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Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Huntsville, AL

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... digital engineering capabilities. This is a full-time, on-contractor site position located in ...

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... digital engineering capabilities. This is a full-time, on-contractor site position located in ...

Software Engineer OASYS, INC ., a Leading-Edge Government contractor in Huntsville Alabama, is ... The team has in-depth experience in Tactical Data Links (TDL), Ballistic Missile Defense System ...

... contractor furthering missions in space, public health and defense. As an Alaska Native owned ... We are currently seeking Software Engineers to join our team based in Huntsville, AL. Candidates ...

The Contracted Software Engineer will be responsible for: Refreshing software products (board support packages/software development kits). Building software products for Intel based processor boards.

Exciting Software Engineer Supporting Mission Critical Systems!! This role focuses on designing ... prime contractor on a major missile defense program. The environment emphasizes stability ...

... contractor furthering missions in space, public health and defense. As an Alaska Native owned ... We are seeking highly motivated Software Engineers to support the continued development and ...

... multi-contractor team providing program, engineering, and technical support to Army Air Defense ... Responsible for software development in the Java languageAssists with design, coding, benchmark ...

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Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Huntsville, AL salary details

$62.6K

$145.4K

$202.5K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor software engineer in Huntsville, AL is $145,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,200.00 and $170,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense contractor software engineer?

A Defense Contractor Software Engineer develops, tests, and maintains software systems for military and defense applications. They work for private companies that contract with government agencies, such as the Department of Defense, to create secure and reliable software solutions. Their work often involves embedded systems, cybersecurity, and compliance with strict government regulations. This role requires a security clearance, knowledge of specialized programming languages, and an understanding of defense industry standards.

What does a defense contractor software engineer do?

As a Defense Contractor Software Engineer, your daily responsibilities may include designing, coding, and testing software for defense systems, debugging complex issues, and ensuring products comply with security and regulatory standards. You'll often collaborate closely with systems engineers, hardware teams, and project managers to deliver integrated solutions. Depending on your project, you might also participate in technical reviews, support integration and testing activities, and maintain thorough documentation. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in delivering reliable and secure technology critical to national defense.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a defense contractor software engineer?

To excel as a Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you should possess strong programming skills in languages like C++, Java, or Python, a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering, and eligibility for security clearance. Familiarity with tools and frameworks such as embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and secure software development methodologies is often required, along with certifications like Security+ or CISSP. Outstanding problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These capabilities ensure project success, compliance with stringent regulations, and the ability to innovate in high-stakes, mission-critical environments.

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

The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL are:

What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL?

For Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL are:

Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Huntsville, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,359 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Software Simulation Lead

Huntsville, AL • On-site


KBR, Inc.
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Title:
Software Simulation Lead
Program Summary
KBR's Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense, and threat and target systems. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of War, MTS provides innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance national security. With a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR ensures secure, effective, and mission-ready capabilities worldwide.
Job Summary
The Lead Software Engineer position supports Software (SW) and Modeling and Simulation (M&S) activities for the government's Search, Track, Acquire, Radiate, Eliminate (STARE) Project Office for an Army ACAT III Program. This position will directly support the STARE government customer in coordination of SW and M&S activities. Rigorous technical oversight will be provided for the prime contractor's software design, development, and testing efforts. Your expertise will be critical to ensure delivery of a secure, performant, and sustainable SW system that meets all programmatic and warfighter requirements. As the engineering subject matter expert, you will be empowered to lead the program's digital transformation, to technically review contractor deliverables while simultaneously building the government's own digital engineering capabilities.
This is a full-time, on-contractor site position located in Huntsville, AL on Redstone Arsenal. The candidate must be a resident or able to relocate to the area.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Lead the development and maintenance of the government's authoritative system model using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools (e.g., SysML).
  • Champion the program's transition from document-centric to data-centric processes, ensuring that digital artifacts serve as the authoritative source of truth for the technical baseline.
  • Architect the government's digital engineering environment, ensuring it can integrate with contractor models to form a cohesive digital thread.
  • Provide direct technical oversight of the contractor's development of their M&S model and a separate, deliverable M&S tool.
  • Lead the government's formal Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) effort for the contractor's M&S Tool. This includes developing the VV&A Plan and schedule to align with program objectives and test timelines and coordinating between organizations (V&V agent, Accreditation Agent) to meet Accreditation objectives.
  • Drive the integration strategy to connect the government's MBSE model with the contractor's M&S model. You will ensure a seamless data exchange exists, enabling the use of simulation to validate system requirements and predict performance.
  • Leads model development and drive the technical integration with the Army's IBCS and other C2 systems.
  • Drive the end to end SW development lifecycle and conduct in-depth technical reviews of the contractor's SW architecture, verifying its compliance with mandated Army standards like the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA).
  • Witness all formal SW Qualification Testing (SQT) to independently validate that the software meets or exceeds all performance and functional requirements.
  • Chair the SW Change Control Board (CCB) to adjudicate and approve all changes to the accepted SW baseline and ensure all SW Trouble Reports (STRs) are rapidly triaged, prioritized, and corrected.
  • Coordinate with US Army stakeholders on Software Material Release (SMR) to support fielding schedule and ensure timely delivery and quality of all SW documentations (SW Requirements Spec, SW Design Documentation, Test Reports, SW Roadmap).
  • Act as the government's lead for ensuring a complete and usable Technical Data Package (TDP) is delivered and verify that all SW and digital components (source code, build scripts, digital models, and documentation)- are present and sufficient for future organic government sustainment.
  • Work with contracting officer to validate SW and model data rights assertions, ensuring the government secures all necessary Government Purpose Rights (GPR) as defined in the OTA.

Basic Qualifications
  • Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or applicable STEM degree with 5+ years of experience.
  • Experience managing system models using MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw, Raphsody).
  • Experience leading or serving as a key participant in a formal DoD VV&A process.
  • Proven experience providing technical oversight of contractor software development on a DoD acquisition program.
  • Expert knowledge of Army digital engineering strategies, technical standards, and MOSA principles.
  • Strong understanding of the DoD acquisition lifecycle and the unique aspects of OTA agreements.
  • Able to travel 15-20% of the time.
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen and have an active SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Software Engineering with 10+ years of experience
  • Ability to absorb extensive technical detail and logically formulate solutions for execution on prescribed schedules.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of program planning and execution, systems engineering, design processes, weapon system integration, and performance assessment.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

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At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998


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