San Diego defense tech leaders and veterans set November networking event

Military veterans and defense tech executives will meet Nov. 17 in San Diego for a free happy hour focused on career paths, hiring needs and regional growth. Organizers say the event comes as Southern California’s defense tech sector expands and competes for engineers, technologists and finance talent.

Why it matters: - San Diego’s defense tech sector is growing fast and needs more local talent in engineering, technology and finance. - The event is aimed at connecting military veterans with companies building the next generation of defense technology in Southern California. - The region’s defense economy already has major weight, with nearly 357,000 jobs and $61.3 billion in regional output.

What happened: - Veterans from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army will join San Diego defense tech leaders for a Defense Tech Happy Hour on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026. - The free, buy-your-own-drink networking event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in San Diego. - Registration is open at the event registration page. - The event is being held just days after Veterans Day. - The gathering is designed for transitioning and established veterans who want to meet executives in the region’s defense technology sector.

The details: - San Diego’s defense sector supports nearly 357,000 jobs and contributes $61.3 billion to the regional economy. - The sector accounts for 22.2% of San Diego’s Gross Regional Product, according to the 2025 Military Economic Impact Report from the San Diego Military Advisory Council and UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management. - California’s broader aerospace and defense industry supports about 358,800 jobs statewide. - Southern California receives the largest share of the state’s defense contract activity. - Organizers said the region has long been a center of gravity for aerospace and defense, but defense tech is now growing at a faster scale and pace. - Confirmed guests and speakers include Daniel Gabel of OSS, Keegan Evans of Euda, Capt. Mike Saum of AECOM, Mike Chiv of Proven Recruiting, Van Lai-Dumone of workSmart Advantage, and Lars Rathje of Lockton Insurance. - Proven Recruiting focuses on placing military-trained executives into defense and technology roles. - Van Lai-Dumone is a member of the Volunteer Faculty at The Honor Foundation. - Lars Rathje helps executives manage risk, build benefits packages and insure against loss in the defense tech industry. - The event is free, but space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. - Venue details will be shared after registration.

Between the lines: - The event reflects a broader push to turn military experience into civilian hiring pipelines for a sector that values mission familiarity and technical skill. - Organizers are signaling that San Diego’s defense tech boom is creating competition not just for engineers, but also for finance and business leadership talent. - The veteran focus suggests local employers see military backgrounds as a direct fit for defense tech roles.

What's next: - Attendees will hear candid discussion about career paths from military service into defense technology. - Conversations will center on the skills companies are hiring for and how sector growth is changing opportunity across San Diego and Southern California. - Advance registration will determine attendance for the limited-capacity event.

The bottom line: - San Diego’s defense tech growth is creating a talent race, and organizers are using a Veterans Day-era networking event to connect companies with people who may already have the right experience.