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Leidos vs The Missing Link: Which MSP is Better? | The MSP Playbook

Article 2026-07-27

Leidos vs The Missing Link

A detailed comparison of two major Australian Managed Service Providers.

Feature Leidos The Missing Link
Overall Score3.74.0
TypeUS Defense / IT ServicesSecurity / Infrastructure
Employees48000200-300
Founded2013 (spin-off from SAIC)1999
HeadquartersReston, Virginia, USASydney, NSW
Revenue$16.0BPrivate
Salary Range$70,000 - $180,000$75,000 - $155,000
SpecialtiesDefense IT, Cybersecurity, AI & Data, C4ISR, Digital Transformation, BiomedicalCybersecurity, Infrastructure, Cloud, Managed Services
CertificationsISO 27001, FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, CMMI Level 5, AWS PartnerISO 27001, Microsoft Partner, AWS Partner, Fortinet Partner
Green FlagsDominant US defense and intelligence IT contractor β€” mission-critical work
Strong technical depth in AI, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and biomedical
Fortune 500 stability with consistent revenue and earnings growth
Excellent benefits and pension for US-based defense sector employees
Science and engineering culture from heritage roots (SAIC spin-off)
Highest-rated small MSP on Glassdoor
Strong culture and employee satisfaction
Good technology focus
Red FlagsSecurity clearance requirement limits talent pool significantly
US-based only β€” limited international career mobility
Government contracting bureaucracy slows innovation and agility
Below-market compensation compared to commercial tech sector
Ethical concerns around defense work may conflict with personal values
Small scale Ò€” limited exposure to large projects
Below-market salaries at senior levels
Worker ProsMission-critical work with national security impact
Excellent benefits and pension for US defense employees
Fortune 500 financial stability
Deep AI, cyber, and C4ISR technical depth
Great culture
Technology focus
High Glassdoor rating
Worker ConsSecurity clearance process is slow and restrictive
Below-market comp vs commercial tech
Limited international exposure β€” US-centric
Government contracting red tape slows everything
Defense work ethics may conflict with personal values
Small scale
Below-market pay at senior levels

Which MSP Should You Choose?

Both US Defense / IT Services and Security / Infrastructure have strengths and weaknesses. Your choice depends on your priorities β€” whether that's career growth, salary, work-life balance, or technical exposure.

Use the side-by-side comparison tool for a deeper look, or check out individual profiles for detailed employee reviews.