Whether building out new intelligence software, satellite tracking platforms, communication hardware or even manufacturing fighter jets, the government agencies often work with contractors specializing in niche tech services. Defense contractors in the United States, for instance, are some of the largest tech employers hiring for roles like systems engineers and intelligence analysts. Below, we’ve rounded up some top defense contractors hiring for a wide range of roles.
Top Defense Contractors to Know
- BAE Systems
- Lockheed Martin
- RTX
- Boeing
- Honeywell
- The Aerospace Corporation
- Northrup Grumman
Top Defense Contractors
Honeywell is a multinational organization that develops everything from sensors to airliners. The company has a long history of working with defense organizations, designing helicopter engines, energy solutions, satellite control systems and more.
Honeybee Robotics is a Colorado-based company that works with NASA and defense contractors. The company specializes in exploration products, including sample collection and handling systems for planetary rovers. Honeybee’s recent work with NASA includes building lunar power grids and storage systems, among other pursuits.
BAE Systems develops aerospace, defense and security products. With its large international employee headcount, the company has a long history of manufacturing aircraft, ground vehicles and weapons systems. In more recent year, it’s has branched into tech by developing security platforms and sensor systems that use the latest advanced technologies.
L3Harris Technologies develops air, space, land and vehicles with defense and civil capabilities. Besides its defense work, the company also invests in cyber solutions, including products like training software and command center platforms.
York Space Systems is a Colorado-based aerospace company with defense contracts spanning until 2027. The company works with both the U.S. Government and Fortune 500 companies and focuses on developing spacecraft solutions that improve affordability and reliability.
The Aerospace Corporation is a defense company that focuses on digital products and professional services. Working with multiple agencies, it provides technical guidance for space missions and rocket launches. The Aerospace Corporation has also developed hardware and software that use AI and machine learning to simulate telescope data.
Northrop Grumman is an aerospace company that routinely employs IT and cybersecurity professionals. The company develops some of the most advanced air, land, sea and cyber systems, often incorporating autonomous capabilities.
GE Aerospace has secured millions of dollars worth of government contracts to manufacture heavy-lift helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Its day-to-day work includes developing and servicing propulsion systems.
Lockheed Martin is one of the largest defense contractors for the Department of Defense, or DoD. Since 1912, the company has been at the forefront of defense technology and developed influential products like the F-16 fighter jet and Black Hawk helicopter. Lockheed has locations across the country and also recruits for remote roles.
General Atomics is a defense company known for developing autonomous aircraft systems. The company also creates the components needed for reconnaissance aircraft, such as radars and electro-optic sensors. General Atomics also develops missile defense systems and aircraft launch systems.
Peraton is a tech-based government contractor that develops cyber, digital and cloud solutions for space and intelligence missions. One of its most recent projects with the DOD included building HR applications and data services.
Founded by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, SpaceX is an aerospace company that works with the U.S. Space Force. In its work with the Space Force, the company launched a satellite network as part of the Starshield communication system. SpaceX has also launched rockets into outer space for commercial and civil endeavors.
Huntington Ingalls Industries, or HII, is one of the largest military shipbuilders in the United States. The company manufactures marine vehicles, including aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and submarines. HII also provides digital services like cloud computing, data analytics and defense AI.
General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that manufactures everything from passenger jets to nuclear submarines. Its headquarters are in Reston, Virginia, and it operates in over 40 countries. One of its most notable government projects includes substantial IT modernization projects for the U.S. Central Command, or Centcom.
Amentum is a professional services company that often contracts with the U.S. government. While the company does not manufacture defense vehicles, it plays a significant role in training pilots and counterintelligence staff.
Anduril is a defense company that takes a proactive approach to product development. Before going to market, the company invests significant resources in research and development for its systems, including autonomous air vehicles and surveillance systems. Anduril is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California but has locations throughout the United States.
Boeing is one of the largest aviation companies in the world. It’s most well known for manufacturing commercial aircrafts, but it also produces aircraft for the Air Force. Some of its defense work includes providing C-17 transport aircraft, as well as developing and maintaining weapon support systems.
French aviation company Airbus is known for its commercial aircraft but also operates a defense and space division. With a base in Merritt Island, Florida, the company has developed various military vehicles and NSA-certified encryption devices for land communication.
RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is one of the biggest contractors with the Department of Defense and hires over 60,000 engineers to develop new products. In addition to its air and land systems, RTX is heavily interested in transformative technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced sensing and electrification.
Leidos is a global tech, defense and energy organization headquartered in Virginia. The company has over 40,000 employees worldwide and provides world governments with advanced engineering and IT services. For example, its RC-12X Cockpit Trainer uses aviation hardware to provide virtual training for pilots.
