ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Actalent

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$55 - $120/hr

Work closely with cross‑functional engineering teams to integrate embedded software into complex RF and defense systems. * Use Agile development practices and tools such as Jira and Git (or similar ...

Actalent

Software Simulation Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Defense Industry Experience * Systems Engineering Exposure * Distributed Systems * Technical Design Experience Work Environment The position offers a highly collaborative environment with software ...

Actalent

Software Simulation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Defense Industry Experience * Systems Engineering Exposure * Distributed Systems * Technical Design Experience Work Environment The position offers a highly collaborative environment with software ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer JobsContractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$152K

$211.7K

How much do contractual defense contractor software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual defense contractor software engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Defense Software Developer?

AspectContractual Defense Contractor Software EngineerDefense Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; security clearances often requiredBachelor's or higher in Computer Science; security clearances common
Work EnvironmentContract-based projects, often on-site or remote, for defense contractorsFull-time employment within defense agencies or contractors, often on military projects
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contracting firms, government agenciesMilitary, defense contractors, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentContractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Defense Software Developer

The main difference is that Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineers work on a contractual basis for defense projects, often with temporary assignments and security clearances, while Defense Software Developers are typically employed full-time within defense agencies or firms, focusing on long-term development of defense systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:

Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 57% In-person, 14% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,971 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer III

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

PROLIM Global Corporation
IT Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about PROLIM Global Corporationexternal

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

www.govt.prolim.com Is hiring for federal client Northrup Grumman Embedded Software Engineer III
Northrop Grumman | MANHATTAN BEACH,CA & ROLLING MEADOWS,IL
Interested candidate can share resume at alec.dsouza@prolim.com or call Senior Recruiter Alec at 214-764-6882
Job Description: Embedded Software Engineer III (Contract)
Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer III
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time Contract
Contract Duration: August 3, 2026 - December 31, 2027
Work Schedule: 9x80 A (40 hours/week)
Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required
Position Overview
Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer III to join its Software Engineering organization in Manhattan Beach, California. The selected candidate will develop high-performance embedded software for flight, space, and ground systems operating in resource-constrained environments with both soft and hard real-time requirements.
This role involves designing and implementing complex software solutions for data processing, control systems, and embedded applications while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain embedded software applications using C/C++.
  • Develop object-oriented software for real-time embedded systems.
  • Implement software for resource-constrained environments supporting aerospace and defense applications.
  • Work with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, RT-Linux, FreeRTOS, or similar RTOS platforms.
  • Participate in software architecture, requirements analysis, design, coding, integration, verification, validation, and deployment.
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, and test engineers to integrate software with complex hardware platforms.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation and ensure compliance with software engineering standards.
  • Support software integration, troubleshooting, and debugging in laboratory environments.
  • Participate in Agile, Waterfall, or Spiral software development processes.
  • Ensure software quality through unit testing, code reviews, and system validation.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.
  • Strong experience with C/C++ programming.
  • Experience with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Object-Oriented Software Design.
  • Hands-on experience developing software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, RT-Linux, FreeRTOS, or Green Hills Integrity.
  • Experience working in fast-paced laboratory or embedded development environments.
  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience across the complete software development lifecycle, including:
    • Software architecture
    • Requirements analysis
    • Design and implementation
    • Unit testing
    • System integration
    • Verification and validation
  • Experience with embedded aerospace or defense systems.
  • Familiarity with hardware validation and verification of RF, digital, or mixed-signal devices.
  • Experience using laboratory test equipment, including:
    • Signal generators
    • Noise generators
    • Logic analyzers
    • Spectrum analyzers
    • Network analyzers
    • Power supplies and switching equipment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience working within large multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Required Technical Skills
  • C/C++
  • Embedded C++ Development
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Object-Oriented Software Development
  • Wind River VxWorks
  • VxWorks RTOS
  • Embedded Systems Development
  • Software Integration & Testing
  • Real-Time Embedded Software

Work Environment
  • Onsite position in Manhattan Beach, California.
  • Collaborative engineering laboratory supporting advanced aerospace and space programs.
  • Opportunity to work on mission-critical embedded software supporting next-generation strategic space systems.

Apply