Specialist - Defense and Security

McKinsey & Company; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Retirement contributions program

Parental leave benefits

Job summary

McKinsey & Company, based in Atlanta, is looking for candidates to support federal defense and security clients. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and a TS/SCI clearance. Candidates must be skilled in analytics and possess proven leadership abilities.

Work will involve up to 80% travel, focusing on high-priority issues and delivering tailored solutions. Benefits include competitive salary, comprehensive wellness package, and opportunities for continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• TS/SCI clearance required.
• Outstanding record of academic and/or professional achievement.
• Aptitude for analytics, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Proven leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Support senior members of the U.S. defense and security community.
• Design and implement performance-improving approaches.
• Develop tailor-made solutions for clients.
• Work closely with clients to ensure sustainable results.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Job Overview

Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem‑solver who is energized by challenges? You will be based in one of our North America office locations and dedicated to serving our federal defense and security clients. You will support senior members of the U.S. defense and security community on some of their highest priority issues, with up to 80% travel. Your work will combine traditional intelligence operations, analysis and support along with science, technology and engineering work. You will help design and implement performance‑improving approaches, develop tailor‑made solutions and work closely with clients at all levels to ensure high‑impact, sustainable results. All your work will be project‑based and varied, covering strategy, operational performance improvement, risk and resource reallocation, organizational design and talent development, and digital issues.

Growth and Development

• Continuous learning through structured apprenticeship programs and clear, actionable feedback.
• A voice that matters – your ideas and contributions have tangible impact.
• Global community of colleagues across 65+ countries and 100+ nationalities.
• World‑class benefits, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive wellness package.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on location, experience and skills.
• Health, mental health, dental and vision coverage; telemedicine services.
• Life, accident and disability insurance.
• Parental leave and family‑planning benefits.
• Retirement contributions program, financial guidance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is a plus.
• TS/SCI clearance required.
• Outstanding record of academic and/or professional achievement.
• Aptitude for analytics, quantitative and qualitative.
• Proven leadership record.
• Team collaboration skills with stakeholders at all levels.
• Commitment to high standards and core values.
• Willingness to travel up to 80%.
• Excellent communication of complex ideas, verbally and in writing.

Capabilities

• Operations
• Organizational Structure
• Technology

Equal Opportunity

McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.