Jobs at Department of Defense

1,879,729 open positions

Department of Defense (DoD) leads the U.S. federal government in defense technology, driving innovation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. As the largest federal contractor, DoD partners with tech firms and research labs to develop secure software, advanced sensors, and resilient networks.

DoD hires a mix of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, systems architects, and embedded‑systems developers. Applicants can expect a structured hiring process, a need for a U.S. security clearance, and competitive base salaries that rise with experience and clearance level. Benefits often include health coverage, retirement plans, and paid leave, along with the opportunity to work on high‑impact national‑security projects.

Job Transparency lists DoD openings with full salary ranges and employee sentiment scores. This data lets candidates benchmark pay against industry averages, gauge team culture, and identify roles that match their skills and career goals. With transparent compensation and real‑time reviews, job seekers can tailor applications and negotiate more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to work at the Department of Defense?
Working at DoD offers structured career paths, exposure to cutting‑edge technology, high security standards, and a sense of national service. Employees often collaborate across agencies, benefit from extensive training, and enjoy robust benefits. However, the hiring process is rigorous, and roles often require security clearances and strict compliance protocols.
What types of positions are available?
DoD opens roles ranging from software development, data science, AI research, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, system engineering, to project management. Positions span from entry‑level engineer to senior architect, and include contract, permanent, and temporary assignments.
How can I stand out as an applicant?
Focus on security clearance readiness, demonstrate experience with secure coding and compliance standards, highlight contributions to open‑source or defense‑grade projects, and tailor your resume to DoD mission objectives. Networking with current DoD employees and showcasing certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, or any defense‑specific credentials will increase your visibility.

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