Western Charles County, MD, could soon see a boost in defense industry employment, with more than 200 contractor jobs expected in the area. The potential growth represents an opportunity for Southern Maryland’s workforce and could expand the region’s role in supporting national security missions. It also highlights continued interest in communities beyond the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area’s traditional defense contracting hubs.
For cleared professionals and job seekers, the anticipated hiring could create additional opportunities closer to home. However, the timing of the positions, participating contractors, and specific job requirements will be important factors to watch as plans develop.
Layoffs: Peraton
National security contractor Peraton is preparing to reduce its workforce at Fort Meade, MD, with 98 employees expected to be affected by two rounds of layoffs. According to the Capital Gazette and filings with the Maryland Department of Labor, the company submitted Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices on October 16. One filing identifies 72 positions scheduled for elimination on December 14, 2026, while a second lists 26 additional layoffs effective January 5, 2027. Both notices identify the worksite as 9800 Savage Road, the address associated with the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters.
Peraton supports defense and intelligence community missions, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other classified operations. The state filings do not specify which positions will be affected or provide a reason for the reductions. The notices classify both actions as layoffs with no recall planned.
Hiring: Anduril
Anduril Industries is picking up the pace on hiring at its Arsenal-1 manufacturing complex in Pickaway County, OH. According to Columbus Business First, the defense technology company has surpassed 300 employees at the facility, exceeding an earlier hiring projection. The milestone represents significant growth from January, when Anduril had approximately 50 workers at the site. The company ultimately plans to employ around 4,000 people at Arsenal-1 over the next decade, making it one of Ohio’s largest planned job-creation projects.
The hiring momentum comes as Anduril expands production of autonomous defense systems. Arsenal-1 is already producing the Air Force’s YFQ-44A Fury autonomous fighter aircraft, and the company announced in September that it would bring production of its Altius 600 drone to the Ohio facility. The site is also expected to manufacture the Roadrunner and Barracuda autonomous systems. With additional production lines coming online, Anduril is continuing to recruit workers to support its growing manufacturing operations and long-term expansion plans.
Cleared Employer at Work: Leidos
The Department of Defense continues to face growing hiring needs driven by rapid modernization efforts, evolving global threats, and the demand for advanced digital, cyber, and engineering capabilities. At Leidos, we are hiring mission-ready professionals to support critical defense programs across systems engineering, cybersecurity, and software development.
SPONSORED CONTENT: This content is written on or behalf of our Sponsor.
Opportunity to Watch
Connecticut’s manufacturing sector is seeing a significant hiring boost, fueled in part by growing demand for defense production. According to CT Insider, manufacturers added 6,500 jobs during the first nine months of 2026, more than any other industry in the state. General Dynamics Electric Boat has been a major driver of that growth, hiring approximately 6,500 employees toward its goal of 8,000 new workers this year. The hiring supports roughly $77 billion in Navy submarine contracts covering 14 vessels.
The growth extends beyond submarine production. Connecticut’s aerospace manufacturers are also benefiting from commercial and military demand, with companies such as Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky supporting major aircraft and engine programs. However, finding qualified workers remains a challenge. A recent manufacturing industry report found that 88% of Connecticut manufacturers take at least two weeks to fill open positions, underscoring the continued need for skilled technical and production talent.
