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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Security Software Engineer Company: Tapestry - G0G Tapestry Solutions, A Boeing Company, brings ... With a dedicated team of approximately 500 professionals, we proudly serve 75 defense, commercial ...

Security Software Engineer

Swansea, IL · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

Security Software Engineer Company: Tapestry - G0G Tapestry Solutions, A Boeing Company, brings ... With a dedicated team of approximately 500 professionals, we proudly serve 75 defense, commercial ...

Security Software Engineer

Swansea, IL · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

Security Software Engineer Company: Tapestry - G0G Tapestry Solutions, A Boeing Company, brings ... With a dedicated team of approximately 500 professionals, we proudly serve 75 defense, commercial ...

The Network Software Engineer will work as part of a team to support the development and release of ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

The Network Software Engineer will work as part of a team to support the development and release of ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

The Network Software Engineer will work as part of a team to support the development and release of ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

The Network Software Engineer will work as part of a team to support the development and release of ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

The Network Software Engineer will work as part of a team to support the development and release of ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

The Network Software Engineer will work as part of a team to support the development and release of ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

IL · On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges ... The ideal candidate brings a hybrid of statistical modeling fluency and hands-on software ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Software Engineer information

What is a defense software engineer?

A Defense Software Engineer develops, tests, and maintains software for military and defense applications. They work on secure, mission-critical systems such as weapons control, cybersecurity, and communication networks. Their role requires proficiency in programming languages, security protocols, and compliance with defense standards. Due to the nature of the industry, security clearances and adherence to classified information policies are often required.

What types of projects and technologies do defense software engineers typically work on?

Defense Software Engineers often work on projects involving the development and maintenance of software for military systems, such as radar, communications, simulation, or weapons control platforms. They frequently use technologies like embedded systems, secure coding practices, and specialized hardware interfaces. Project work can range from upgrading legacy systems to designing cutting-edge capabilities, often requiring adherence to rigorous security and compliance protocols. Collaboration with systems engineers, hardware teams, and government stakeholders is typical, offering a dynamic and mission-driven work environment. This exposure helps engineers build specialized expertise while contributing directly to national security initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the defense software engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Software Engineer, you need expertise in software development, a strong grasp of cybersecurity principles, and familiarity with defense industry standards, typically demonstrated by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Experience with programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python, knowledge of real-time operating systems, and certifications like Security+ or CISSP are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure that complex, secure, and mission-critical software solutions are effectively developed and maintained to meet stringent defense requirements.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Rolling Meadows, IL

$126K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security.

Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission.

As a Sr. Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter.

Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers.

Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the Targeting Business Unit.

This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration. #MSRMTA This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL.

location. This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start. Basic Qualifications for Sr.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 8+ years of engineering experience, or 6+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required. Object Oriented Programming in C++ Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design) Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc) Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc) US Citizenship Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++11 Knowledge with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc) Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile. Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware. Experience with complex systems of systems that utilize Parallel Processing, Multi-Threading, Distributed Processing, Multi-Core, System-on-Chip, and Secure Processing.

Active Secret Clearance Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities. Primary Level Salary Range: $131,100.00 - $196,700.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay

Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939