Challenges in recruiting
Many applications, bottlenecks and regulations
The topics of recruiting and retaining employees have become much more important in the industry. Employers quickly need many new and suitable skilled specialists. In recruiting, at least the large companies have to handle a large volume of applications for this. According to media reports, Rheinmetall alone received 300,000 applications in 2025. What seems very comfortable is at the same time an organizational challenge.
On the other hand, there are still bottlenecks precisely among highly specialized experts. In areas such as IT, AI development, analytics or cybersecurity, employers in the defense industry compete not only with their direct competitors but also with companies outside the industry.
The strict compliance requirements in the defense industry can also be an obstacle when recruiting employees. For many positions, employees need a security clearance, which, depending on the security level, can drag on for several months. Without the clearance, specialists cannot be deployed in their future position – a period that may deter candidates. Job seekers from certain countries are excluded from the outset if, from a German perspective, there is an increased risk of espionage associated with their home countries.
“Especially in the defense industry, some highly specialized and complex job profiles have to be filled. In addition, given the changed situation on the labor market, it is a challenge to do justice to the volume of applicants.”
Dr. Vera Saal,
CHRO and Labor Director,
Rheinmetall AG
