Defense Staffing and Careers
CPI is a trusted partner in skilled trades, information technology, and engineering, aerospace and defense recruiting.
Upgrade Your Career or Workforce
CPI has been delivering staffing solutions to the defense industry since 1982. Over the years, we have honed our expertise in fields like skilled trades, information technology, and engineering. As a service-disabled veteran-owned company, CPI employs seasoned military veterans to lead our teams of defense industry recruiters. No one understands the pressures of limited resources, tight schedules, and the need for flexibility more than our military veterans. It’s why we can take on government projects no one else can. We go where the military or defense industry needs us across the country and even internationally.
CPI Can Take You to the Next Level
Why Choose CPI for Defense Expertise:
- Extensive Network: We have built a vast network of candidates and employers, giving you access to the best opportunities and talent in the defense industry.
- In-Depth Industry Knowledge: With 41 years of experience, we understand the nuances of defense roles, so you can trust us to match the right candidates with the right employers.
- Customized Solutions: Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, whether you're an employer seeking the perfect candidate or a candidate searching for the ideal role.
- Commitment to Diversity: We prioritize diversity and inclusion, offering military veterans the opportunity to excel in the defense sector.
- Cost-Effective Staffing: Our services are designed to reduce the overhead costs associated with hiring, ensuring you get the best value for your investments.
Defense Positions We Fill Include:
Skilled Trades
- CNC Machinists
- Tool / Machine Builders
- Welders
- Quality Technicians
Information Technology
- Agile Certified Professionals
- Business Intelligence
- Cloud Technologies
- C++ Developers
- C#, .Net Programmers
- Java Developers
- LAMP Developers
- Cross-Platform Talent
- Cybersecurity
- Data Mining
- Database Administrators
- Database Developers
- Data Science
- DevOps
- Network Administrators
- Network Architects
- Network Engineers
- Network/Firewall Security
- Quality Assurance
- Systems Administrators
- Systems Analysts
- Microservices
- Mobile Technologists
- Web Services
Engineering
- C4ISR Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Controls Engineers
- Cyber Security Engineers
- Design Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Engineering Project Managers
- Hardware Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Instrumentation Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Product Designers
- Product Engineers
- Quality Engineers
- Software Engineers
- Stress Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Vehicle Test Engineers
- I&C Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Facilities Engineers
- Project Engineers
- Field Service Engineers
- RF Engineers
Defense Staffing FAQs
What is defense staffing?
Defense staffing is the recruiting and placement of engineers, skilled trades, IT professionals and program staff for defense contractors, DoD programs and the suppliers that support them. Contract Professionals has staffed the defense industry since 1982 on contract, contract-to-hire and direct-hire assignments, with recruiting teams led by military veterans and placements in Michigan, Alabama, Texas, Ohio and other defense hubs across the country.
What kinds of roles do defense recruiters at CPI fill?
CPI's defense recruiters fill three groups of roles: skilled trades (CNC machinists, tool and machine builders, welders, quality technicians, and Bradley, Abrams and heavy-equipment mechanics for on-base work), engineering (mechanical, electrical, systems, controls, C4ISR, test, quality and project engineers) and information technology (cybersecurity, network, cloud, DevOps and software). CPI's reach covers naval, air, land and space programs. See the full list on the Positions We Fill page.
How do I choose a defense recruiter for a technology or engineering company?
Look for four things: a track record on cleared programs, recruiters who screen for clearance eligibility before you see a résumé, the ability to staff contract and direct hire from the same bench, and current work with defense primes or their suppliers. CPI has staffed the defense industry since 1982, is SBA-certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and its clients include international DoD suppliers. Its recruiting teams are led by military veterans, and it tracks time-to-qualified-slate, interview ratios and retention with every client.
Can CPI place candidates who need a security clearance?
Yes. CPI recruits veterans, out-processing service members and civilian defense professionals, many of whom hold or have held clearances, and screens every candidate for education, criminal background, drug use and relevant skills before presentation; veterans' MOS, NEC or AFSC codes are matched against the job requirements. Security clearances themselves are granted and sponsored by the government through the hiring contractor, so CPI recruits to the clearance level the position requires.
Does CPI provide contract or direct-hire defense staffing?
Both. Contract and contract-to-hire are the most common for program-based work with a defined period of performance; direct hire is used for permanent engineering and leadership roles. CPI also provides payrolling and statement-of-work staffing for clients that have already identified the people they want. Details are on the Staffing Services page.
Which locations does CPI serve for defense staffing?
CPI is headquartered in Waterford, Michigan and staffs defense programs in Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Bay City, Midland and Traverse City, plus Anniston and Montgomery, Alabama; Killeen, El Paso, Fort Worth and Austin, Texas; Ohio; and other defense hubs nationwide. CPI also places heavy-equipment, Bradley and Abrams mechanics and other on-base roles at Fort Hood, Anniston Army Depot, Fort Riley, Fort Bliss and Fort Carson, and deploys talent overseas where DoD suppliers need it — see Bases We Serve.
What makes CPI different from national defense staffing firms?
CPI was founded in 1982 by an Air Force veteran to place fellow veterans, is SBA-certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (plus NVBDC), and was named SBA Michigan Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. Recruiting teams are led by veterans who know the programs and the bases, and the dual SBA + NVBDC certification lets supplier-diversity teams count CPI spend with confidence. Clients get a direct, accountable supplier rather than a national vendor panel.
Are you hiring for defense jobs right now?
Yes. Open defense positions, including on-base roles in Texas, Alabama, Kansas and Colorado, are posted on the CPI job board. Candidates can also refer a friend and earn up to $2,000 when the referral is placed.