Defence and Security

The defense and security industry focuses on the design and development of products and services that the U.S. military and Department of Defense (DoD) can use to protect the country. Working closely with the aerospace and technology industries, this field produces new technologies and products to meet the increased need for stringent security including operations against physical, chemical, and biological threats, missile and cyber threats. These products are typically very expensive to produce so manufacturers contract with branches of the military or other government departments. Defense and security products can include anything from aircraft, military vehicles, missiles, weaponry, identity verification software, surveillance software, and more.

The national security of the United States is organized by the federal government under the DoD, operating from Washington, D.C. A vast number of manufacturers contribute directly or indirectly to the country's defense efforts. The DoD employs its own staff of scientists, engineers, and researchers, who explore, design, develop, and implement many technologies vital to the country's national defense. The DoD also procures the manufacturing of all the necessary products, technologies, and materials supplied by commercial manufacturers that design and produce them.

Industry summary sourced from FirstHand Vault Guide.

RECRUITING TIMELINE

Depending on the type of employer and the role, recruitment timelines vary. Governmental organizations, large companies, and manufacturers recruit most heavily in the fall for positions starting in the spring or summer. Opportunities still exist beyond the fall but are often more niche opportunities with smaller companies. Additionally, companies will hire throughout the year depending on the needs and demands of their projects or government contracts.

Seek opportunities to connect with employers at fall events such as the fall Engineering Career Fair, as well as at employer table talks, employer-in-residence, Ask Alumni Anything chats, and student organization meetings. Search for posted opportunities on Handshake and other sources referenced below.

Internships + Co-ops

With sample hiring organizations and companies recruiting through

• Engineering Career Fairs & Industry Days
• Handshake job platform
• USAjobs.gov

Meet with an Engineering Career Coach for more information about accessing opportunities + strategizing your search for co-ops, internships, research, and more.

Screening & Security Clearance

Many roles within the Defense + Security industry require screening for specific qualifications. Following the interview process, candidates are often offered a conditional job offer that is subject to completion of a suitability and security clearance process, designed to examine your life history to measure your loyalty to the United States, strength of character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, and soundness of judgment. The security clearance process is lengthy and previously obtained clearances make full-time candidates even more desirable. Be mindful of how your behaviors and online presence and interactions can impact your candidacy for roles within this field.

ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY

• Allen Craven, '08 & '11 Mechanical | Aerospace Engineer | U.S. Army
• Austin Harris, '18 Mechanical | Research Engineer | IS4S
• Bailey Kamm, '18 Industrial & Systems | Test Engineer | SAIC
• Brett Smith, '86 Electrical | President & Technical Lead Engineer | Palisade Technologies LLC
• Brigitte Cohoon, '14 Industrial & Systems | Senior Facilities Engineer Lockheed Martin
• Derrick Scott, '87 Mechanical | Engineering Manager | Huntington Ingalls Industries
• Edward Hill, '17 Mechanical | Facilities Engineer | Missile Defense Agency
• Graham (Gray) Killough, '89 Aerospace | Vice President | PeopleTec, Inc.
• Jacob Redden, '19 Chemical & Biochemistry | Principle Software Engineer | Northrop Grumman
• Prianka Patel, '17 Mechanical | Principal Mechanical Engineer | Raytheon Technologies

You can access alumni such as these to learn about career paths, skills for the industry, and build your network through LinkedIn. Create an account and build your profile, then search for Auburn alumni by major, company, location, or other criteria on the Auburn University LinkedIn page. Chat with an Engineering Career Coach on strategies for networking and reaching out to connect.