ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Software Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$38 - $46/hr

Software Engineer This Software Engineer role supports the Machinery Control Systems (MCS) branch ... Exposure to shipboard, industrial, or defense systems and environments. Work Environment You will ...

AVTC Group

Sr Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site +1

$119K - $157K/yr

We are at the forefront of aerospace and defense technology. Our Satellite Ground Systems Team ... software engineers to deliver reliable and high-performance software solutions. • Design ...

The Pennsylvania State University

... Defense challenges. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from ... Provide technical leadership on software engineering projects * Mentor team members in technical ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for motivated, talented, and experienced Software Engineers to ... Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at ...

Air

Lead Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

... the defense and intelligence communities. This role is a full-time position located out of our ... Lead software engineering efforts from ideation through implementation as well as the day-to-day of ...

KBR

JR Software Engineer

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

$94K - $115K/yr

JR Software Engineer Who We Are KBR Mission Technology Solutions delivers full life cycle ... As stewards of critical missions for the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, NASA, and ...

Air

Lead Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

... the defense and intelligence communities. This role is a full-time position located out of our ... Lead software engineering efforts from ideation through implementation as well as the day-to-day of ...

Air

Lead Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

... the defense and intelligence communities. This role is a full-time position located out of our ... Lead software engineering efforts from ideation through implementation as well as the day-to-day of ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our Applied Communications team of ... Defense challenges. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDefense Software Engineer JobsDefense Software Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Defense Software Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$63.7K

$147.9K

$206K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Pennsylvania is $147,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,300.00 and $173,400.00 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

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

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

Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,878 per year, or $71.1 per hour.

Software Engineer IV with Security Clearance

Cornerstone Defense

State College, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer IV State College, PA Active TS/SCI Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense. In the Java/Python AI/ML/Data Science Software Engineering role, you will design, develop, and test AI/ML, Java and Python code in a Linux, Agile, DevOps environment. We are at the forefront of aerospace and defense technology. Our Satellite Ground Systems Team plays a pivotal role in ensuring communication, surveillance, and defense capabilities through cutting-edge satellite systems. We invite you to be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of whats possible. Due to the security clearance requirement, this is an onsite position in our State College, PA office. Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and maintain advanced software applications for our Satellite Ground Systems. • Collaborate closely with systems engineers, hardware designers, and other software engineers to deliver reliable and high-performance software solutions. • Design, implement, and test AI, ML, Java and Python based applications and software components for satellite ground systems. • Work in parallel with legacy platform teams to eventually migrate workloads onto your pipelines. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements and specifications. • Work with previously written code and make modifications as necessary. • Ensure software performance, reliability, and scalability. • Participate in software design reviews, code reviews, and system integration activities. • Contribute to the completion of program and project milestones under the specific guidance of their immediate supervisor. • Follow established Software processes and procedures, development, documentation and maintenance/management of operations concepts, requirements (system, element, segment level), external and internal interfaces, and other software engineering work products/artifacts. Basic Qualifications: • Active and transferable U.S. government issued TS/SCI security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance. • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and five (5) years of Software Engineering experience. • Experience in object-oriented software design and development using Java and Python in a Linux environment. • Experience with unit testing tools (e.g., JUnit). • Exposure to AI/ML and Data Science. • Experience working in an agile environment Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working in an AI/ML/Data Science role • Strong analytical skills and proactive problem-solving abilities, with a deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, cloud architecture, and enterprise software. • Experience working with large datasets and performing data analysis. • Security+ certification. • Experience with Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes. • Experience with the Atlassian Tool Suite (e.g. JIRA, Confluence, BitBucket). • Experience with cloud computing platform (e.g. AWS or Azure). • Experience with satellite communication systems and protocols is highly preferred. • Familiarity with secure coding practices, especially in a defense or aerospace setting.

Apply