Join the Defense Programs team!
The men and women who design, build, and sustain the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile provide the very underpinning of the nation’s defense. As the United States confronts rising nuclear threats from Russia, China, North Korea, and others, the NNSA Office of Defense Programs is seeking the brightest minds in America—from scientists and engineers to program managers and analysts. Our missions supporting the nation’s nuclear deterrent are as diverse as the professional and educational backgrounds of our employees. If you’re looking for a rewarding and consequential career in national security, consider joining Defense Programs.
To find our current open positions, visit USAJOBs.gov, the federal government's official employment site. In the "Keywords" field, search for any of the following terms:
- “National Nuclear Security Administration”
- “NNSA”
- “Office of Defense Programs”
- “Office of Secure Transportation”
- “nuclear stockpile”
- “nuclear weapons”
- “nuclear deterrence”
If the duties of an open position appeal to you and you meet the conditions of employment, we hope you will begin the application process. A meaningful and impactful career in the NNSA Office of Defense Programs awaits you! For more information on pay and benefits, visit Working at NNSA.
Learn more about the major organizations within Defense Programs below.
Office of Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation
Our scientists conduct experiments using some of the most advanced facilities in the world to enhance our understanding of nuclear weapon performance. We’re recruiting the next generation of technical experts to oversee the design, sustainment, and deployment of new stockpile systems. But we’re not just looking for scientists and engineers—the nuclear deterrence mission requires many different kinds of talent!
Office of Stockpile Management
Our program managers provide assurance that U.S. warfighters can deliver militarily effective weapons to deter the nation’s adversaries and assure our allies. As part of this mission, NNSA is modernizing the existing nuclear stockpile, fielding new capabilities, and ensuring America’s strategic deterrent remains unrivaled throughout the world. We have a tremendous need for new talent to deliver the stockpile that will defend the nation in the coming decades.
Office of Secure Transportation
Our Nuclear Materials Couriers are responsible for the safe and secure transport of U.S. nuclear weapons, components, and special nuclear materials such as enriched uranium and plutonium in the contiguous United States. This classified cargo is transported in highly secure tractor-trailers and escorted by armed Federal Agents, who provide security and respond in the event of emergencies.
Office of Systems Engineering and Integration
Our experts to shape the processes, tools, and training for the federal workforce to manage the U.S. nuclear stockpile. We also engage with the Department of Defense and the private sector to ensure NNSA can deliver a reliable and militarily effective deterrent for as long as our national security depends on it. The men and women who perform this work have diverse professional and educational backgrounds—from science and engineering to public policy and the humanities.
Office of Production Modernization and Materials Management
Our production facilities manufacture the thousands of materials and components that comprise modern nuclear weapons, assuring their long-term reliability. The United States is now revitalizing its production facilities and infrastructure as part of a broader modernization of the strategic nuclear deterrent. NNSA needs not only program managers and engineers but also experts in manufacturing, logistics, project planning, and a variety of unique technical fields to oversee complex, geographically dispersed programs on time and on budget.