Defence Contract Jobs in Reading
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21 Contract jobs sorted by:
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Date Posted
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21 Contract jobs
Senior/Principal Safety Engineer Defence Land Systems - Contract
Posted 3 days ago by Infinity Systems Engineering LTD
Senior/Principal Safety Engineer Defence Land Systems - ContractLocation: Abbey Wood, Bristol (Hybrid Working)Duration:...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Bristol, Somerset
Tier 1 Licensing, Compliance & Audit Defence Specialist
Posted 3 days ago by M4 Digital Group Ltd
M4 Digital Group an IT Delivery Practice is a forward thinking and fast-growing SME with an established UK client base.A...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Hybrid mostly working from home with client site visits
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Op Model Design Lead (Defence Capital Projects) - SC-Cleared
Posted 1 week ago by Pigment Consulting
Operating Model Design Lead Capital Projects SC-Cleared £500 - £800 a day Inside IR35 DOEPigment is a change and transfo...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Inside
- Work type Not specified
- Location United Kingdom
Programme/Project Manager (Telecom, Military Defence, Rail Infrastructure Experi...
Posted 1 week ago by Endeavour Recruitment
Job DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a major part of a strategic government project in t...
- Rate £85,000 per year
- Category Not specified
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Milton Keynes, UK
Electrical Test Technician – Defence & Aerospace
Posted 1 week ago by Guidant Global
Key ResponsibilitiesElectrical testing of electronic equipment and assembliesTest setup, equipment use and calibration a...
- Rate £30 per hour
- Category Not specified
- Work type Onsite
- Location Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL5 1EE
Aerospace Paint Sprayer – Defence Manufacturing
Posted 1 week ago by Guidant Global
Bolton | 12-Month Contingent Work assignment | £21.63–£22.63 PAYE or £29.02–£30.38 Umbrella | 37 Hours Per WeekJoin one...
- Rate £30 per hour
- Category Not specified
- Work type Onsite
- Location Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL5 1EE
)
SAP Program Manager – ECC to S/4HANA RISE (Aerospace & Defense)
Posted 2 weeks ago by AspireIT Solutions
Role OverviewSeeking an experienced SAP Program Manager to lead a large-scale ECC to SAP S/4HANA RISE 2025 transformatio...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Remote
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About Our Defence Contract Roles in Reading
What does a defence contractor do?
The defence sector is a significant employer of contractors in the UK, engaging professionals across engineering, technology, project management, commercial, intelligence analysis, and specialist technical disciplines to support the delivery of complex and long-running defence programmes. Contract roles arise most commonly within the Ministry of Defence, defence primes such as BAE Systems, Babcock, Leonardo, and QinetiQ, and the broader defence supply chain, where the volume and complexity of programmes require flexible specialist resource that cannot be maintained entirely within a permanent workforce. The security-sensitive nature of much defence work means that contractors operating in this sector must typically hold or be willing to obtain appropriate security clearances, most commonly SC or DV depending on the role.
The skills most valued in defence contracting reflect the sector's programme-intensive and technology-heavy character. Systems engineers with experience on complex defence platforms, project and programme managers familiar with CADMID or PRINCE2/MSP delivery methodologies, and commercial specialists with MoD procurement and DEFCONS experience are in consistent demand. Defence technology contractors, including software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data scientists, increasingly find opportunities as the MoD accelerates its digital and AI transformation agenda. The ability to navigate the specific governance, compliance, and security requirements of the defence environment is an essential differentiator for contractors entering the sector for the first time.
What is the market like for defence contractors?
Defence contracting in the UK is underpinned by a substantial and long-term investment programme in the armed forces, with major platforms including Type 26 frigates, Tempest, Ajax, and the nuclear deterrent creating multi-decade pipelines of engineering and programme management contract demand. The government's commitment to increased defence spending, combined with the operational pressure created by the changed security environment in Europe, is driving additional investment and contractor demand across both traditional defence engineering and newer areas including cyber, space, and autonomous systems. Security clearance is a significant entry barrier that constrains supply and supports rates for cleared contractors above those achievable in comparable uncleared roles.
What is the contracting market like in Reading?
The Thames Valley corridor's concentration of global technology and telecommunications companies defines Reading's contracting character almost entirely. Several firms maintain their UK or European headquarters in and around the town, sustaining deep hiring activity across software engineering, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, and IT programme delivery. This heavy technology skew means Reading lacks the breadth in finance, government, or construction found in comparably sized cities, but within its specialism the depth is exceptional. Proximity to London means the two markets overlap significantly, with many contractors working interchangeably across Reading and west London engagements. Rates closely track London levels for technology roles, typically sitting no more than 5 to 10 per cent below, reflecting the calibre of employers and the intensity of competition for specialist skills.
How much do defence contractors usually earn in Reading?
Contract rates for defence roles in Reading typically range from £473 to £893 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many defence vacancies in Reading are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 530 defence contract roles across the site, with Reading showing strong demand. Data reviewed up to July 2026.