How can I get hired with a defense contractor?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 03:52:06 -0400

I am looking into a career with defense companies. However I am kinda new and kinda young. No deployments or any combat experience. Does anyone know about any companies that would hire someone like me doesn't have to be anything big and flashy or anything that involves fighting just something to help me get my foot into the door.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 5:29 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 05:29:37 -0400

Well, This will depend on your particular interest and skill sets. There are many Defense Contractors that provide a multitude of services to the DoD. a few that comes to mind are Brown & Root (Halibertan), General Dynamics, Lockheed Martian, ManTech, CACI, Sikorsky Aircraft, Colt Firearms....they hire in a multitude of service areas...Mechnics, Info Tech, Security, Ship Building...Brown and Root hires in just about every field of endeavor....Cooks, Carpenters, Mechanics, electricians, plumbers...So its really based on what skills you have to offer the company....if you are single...and like the idea of providing services to DoD personnel overseas, often times these contractors pay quite well for a 6 month - 1 year tour. I have barely touched the surface here...there are plenty of opportunities out there...

Response by Sgt Chris Lima made Oct 20 at 2016 7:41 AM

Sgt Chris Lima — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 07:41:53 -0400

Why not look in to federal civilian service? As a veteran, you will get at least a 5 point preference. There are lots of entry level positions which can lead to a pretty good career.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Oct 20 at 2016 8:37 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 08:37:44 -0400

It is all about tailoring your resume and finding the right job that matches your skill set. Use Keywords, recruiters love to use online job boards to seek candidates. Also, be willing to relocate. One of the first questions I was asked when I spoke with a recruiter was, "Where do you live and how long is your commute to DC?"

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 20 at 2016 9:27 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 09:27:52 -0400

Well I don't know anyone hiring, but the best way to get your foot in the door is to know someone personally. I got my job as a contractor because one of the SSgts put in a good word for me. I probably wouldn't have even heard about the job if he didn't tell me they were hiring. Best thing to do is branch out and make connections. Not just in your immediate work environment but in other shops too. I made myself a known name in 9 different squadrons before I got out and built myself a reputation where people wanted my experience. So when it came time to me looking for a job, I had senior enlisted and officers throwing jobs in my direction.

You might be new blood and young, but that doesn't mean you can't learn. Improve in everything. Get as many certifications or qualifications that you can. Make yourself well rounded while also being a subject matter expert. And definitely make those connections so people will be thinking of you when a job opens up.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 20 at 2016 4:29 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 16:29:01 -0400

I made the transition from military to defense contractor. Here's my thoughts on getting hired. First, it's a major advantage that you have a bachelors degree in IT. I'm guessing you're looking for a job in the IT area. I see you're an automated logistics specialist. If you work with automated systems as part of your job, that provides an area of potential employment. Figure out who the contractors are that developed the automated system you use and who has the maintenance contract. These companies are potential employers. Your bachelors degree is fairly recent. If your school offers job placement assistance, take advantage of it. Most government contractors, such as CSRA, Northrup, IBM, DRC, have jobs posted on line. So will all the commercial hardware and software companies (Dell, Microsoft, etc.). If you're location flexible, you may be able to find an entry-level position quickly.

A word about job titles: Job titles are not consistent across corporations. Sometimes not even across business units in a corporation. Read the job description and qualifications to help determine if you're qualified. Most likely you're best suited for what my old employer called "Research Assistant" or "Junior Analyst." These were entry level positions for young folks with a bachelors degree and little to no experience.

Networking is important. Look for professional groups in your area of interest. Visit a meeting. If it looks like a potentially useful group to further your opportunity to find a job, join the group. Examples include National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and Association of the US Army (AUSA).

I enjoyed being a government contractor, but the better deal in my opinion is being a government employee. The benefits are as good or better than private sector companies, compensation is competitive, and job stability is excellent. With a BS and some experience you should be able to get a GS09 position. Again, agency and location flexibility are important to getting hired. Look on USA Jobs. If you can find an upward mobility position (GS09/11/12) it's even a better deal.

Good luck. Send me an personal message if you have question I might be able to help with.

Response by PV2 Trey Baucum made Oct 20 at 2016 7:03 PM

PV2 Trey Baucum — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 19:03:22 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2016 2:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 14:08:33 -0400

Judging by your current unit id recommend reclassing to 37. More opportunities with that MOS especially in the Fed or Private sector. If that's not something you want to chase, MAJ Orecchio put out some great info.