41 Defense Contractor
What is a Career in Defense Contracting Like?
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a defense contractor with Dr. Roger Smith.
Guest: Dr. Roger Smith is an expert in robotic surgery technologies, AI in healthcare, and military simulation and training. He has 30 years of experience creating technology solutions in healthcare, military defense, and the US government. He holds two doctoral degrees and three master’s degrees spanning business, computer science, and mathematics.
Connect with Roger:
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From fighter jets to simulators, Roger Smith shares what it means to work behind the scenes for the U.S. military. If you’re in high school or college and exploring careers in technology, engineering, or science, you may not have considered defense contracting — or even know what it is. In a recent episode of Unboxing Careers, host Greg Zakowicz sat down with Roger Smith, a seasoned defense contractor, to unpack the industry: what the job involves, how to break in, what kind of personality thrives there, and what a typical week actually looks like. Here’s a closer look at the career path Roger helped shed light on.
What Is Defense Contracting?
At its core, defense contracting means working for a private company that supports the military. These contractors don’t serve in uniform, but they build, design, and support nearly every piece of equipment that military personnel use — from aircraft to software to body armor.
Most people outside the industry have never really thought about who builds the tools the military relies on. But as Roger explains, “If the Air Force flies the plane, someone has to build the plane.” That someone is almost always a defense contractor — one of over 59,000 companies in the U.S. that do this work.
These companies build and support:
Fighter jets, helicopters, and tanks
Satellites, drones, and communication systems
Software for cybersecurity, logistics, and simulations
Even things like military boots, training simulators, and field gear
Whether it’s hardware, software, or services, if the military needs it — a defense contractor is likely involved.
Roger’s Path Into the Industry
Roger’s story is a great example of how many people discover this career path almost by accident. He started as a math major in college, thinking his future would be in education or insurance. But after shifting to operations research in graduate school — a field focused on solving complex efficiency problems — he stumbled into defense through job interviews.
Companies like Lockheed Martin and McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) were hiring engineers and analysts, and Roger learned about the field by sitting in interviews. He had no prior intention of working in defense, but it turned out to be a perfect match.
Many students follow a similar path — not by setting out to work in defense, but by studying math, engineering, or computer science and later discovering the breadth of the opportunities available. Often, they learn about the industry through:
Professors doing research funded by the military
College internship opportunities tied to defense projects
Realizing top-name tech jobs are ultra-competitive, while defense hiring is robust and widespread
What It's Like Working at Big vs. Small Defense Companies
Roger has worked at both ends of the spectrum — massive corporations with tens of thousands of employees, and small companies where everyone knows your name. The day-to-day experience and overall vibe can differ drastically depending on company size.
At Large Companies
These are the Lockheed Martins, Northrop Grummans, and Raytheons of the world — companies with global reputations and deep government ties.
Structured roles and processes
Well-defined job responsibilities
Strong benefits packages
Opportunities to work on world-famous projects like the F-16
Roger enjoyed the prestige and security of his early years at a large firm, but over time, the layers of management and bureaucracy began to wear on him.
At Small Companies
When Roger leaped a 100-person firm, he found a totally different environment.
More variety and flexibility in the work
Fewer layers of approval to get things done
Direct access to customers and decision-makers
A stronger sense of being valued and making a difference
Both environments have upsides. The question is what kind of atmosphere and structure works best for you. If you want predictability and clear direction, big companies are great. If you want agility and close-knit teams, a smaller shop might be your sweet spot.
What a Typical Week Looks Like
Daily life in defense contracting can vary based on your role, the company size, and the type of project. But Roger shared a few examples from his own career to give a sense of how workweeks can differ.
When he worked at a smaller company in Virginia, he led a team of five writing software for a military training simulator. Most days were focused and collaborative — minimal meetings, and lots of deep work.
“We met maybe two hours a week. The rest of the time, we were heads-down building stuff.”
Later, while bidding on a major contract with IBM, the rhythm changed dramatically.
“Four hours of meetings a day, every day. We spent more time talking about work than doing the work.”
So what determines your schedule?
Smaller projects = More hands-on building, fewer meetings
Larger collaborations = More coordination, planning, and daily check-ins
Your time might be spent writing code, testing systems, analyzing data, or troubleshooting problems — depending on your specialty.
Where the Jobs Are — and Why There Are So Many
If you’re wondering whether there’s demand in this industry, the answer is a big yes. Roger emphasized that defense contractors are hiring all across the country — not just in major cities or tech hubs.
There are an estimated 1 million engineers and technical professionals working in defense contracting in the U.S. And those jobs aren’t limited to places like D.C. or San Diego (though those are hot spots).
Most metro areas have defense contractors, even if you’ve never noticed them
Any town with a military base nearby likely has jobs supporting that base
Even smaller cities like Leavenworth, Kansas (yes, the one known for its prison) are home to major defense employers
In short: If you’re looking for a career that doesn’t require a big move, defense contracting may offer more local opportunities than you expect.
What Skills Do You Need to Succeed?
While strong technical skills are critical, Roger points out that the most successful people in this field bring a combination of abilities to the table.
Foundational Skills:
Math, science, and programming: These are table stakes for most technical roles.
Clear communication: Especially in team settings, being able to articulate what you’re doing is key.
Teamwork and accountability: Projects are complex and rely on collaboration.
Career Boosters:
Navigating office politics: Promotions and raises aren’t just about doing the work — they often require visibility and relationships.
Adaptability: Roles and projects shift, especially as companies win or lose contracts.
Proactivity: In small companies, especially, if something breaks, it’s your job to fix it.
And one big note: While you don’t need military experience to work in defense, you will often be working with former military officers. Being respectful, open-minded, and comfortable taking direction can go a long way.
Compensation and Benefits: What to Expect
Defense contracting offers strong compensation, even if it doesn’t always match the flashier numbers from top-tier tech firms. The value often comes from the full package.
What You Can Expect:
A competitive salary — typically average for your field and school
Solid benefits — including health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off
Job security — especially on long-term contracts that last years
Occasional bonuses — sometimes substantial, especially for senior-level contributors
While traditional pensions are largely gone, 401(k) programs are standard and often generous. Roger’s advice? Start contributing early, even if it feels irrelevant when you’re young. Compounding interest is your friend.
Is It the Right Career for You?
Not everyone is cut out for defense contracting — and that’s okay. But if you’re considering it, Roger suggests taking stock of a few traits that can help you thrive.
You’ll Probably Enjoy It If:
You’re technically-minded and enjoy solving real-world problems
You respect or support the military and are okay with your work being used in military operations
You appreciate structure, stability, and long-term projects
You want a solid middle- to upper-middle-class lifestyle with good benefits
You Might Struggle If:
You dislike bureaucracy or rigid hierarchies
You prefer creative work with lots of freedom and flexibility
You want to see immediate results from your work (some projects can take a decade)
Like any career, success in defense contracting comes from finding a role that fits your skills — and a company culture that fits your personality.
Roger’s Advice for Students Considering This Field
Roger’s closing advice for students was simple but important:
“Take your math, science, and technology classes seriously. This is the 21st century — and those are the fields shaping the future.”
He also reminds students not to get discouraged. Compared to many parts of the world, the U.S. offers abundant opportunities. The defense industry may not be the most glamorous path, but it’s meaningful, stable, and full of possibility.
Final Thoughts
Defense contracting isn’t a career most students think about — but maybe it should be. It’s one of the few industries where you can use your technical skills to contribute to national security, work on massive long-term projects, and build a solid career with strong benefits.
Whether you’re drawn to engineering, software development, data analysis, or project management, this behind-the-scenes industry has a lot to offer.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as a Defense Contractor
Defense contractors play a crucial role in supporting military operations.
Many individuals discover defense contracting during their job search.
A strong educational background in engineering or math is beneficial.
Job security in defense contracting is often higher than in other sectors.
Working for large companies can involve more bureaucracy than smaller firms.
The work culture can vary significantly between large and small companies.
Interpersonal skills are essential for success in defense contracting.
Pensions are becoming less common, with 401k plans being the standard.
Pro-military attitudes are often prevalent in the defense contracting industry.
The rewards of seeing your work contribute to national security can be fulfilling.
Interested in similar careers? Check out these episodes:
What is it Like Being a Mechanical Engineer w/ Kristian Villanueva
What is it Like Being a Mechanical Engineer w/ Brendan Englot
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