Military & Defense
See Your Defense Career Advance in FL
Florida is a hub for the military and defense industry, with over 20 military installations and 1,000 defense contractors located across the state. Boasting an economic impact of $102.6 billion and accounting for over 865,000 direct and indirect jobs, the sector is booming. Defense contractors in Florida are comprised of industry leaders including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems, making the state an obvious choice for anyone looking to expand or embark on their career in the industry. Whether you’re looking for a role in cybersecurity, biometrics or homeland security, you’ll find it in Florida.
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A Pillar of Florida’s Economy
When it comes to career stability and scale, few sectors in Florida match the depth of military and defense. The state is home to more than 20 major military installations and three unified combatant commands, creating an ecosystem where contractors, government agencies and military branches operate in conjunction. From MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa to Eglin Air Force Base in the Panhandle and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, these installations support national security and create sustained demand for skilled talent.
Major global defense contractors have recognized what Florida offers and planted deep roots here. Companies like Blue Origin now employ nearly 4,000 people in Brevard County alone, with over $2.3 billion invested with 500 suppliers across the state. For professionals looking to build a sustainable long-term career, Florida’s military and defense industry offers an unbeatable foundation.
Where Your Skills Find Their Mission
Defense companies in Florida offer opportunities in engineering, cybersecurity, logistics and research and development, with technical skills in software development, mechanical design and systems integration among the most highly valued. Whether you’re a cybersecurity specialist or a supply chain manager, there’s a place for your expertise here. Looking for more of an aerospace or aviation career? We’ve got that, too.
For those transitioning out of active duty, Florida has built one of the strongest on-ramps in the country. Veterans Florida coordinates placements through the DoD SkillBridge program, connecting transitioning service members with Florida employers across sectors including defense and homeland security at no cost to the participant, who keeps their full military pay and benefits throughout. Active SkillBridge partners include major defense contractors such as L3Harris Technologies, which offers opportunities in communications, electronic warfare and space systems and Northrop Grumman, which has hosted nearly 660 transitioning military members since 2020, with a 95% full-time employment offer rate.
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