Specialist - Defense and Security

McKinsey & Company; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 172,800 - 211,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Continuous learning and mentorship

Global community

Job summary

McKinsey & Company in Denver, Colorado, is seeking a dedicated professional to support federal defense clients. The role involves up to 80% travel and focuses on high-impact issues, requiring analytical and leadership skills.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree, TS/SCI clearance, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to high standards and personal growth is essential.

Generous benefits, including a comprehensive package for well-being, are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is a plus.
• TS/SCI clearance required.
• Outstanding record of academic and/or professional achievement.

Responsibilities

• Support federal defense and security clients on major issues.
• Work with clients on strategy, performance improvement, and organizational design.
• Analyze and test hypotheses, developing tailored solutions.

Skills

Analytical aptitude

Leadership

Communication skills

Collaboration

Commitment to high standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

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've come to the right place.

Your Impact

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 US defense and security community on some of their highest priority issues. You can expect up to 80% travel. You will work with our defense and security clients on some of their toughest issues, in a fast‑paced, non‑hierarchical, and caring environment. The work you’ll do will be a combination of traditional intelligence operations, analysis and support along with science, technology and engineering work. You will make an important contribution to the analysis, design, and implementation of performance‑improving approaches, developing tailor‑made solutions and working closely with clients at all levels to ensure high impact, sustainable results. Your work will include gathering and analyzing information, formulating and testing hypotheses, developing recommendations, and helping to implement sustainable changes. All your work will be project‑based and varied. You will help our clients with a broad range of topics, including strategy, operational performance improvement, risk and resource reallocation, organizational design and talent development, and digital issues.

Your Growth

Driving lasting impact and building long‑term capabilities with our clients is not easy work. You are the kind of person who thrives in a high performance/high reward culture—doing hard things, picking yourself up when you stumble, and having the resilience to try another way forward. In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we’ll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to become a stronger leader faster than you ever thought possible. Every day you’ll receive apprenticeship, coaching, and exposure that will accelerate your growth in ways you won’t find elsewhere.

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development.
• A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You’ll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm’s diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions for our clients.
• World‑class benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well‑being for you and your family.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is a plus (if you are less than 8 years out of undergrad, please include your GPA on your resume)
• TS/SCI clearance required
• Outstanding record of academic and/or professional achievement
• Demonstrated aptitude for analytics, both quantitative and qualitative
• Proven record of leadership at work or through extracurricular activities
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and effectively with people at all levels in an organization
• Commitment to high standards and core values
• Willingness to travel upwards of 80%
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing

Capabilities

• Aerospace & Defense
• Public Sector

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off.

Salary

Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. The salary range for new joiners in this role in the United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, is $192,000 – $192,000 USD gross per year. Factors such as office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date, and current organizational needs may affect the final figure. Certain roles are eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey’s discretion and based on individual or organizational performance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: 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.

FOR NON-U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites.