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Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs

VT Group (VTG)

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

... contractor software deliverables for compliance with requirements and standards • Support ... Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field • 5-9 years of experience supporting ...

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Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

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$147.5K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual defense contractor software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs include:
Contractual Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you

Software Engineer II (UAV Embedded)

Kratos Defense

Roseville, CA

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

ABOUT THE JOB

As an Software Engineer II (UAV Embedded), you will architect and implement mission-critical software for our next-generation UAV flight computers. The XQ-58, BQM-177, BQM-167, or MQM-178 unmanned aerial vehicles!  You will be the primary link between complex flight algorithms and custom avionics hardware, developing high-performance C and C++ applications that ensure deterministic control and absolute system reliability. Working at the intersection of hardware and software, you will collaborate with electrical and GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) engineers to design and implement complex physical-digital interactions with MATLAB/Simulink.


WHAT YOU'LL DO 

  • Designs, develops, and tests C++ flight software and hardware, sensor, and actuator integrations.
  • Analyzes and decomposes system requirements collaboratively with other engineering disciplines.
  • Writes software requirements specifications, software test descriptions, design descriptions, and test reports
  • Designs, implements, tests, and documents software according to KUAS specifications

Compensation $95,000 - $125,000


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other technical discipline, or 7 YOE in lieu of BS degree.
  • 4 years of C or C++ programming experience
  • Demonstrated understanding of Object-Oriented programming principles and RTOS systems.
  • Demonstrated understanding of software development life-cycle and clearly document software requirements.
  • Hands on ability to troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop simulation modelling and make firmware updates
  • May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship). 

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

  • Skills with tools such as Atlassian, MATLAB/Simulink, VxWorks, LabView
  • Skills implementing interface controls based on MBSE design documentation
  • Previous familiarity with OMS/UCI, A-GRA, STANAG 4586, DO-178C, AS910

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

•            Office and or manufacturing environment.

•            Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.

•            Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones).

•            May work extended hours or weekends.

•            May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 

•            5-10% May be required between other KUAS locations.

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