization’s compensation framework reflects $114,756 annually, while technical positions command $100,916 to $130,169. Through structured career advancement pathways, 5G Product Managers secure up to $155,531, as Program Management positions achieve $133,994.

Key Technology Focus Areas

The institutional knowledge encompasses:

• Space Sciences & Instrumentation
• Optical Sensing & Laser Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
• Space Security & Communications
• Advanced Engineering Materials

Employee Benefits and Culture

The enterprise invested $1 billion towards workforce development. Through comprehensive frameworks, personnel access flexible arrangements, enhanced leave policies, and health programs. The systematic approach includes 24 wellness facilities across 22 locations, delivering occupational support. The structured development pathway incorporates education assistance, professional advancement initiatives, and retirement solutions with enterprise contributions.

RTX (Raytheon Technologies)

RTX Career Paths

The organization’s structure spans Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon divisions. Positions extend through engineering domains, digital frameworks, and operational units. With presence extending to over 30 U.S. states and 30 countries, the enterprise maintains on-site, hybrid, and remote work frameworks.

RTX Compensation Structure

The enterprise outlines compensation frameworks where median personnel earn $141,123 annually. The framework encompasses:

• Wellness initiatives through 24 locations
• Schedule flexibility with 9/80 options
• Educational advancement support
• Military personnel transition support

Major Development Programs

RTX invested $2.9 billion in research and development through 2024, establishing technological foundations. The enterprise secured $218 billion in agreements, distributing $125 billion to commercial sectors and $93 billion to defense initiatives.

The Raytheon unit demonstrated 18% gains in operational results, achieving $728 million by Q4 2024. The Pratt & Whitney segment recorded 18% revenue expansion through enhanced delivery volumes in Large Commercial Engine units.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Employment Areas

Northrop Grumman exceeds the national average with compensation reaching $127,183. Technical domains command distinct packages:

• Engineering specialists: $121,232 annually
• IT domain experts: $114,087 annually
• Operations personnel: $84,407 annually
• Legal practitioners: $151,722 annually

Growth Opportunities

Northrop Grumman implements specialized programs:

• Future Technical Leaders (FTL) program targeting advanced degrees
• Architect Apprenticeship Program fostering technological expertise
• Systems Engineering Associates initiative
• Pathways Program offering three-year rotational experiences
• Technical Fellows recognition for distinguished contributors

Projections suggesting accelerated international market penetration shape organizational direction. The compound annual growth rate of 14% from 2023 to 2028 establishes enhanced opportunities for specialized roles and career progression.

Boeing Defense

Through systematic identification of talent requirements, Boeing Defense implements structured approaches across military and civilian sectors. The division stands at the forefront of implementing virtual hiring processes, with AI-driven insights guiding recruitment across technical domains.

Boeing Defense Job Openings

The organization faces an unprecedented demand for skilled professionals through comprehensive frameworks spanning design, systems, and manufacturing roles. Adding to these challenges, the division places emphasis on military personnel, who constitute approximately 14% of the U.S. workforce.

Boeing Defense Salary Data

Knowledge management systems reveal annual compensation reaching $90,713, roughly ranging between $79,888 and $102,404. Strategic workforce planning indicates specialized role compensation:

• Design & Analysis positions: $115,736 annually
• Senior Systems positions: $96,145 annually
• Software Development roles: $102,435 annually

Work Environment and Benefits

At Boeing Defense, the benefits and work environment are poised to attract talent through systematic frameworks. Some examples include support for education advancement up to $15,000 for undergraduate and $25,000 for graduate studies. Implementing structured approaches, the division provides health coverage through approximately 24 wellness facilities, with matching contributions reaching $10,000 annually.

Career progression paths include dollar-for-dollar retirement matching on roughly 10% of contributions. Through mentorship programs, the division supports family-focused policies offering 12 weeks of comprehensive leave for life events.

General Dynamics

The company’s four segments – Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies – establish its presence in developing business jets, combat vehicles, and nuclear submarines.

General Dynamics Career Options

The organization’s recruitment efforts concentrate on cloud computing, intelligence operations, and enterprise IT. The Technologies unit delivers software solutions and mission-support services, with emphasis on IT networks, cyber systems, and intelligence solutions.

Compensation Packages

Personnel receive $124,888 annually on average, while median earnings reach $120,731. Engineering specialists earn $116,570 yearly, IT experts receive $116,085, and legal staff command $148,344. Day-one benefits include health programs and skill enhancement initiatives.

Technology Focus

Digital acceleration projects yielded $2 billion in agreements during 2023. Key areas include:

• Zero trust architecture and operational AI
• 5G implementation and multi-cloud management
• Software factory capabilities
• Post-quantum cryptography
• Digital engineering

The firm sustains active participation in healthcare programs and charitable endeavors through staff volunteer initiatives. Plans indicate digital engineering will become the ninth strategic focus, broadening technical reach.

L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Job Categories

The outlook for 2025 appears promising with positions spanning engineering design, business operations, and new graduate roles. The company stands at the forefront of air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. National security, civil service, and transportation safety initiatives pose significant risks to mission success.

Salary Ranges and Benefits

Talent demand remains a top priority, with material handlers earning $56,800 and quality analysts reaching $177,198. FedRAMP-authorized programs support IO psychologists and incumbent workers. The company’s unprecedented talent crisis drives relationships fostering future innovators.

Innovation Areas

Defense sector innovation encompasses:

• Enhanced Night Vision Systems with digital overlays
• Post-Launch Communications Systems for naval forces
• Fiber-optic cable tether technology for improved torpedo capabilities

The DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) enabled delivery of 18,000 ENVG-B systems to the Army. Organizational health scores reflect artificial intelligence integration and open-system architecture development.

BAE Systems

BAE Systems has emerged as a prominent entity in electronic warfare and intelligence solutions. The organization’s core emphasis centers on defense electronics and energy control systems.

BAE Systems Employment Opportunities

The enterprise maintains roles spanning multiple domains. Personnel arrangements incorporate flexible scheduling options.

Salary Structure

The organization’s remuneration framework reveals software specialists receiving between $93,200 to $175,000 yearly. Additional positions reflect competitive earnings:

• Hardware specialists: $86,800 to $128,000
• Architecture specialists: $175,000
• Program leadership: $183,000
• Security specialists: $175,875

Employee Development Programs

The organization’s principal advancement initiative, established in 2013, exhibits notable outcomes. The framework achieved 96% participant continuity, while 40% advanced professionally. Elements incorporate practical assignments and guidance opportunities addressing enterprise requirements. Support extends through educational assistance and wellness facilities across multiple sites.

Leidos

Leidos Career Paths

The Department of Defense framework spans defense, intelligence, civil, and health sectors. The company’s systematic identification connects service members with cybersecurity, software development, and systems integration roles. The organization’s structured approaches offer on-site, remote, and hybrid positions based on mission requirements.

Compensation Details

The Department’s approach to workforce development emphasizes:

• HSA-compatible consumer-directed medical coverage
• National PPO and regional HMO dental plans
• Life insurance matching base salary to $1 million
• Travel protection reaching $500,000

The Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program provides immediate 401(k) access with 100% match for 6% eligible earnings. White House Leadership Development Program participants receive 10% stock purchase discounts.

Work Culture

The Executive Leadership Development Program reflects core principles of integrity, inclusion, innovation, agility, and collaboration. The Defense Senior Leader Development Program establishes direct communication pathways. Supporting 48,000 personnel globally, the Vanguard Senior Executive Development Program maintains scheduling flexibility with 11 annual holidays.

Huntington Ingalls Industries

HII Job Openings

Three operational units shape HII’s maritime excellence: Newport News Shipbuilding leads Virginia’s industrial landscape with 25,000 personnel, Ingalls Shipbuilding maintains Mississippi’s manufacturing leadership through 11,000 skilled workers, and Mission Technologies delivers specialized solutions.

Salary Information

Personnel earnings reflect market leadership, ranging from $45,863 for Master Electricians to $153,642 for specialized roles. Support frameworks include:

• Medical support programs
• Life protection reaching $1 million
• Retirement contributions
• Learning assistance

Career Growth

Maritime excellence receives $110 million yearly for skill enhancement. Virginia and Mississippi locations house specialized maritime instruction centers. Mission Technologies, with 7,000 specialists, leads AI implementation, information processing, security operations, and training solutions.

Educational partnerships strengthen personnel capabilities. Military service recognition from U.S. Labor authorities validates HII’s dedication to service member placement.

SAIC

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) demonstrates its position in technology integration through $7.40 billion in revenue. The enterprise encompasses 24,000 professionals serving defense, space, civilian, and intelligence sectors.

SAIC Employment Areas

The enterprise aligns operations across Army, Navy, Air Force and Combatant Commands, Space and Intelligence, and Civilian segments. The Army unit addresses military systems. The Navy division executes maritime projects. The Space and Intelligence group advances orbital capabilities.

Salary Ranges

The enterprise establishes market-aligned pay, with yearly earnings at $95,193. Position-specific ranges include:

• Sales leadership: $161,164 to $229,263
• Performance analysis: $104,119 to $125,332
• Systems evaluation: $79,723 to $98,755

Technology Focus

The enterprise emphasizes:

• Mission systems integration
• Digital transformation
• Edge computing applications
• Intelligence processing
• Network modernization

The enterprise secured notable progress in systems delivery, establishing extensive offerings in essential functions. The digital infrastructure connects combat equipment and platforms, enabling full operational visibility.

Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton’s fiscal performance reached $10.70 billion in 2024, with 35,800 professionals contributing to mission-essential programs.

Booz Allen Career Options

The enterprise directs efforts across essential domains. Defense units advance military modernization efforts. Intelligence groups oversee data processing operations. Civil teams guide federal transformation projects.

Compensation Structure

Personnel earnings begin at $63,680 for information specialists and extend to $234,250 for principal technical roles. Domain-specific roles receive:

• Systems specialists: $92,600 to $234,000
• Analytics experts: $96,000 to $166,000
• Advisory practitioners: $77,500 to $152,000

Retirement programs match contributions dollar-for-dollar to 6% of qualified earnings. Staff gain immediate access to short-duration coverage and consumer-directed medical programs.

Innovation Programs

Resources concentrate on processing capabilities and network protection. Strategic agreements with AWS enhance federal agency modernization. Joint efforts emphasize cloud transitions, network protection, and machine learning applications, supported through 27 technical facilities nationwide.

CACI International

CACI International sustains operations through 15,000 skilled practitioners, addressing requirements in intelligence, security, and federal sectors.

CACI Job Opportunities

The organization structures activities through six essential units: systems creation, program advancement, network operations, analysis functions, knowledge transfer, and administrative support. The systems group validates radio equipment and hardware specifications. The program team evaluates platform updates and quality measures. The analysis section executes vital assignments.

Salary Data

Personnel receive $95,221 yearly, with ranges spanning $83,721 to $107,993. Present role-specific earnings include:

• Account Specialists II (TS/SCI Poly): $65,011 yearly
• Administration III: $54,309 yearly
• Geographic Information Specialists: Beginning at $15 hourly
• Resource Directors: Maximum $34 hourly

Employee Benefits

The organization initiates support measures upon joining. Elements contain medical support, future planning with institutional matching, and time allocation frameworks. Health facilities exist across multiple sites, supporting practitioner needs. Work arrangements adapt to individual requirements, enabling life-work equilibrium.

Amentum

Transformative shifts in defense technology capabilities mark Amentum’s $105 million contract for electronic warfare systems development in 2024.

The enterprise stands at the forefront through three pivotal domains:

• Defense systems with emphasis on engineering and protection measures
• Environmental projects managing Antarctic stations
• Mission-critical operations for military preparedness

The enterprise offers $104,851 median yearly earnings, reaching between $92,197 and $118,903. Select positions command:

• Team Submarine Logistics: $134,452
• Academic Course Managers: $105,209
• Access Control Officers: $82,863

Essential program elements center on:

• Digital engineering foundations
• Model-driven system methods
• Protection measures for equipment
• Supply network safeguards
• System longevity evaluations

The milestone achievement reflects $3.40 billion in Q1 2025. With $45 billion in secured projects, operations extend across 80 nations.

SpaceX

SpaceX Defense Division Jobs

The unit emphasizes constructing networks involving classified orbital platforms. Present openings involve orbital system creation, mission control, and protection duties. Protection specialists receive $22.25 each hour, exceeding standard industry rates by 38%.

Salary Information

Position-specific payments reflect clearance levels and specializations. The framework includes:

• Medical coverage with directed consumer options
• Ownership participation choices
• Career enhancement paths
• Day-one pension eligibility

Technology Programs

The unit concentrates on orbital platform advancements. February 2025 saw deployment of six threat-detection platforms, with two supporting Missile Defense needs and four aiding Space Development priorities. These units maintain continuous observation abilities from low Earth positions.

The Starshield effort aims to strengthen protection measures through space-centered answers. The framework joins observation units with data-relay platforms using laser connections. Such abilities permit quick identification and monitoring for protection applications.

Anduril Industries

The Ohio manufacturing site marks a notable shift through $900 million funding, establishing a five-million-square-foot production center. This facility expects to introduce 4,008 positions within ten years.

Anduril Employment Options

The organization’s structure encompasses distinct groups addressing unmanned platforms and military equipment. The protection unit handles anti-drone and water monitoring. The flight operations group oversees unmanned aerial units including Bolt and Barracuda. The underwater section produces vessels addressing shallow and deep requirements.

Compensation Packages

Technology specialists receive yearly payments between $233,000 and $406,000. Role-specific earnings include:

• System architects: $273,000 yearly
• Principal specialists: $363,000 yearly
• Senior technical staff: $406,000 yearly

Innovation Focus

The central platform, Lattice, enables:

• Direction and oversight functions
• Independent operation abilities
• Connected system frameworks
• Integration with external units

The enterprise established machine learning partnerships to strengthen military readiness. Research priorities address conventional and emerging propulsion methods.

FAQs

Q1. What is the typical salary range for defense contractors? Defense contractor salaries in the US generally range from $51,571 to $405,553, with an average of $101,071. However, compensation can vary significantly based on factors like experience, specialization, and security clearance level.

Q2. Which defense companies are considered the best employers? Top-rated defense employers include the National Security Agency (NSA), Sierra Nevada Corporation, The Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and Ball Aerospace. These companies are often praised for their work environments, benefits, and career growth opportunities.

Q3. Who is the largest defense contractor by revenue? Lockheed Martin is widely recognized as the largest defense contractor by revenue. It holds the top spot in terms of defense-related income and is the world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer.

Q4. What are some of the leading defense companies in the industry? Prominent defense companies include Lockheed Martin, RTX (Raytheon Technologies), Northrop Grumman, Boeing Defense, and General Dynamics. These organizations are known for their innovative technologies and significant contributions to national security.

Q5. How do defense companies invest in employee development? Many defense companies prioritize employee development through comprehensive benefits packages, professional growth programs, and substantial investments in training. For example, Huntington Ingalls Industries invests over $110 million annually in workforce development initiatives, while others offer tuition assistance and specialized leadership programs.