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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Lawelawe Defense Inc.

Software Tester

Fort Knox, KY · On-site +1

$60K - $64K/yr

You will work closely with software developers and product management to ensure the product is ... The Team Lawelawe Defense Inc ("LDI") is an SBA Certified 8(a) Native Hawaiian Owned (NHO) SDB ...

KBR

Network Software Developer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Title: Network Software Developer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ...

Lawelawe Defense Inc.

Senior Scrum Master

Fort Knox, KY · On-site +1

$48.75 - $66.75/hr

... developers. This role is responsible for communicating goals and evaluating results. How You'll ... Develop system and software application functional requirements and document accordingly

CACI

Senior CIWS Production Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

... defense capabilities. This position is ideal for a senior engineering professional who brings ... Analyze and help resolve technical problems related to software, electronics, and integrated system ...

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All JobsDefense Software Engineer JobsDefense Software Engineer Jobs in Kentucky

Defense Software Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$55.2K

$128.1K

$178.5K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Kentucky is $128,128.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,200.00 and $150,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Defense Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

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

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

Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,128 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer

Lawelawe Defense Inc.

Fort Knox, KY • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
Lawelawe is a Native Hawaiian Owned Small Disadvantaged Business (NHO SDB) that specializes in providing a range of services to federal government clients, including program management, digital solutions, human capital and training, and medical staffing. Lawelawe leverages our NHO status to secure federal contracts that not only drive business success but also support our overall mission to uplift economically disadvantaged Native Hawaiian families and preserve the Native Hawaiian heritage.
You Are
A highly skilled and experienced Lead Software Engineer to drive the design, development, and
deployment of scalable enterprise web applications.
How You'll Make An Impact
The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in full-stack development, with a strong emphasis on modern web technologies, microservices architecture, and cloud-native solutions on AWS.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the end-to-end design and development of robust, high-performance applications using Java/Spring Boot and Node.js for backend services, alongside Angular for the frontend.
  • Build the front-end of applications through appealing visual design, utilizing modern UI templates, HTML5, CSS, and Angular to ensure responsive and seamless user experiences.
  • Architect, deploy, and maintain secure and scalable cloud environments utilizing AWS services (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, API Gateway).
  • Design and implement RESTful APIs and microservices, ensuring efficient data flow between the frontend, backend, and database layers.
  • Guide technical teams, conduct rigorous code reviews, establish software development best practices, and drive continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) initiatives.
  • Work closely with stakeholders, product managers, and UI/UX designers in an Agile environment to translate business requirements into technical solution

The Team
Lawelawe Defense Inc ("LDI") is an SBA Certified 8(a) Native Hawaiian Owned (NHO) SDB Lawelawe Defense offers an outstanding record of delivery on various projects encompassing: Program and Portfolio Management; Systems Engineering and Architecture; Network Engineering and Operations; Data Center Optimization and Operations; Desktop/Server and Application Virtualization.
Here's What You Need
  • Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of relevant experience; Master's degree with 3-5 years of relevant experience; or Ph.D. with 0-2 years of relevant experience
  • Possess an active CompTIA Security+ / IAT level II certification.
  • Active Secret clearance
  • Must be US Citizen
  • Strong experience with Java and the Spring Boot framework.
  • Proficiency in front-end development with Angular, HTML5, and CSS.
  • Experience with Node.js for backend services or build tooling.
  • Hands-on experience with cloud services, preferably in an AWS environment.
  • Experience with Agile development processes (e.g., SAFe, Scrum, Kanban). •
  • Experienced with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles.
Bonus If You
  • Experience writing SQL for a major database (e.g., Oracle, PostgreSQL).
  • Experience with API design and documentation (e.g., JSON, OpenAPI).
  • Familiarity with source control tools like Git.
  • Experience with vulnerability analysis and remediation.

Benefits
  • A competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Access to company-provided retirement savings options with matching contributions
  • Opportunities for professional growth and continued learning
  • Additional perks such as discounts on various services and products
  • Remote work environment
Compensation
Salary is dependent on experience (DOE) and will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, and applicable requirements.
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Candidates possessing the necessary qualifications for the position will be considered.
Lawelawe Defense Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a comprehensive background verification, inclusive of a criminal record check. Employment may be subject to other background checks, as required by the position.
We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices and are transparent about our pay structures. Our pay transparency efforts are aligned with state laws and regulations to ensure compliance and promote pay equity.

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