10 Defense-Tech Companies Hiring Veterans

The short version

Defense technology is hiring hard, and veterans who know the mission have an edge. These ten companies build autonomy, AI, drones, and hardware for the U.S. military and its allies. This is a starting roster, not a ranking, and not an endorsement. These firms move fast, so roles and clearance requirements can change quickly.

Source: DoD SkillBridge

How to use this list

These companies are vetted, not ranked. Inclusion is not an endorsement, and it does not mean a job is waiting. Defense-tech hiring shifts with contracts and funding, so confirm current openings and requirements on each company's careers page before you apply.

Why veterans fit defense tech

Answer first: you have used or fought against the systems these companies build. That field knowledge is hard to teach. Many roles want engineers, but these firms also need operators, field-service technicians, logistics, program managers, and business staff. A clearance can help for mission work, though many roles do not require one. Sharpen your LinkedIn profile and translate your experience into the problem each company solves.

The 10 companies

• Anduril Industries: Autonomous systems, counter-drone, and command software. Fits operators, engineers, and technicians who lived the problem. Start on the Anduril veteran careers page.
• Palantir Technologies: Data and AI platforms used by militaries and agencies. Fits analysts, engineers, and deployment strategists. It also runs an American Tech Fellowship for veterans. Start on the Palantir careers page.
• Shield AI: Autonomy software for aircraft and drones, founded by veterans. Fits engineers and mission experts. Start on the Shield AI careers page.
• Skydio: U.S. autonomous drones for defense and first responders. Fits hardware, manufacturing, and flight-test veterans. Start on the Skydio careers page.
• Scale AI: AI data and models for defense and government. Fits data, machine-learning, and program roles with a national security bent. Start on the Scale careers page.
• Applied Intuition: Autonomy software and tooling for defense and commercial vehicles. Fits software and robotics veterans. Start on the Applied Intuition site.
• Saronic: Autonomous surface vessels for the Navy. Fits mariners, engineers, and technicians. Start on the Saronic site.
• Epirus: Directed-energy and counter-drone systems. Fits electrical, RF, and field-service veterans. Start on the Epirus careers page.
• Vannevar Labs: Intelligence software for national security missions. Fits analysts and engineers, and some roles are cleared. Start on the Vannevar Labs site.
• HawkEye 360: Space-based radio-frequency data and analytics. Fits SIGINT, geospatial, and engineering veterans. Start on the HawkEye 360 site.

FAQ

Do I need a clearance for defense tech?

Some roles yes, many no. Cleared candidates have an edge for mission work, but these firms also hire uncleared engineers, technicians, and operators.

Do these companies hire non-engineers?

Yes. They need operations, logistics, field service, program management, and business roles alongside engineers.

Are startups a safe bet?

They move fast, and funding can change. Weigh pay, equity, and stability against the upside, and keep your resume current.

Can I use SkillBridge with defense-tech firms?

Some participate in DoD SkillBridge. Check the official directory and each company's careers page. See our SkillBridge guide.

How do I stand out?

Translate your mission experience into the problem the company solves. You bring field knowledge their engineers often lack.

Will these ten still be the same next year?

Maybe not. This is a snapshot of active companies in July 2026. New firms appear and hiring needs shift.

Where to get help

• Your installation Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office, for resume review and employer events.
• DoD SkillBridge directory: skillbridge.osd.mil.
• U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DoL VETS): dol.gov/agencies/vets.
• Military OneSource, 800-342-9647: militaryonesource.mil.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: va.gov.

Verification Notes

• Each company's website and careers presence was confirmed active in July 2026 through its official site or job board.
• Defense-tech hiring changes quickly. Open roles, clearance needs, and program status can shift week to week.
• SpaceX was considered but left off to keep the list focused on companies built primarily for defense technology. It remains a large employer of veterans through its launch and Starshield work.
• Headcounts, valuations, and funding figures reported by third parties were not independently verified and are omitted here.
• This list is not ranked and is not an endorsement. No placement rates, salaries, or job guarantees are implied. Startups carry more employment risk than large contractors.

Sources & links

• DoD SkillBridge: skillbridge.osd.mil
• Anduril veteran careers: anduril.com
• Palantir careers: palantir.com
• Shield AI careers: shield.ai
• Skydio careers: skydio.com
• Scale AI careers: scale.com
• Applied Intuition: appliedintuition.com
• Saronic: saronic.com
• Epirus careers: epirusinc.com
• Vannevar Labs: vannevarlabs.com
• HawkEye 360: he360.com
• DoL VETS: dol.gov/agencies/vets

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