ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

VTG

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Software Engineer to support our Defense customer in Reston, VA . Our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology, crafting high-impact, cutting-edge ...

VTG

Software Engineer

Reston, VA

$105K - $150K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Software Engineer to support our Defense customer in Reston, VA . Our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology, crafting high-impact, cutting-edge ...

Cornerstone Defense

Software Engineer 3

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$57 - $76.50/hr

Software Engineer 3 Location: Annapolis Junction, MD Compensation Range: $215 -$235K *Clearance ... Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space ...

Nwis

Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Job Summary The Software Engineer develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software ...

VT Group (VTG)

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

VTG is seeking a Software Engineer to support their Defense customer in Reston, VA. The role involves developing and maintaining distributed systems for advanced defense technology applications ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsDefense Software Engineer JobsDefense Software Engineer Jobs in Washington

Defense Software Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Washington is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 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 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Software Engineer jobs in Washington? For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:
Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Software Engineer

VTG

Reston, VA • On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
VTG is seeking a Software Engineer to support our Defense customer in Reston, VA. Our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology, crafting high-impact, cutting-edge solutions that redefine innovation. We are looking for experienced Software Engineers who will assist in driving, developing, and deploying unique products and capabilities to international customers. You'll dive into a diverse range of projects, partnering with brilliant minds across disciplines to engineer robust software systems that empower our mission-critical operations. We're seeking talented generalist software engineers on to contribute to projects that are shaping the future of defense.
What will you do?
  • Develop and maintain distributed systems that underpin advanced defense technology applications.
  • Design and implement core infrastructure and platform services that enable other engineers to scale their output
  • Build and maintain backend and web development frameworks and networking solutions
  • Assist in developing capabilities for international partners/markets
  • Integrate model/software/hardware-in-the-loop components using first and third-party technologies
  • Collaborate with team members and partners in the autonomy domain
  • Create technologies and processes that enable users to safely and rapidly develop and deploy autonomous systems at scale
  • Participate in technical design reviews and system architecture discussions
  • Implement and maintain monitoring, logging, and data management solutions

Do you have what it takes?
  • Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics
  • 3+ years working with a variety of programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, Rust, Go, JavaScript, etc.
  • Experience building software solutions involving significant amounts of data processing and analysis
  • Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established code bases
  • A desire to work on critical software that has a real-world impact
  • Ability to travel up to 25% to both domestic and international locations, as needed
  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Experience with Hardware in the Loop.

Contingent Upon Contract Award
VTG's estimated starting pay range is $105,000-$150,000 which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.

Apply