Loading
Recruiting for defense contractors, ITAR-controlled programs, and clearance-required roles.
Overview read · 0 of 13 chapters
Defense tech recruiting is fundamentally different from commercial tech recruiting. The industry operates on government contracts with distinct acquisition channels (SBIR/STTR, OTA, FAR/DFARS). The customer is ultimately the Department of Defense—but within that are the Army, Navy, Air Force/Space Force, SOCOM, and Intelligence Community, each with different timelines and processes. Understanding security clearances, export controls, and procurement pathways is non-negotiable for sourcing in this space.
Highlighted pills — primary tools most commonly listed in job descriptions for this discipline.
The defense tech market is bifurcated: legacy primes (Lockheed, Raytheon, Northrop, General Dynamics) hire with process, and venture-backed startups (Anduril, Palantir, Shield AI, Rebellion Defense) hire with urgency. Clearances are the single biggest friction point — an active TS/SCI commands a 20-40% salary premium and attracts intense competition. Always ask clearance status first.