1

Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Started his career at Deloitte Consulting, focusing on supply chain & manufacturing operations for the aerospace & defense sector. Brent Shulman * Full-stack engineering leader * Previously an ...

Network Software Engineer Lead

Shiloh, IL

$94K - $130K/yr

The Software Engineer Lead will be the primary systems manager for the release and deployment of ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

Senior Network Software Engineer

Shiloh, IL · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

The Senior Network Software Engineer will support the development and release of new software tools ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

The Senior Network Software Engineer will support the development and release of new software tools ... Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will ...

IL · On-site

$102K - $109K/yr

Our programs support multiple Federal agencies, the Department of Defense and often focused on the ... I2X Technologies is seeking a Network Software Engineer Lead to support ongoing activities for a ...

IL · On-site

$85K - $92K/yr

Our programs support multiple Federal agencies, the Department of Defense and often focused on the ... I2X Technologies is seeking a Senior Network Software Engineer to support ongoing activities for a ...

Amyx, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineering Lead to join their Dept. of Defense client at Scott Air Force Base in O'Fallon, IL. The role focuses on supporting software development and Agile delivery ...

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 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 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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Rockstar is recruiting for a seed-stage tech startup that is building the modern operating system for global procurement. Backed by top venture investors, they have grown their customer base 5x in the past year and are now looking to scale rapidly. Their mission is to bring transparency and reliability to global supply chains. The team is seeking an early engineer to join them on the ground floor as they scale their product offering and customer base.

Overview

The company has a bold mission: bring transparency and reliability to global supply chains. They are starting by building the modern operating system for procurement, helping businesses understand their supply networks and adapt to disruption.

The company is a seed-stage tech startup backed by top venture investors. This past year, they have grown their customer base 5x, and they are looking to grow rapidly. Join the team on the ground floor as they scale their product offering and customer base.

The Founding Team

Isaac Chambers

  • 3x founder
  • Started his career at Deloitte Consulting, focusing on supply chain & manufacturing operations for the aerospace & defense sector.

Brent Shulman

  • Full-stack engineering leader
  • Previously an engineer at Palantir and Pave
  • While at Pave (where he joined as the 10th engineer), he founded, grew, and led the data integration team, scaling from 10 to thousands of customer connections.
The Opportunity

As an early engineer, you will play a critical role in setting the company's technical direction. You will be hands-on, building the early product and talking directly with initial customers and users. From the start, it is critical that you can build a 0-1 product with great UI/UX. As the company grows, you will own and lead the architectural roadmap that will lay the foundation for the platform. Your technical leadership will be a key factor in supporting and growing the engineering and product teams.

You need to be both strategic and tactical. The company is seeking a builder to develop product specs and front-end components into an enterprise-ready application. They are also looking for a self-starter, not afraid to get their hands dirty and rapidly iterate on prototypes early in the development lifecycle. An ability to handle ambiguity is a must.

The company needs a top-tier team to help build a platform that will fundamentally change and improve supply chain networks.

Looking back on your first 12 months at the company, you will have:

  • Built and led the delivery of the early versions of the platform, spearheading pilot programs at initial customers
  • Worked with the team to think through strategy and the evolution of the business
  • Influenced new product and feature design while defining a long-term technical strategy aligned with industry best practices
  • Designed and implemented platform integrations with outside APIs, partners, and cloud infrastructure
  • Built something scrappily to show customer value, so that the team has now earned the right to re-architect for scale
What the Ideal Candidate Brings to the Company
  • 5+ years building across front-end and back-end
  • Experience with modern, open-source tech (Typescript, React, Next.js, GraphQL, Trigger.dev)
  • Startup experience and/or agency experience (bonus if it is in supply chain). Early-stage product experience building from zero to one
  • Ability to build out various API integrations with speed
  • Experience working with non-technical stakeholders and users. Comfortable leading and managing an engineering team
  • Ideal experience includes previous work with various ERP system APIs
Compensation

Compensation includes equity.

Base Salary: $150,000 - $225,000 per year