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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Exposure to defense, aerospace, maritime, or other mission‑critical environments Aerospace or Defense Software Development and Autonomous Systems Engineering successful candidates may come from a ...

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Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup developing autonomous gun turret technology. They are seeking a highly skilled software engineer proficient in C++ or Python to design ...

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup developing advanced technologies for targeting and neutralizing drones. They are seeking a highly skilled software engineer proficient in ...

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup focused on developing an autonomous ... They are seeking a highly skilled robotics software engineer proficient in C++ or Python to design ...

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small ...

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small ...

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small ...

Senior Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Modern Intelligence is building the foundational AI for defense. Over the next decade, the US ... We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the Cutlass software team. We are looking for ...

Senior Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Modern Intelligence is building the foundational AI for defense. Over the next decade, the US ... We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the Cutlass software team. We are looking for ...

Senior Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Modern Intelligence is building the foundational AI for defense. Over the next decade, the US ... We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the Cutlass software team. We are looking for ...

Senior Software Engineer

Austin, TX

$121K - $160K/yr

Modern Intelligence is building the foundational AI for defense. Over the next decade, the US ... We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the Cutlass software team. We are looking for ...

Software Engineer

Lockhart, TX · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

About the Role Eden Tech is seeking a hands-on Software Engineer to support embedded sensing ... Experience with industrial equipment, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, water treatment, or other ...

Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

KRUSH Tech is a new technology company building advanced hardware solutions for defense, aerospace ... As a Software Engineer , you will design, develop, integrate, and validate software for advanced ...

Principal Software Engineer

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$126K - $170K/yr

ABOUT Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and ... Firefly is seeking a Principle Software Engineer to lead the development of critical features ...

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Defense Software Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$62.9K

$146.2K

$203.7K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Austin, TX is $146,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,900.00 and $171,500.00 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 cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,227 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Systems Software Engineer (Generalist)

Saronic

Austin, TX • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking experienced Systems Software Engineers to develop software that powers autonomous maritime systems. This role sits at the intersection of software, hardware, robotics, and distributed systems, requiring engineers who are comfortable working across the full stack of autonomous vehicle development—from low-level hardware interfaces and embedded systems to backend services, infrastructure, and mission‑critical applications.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain software for autonomous vehicle systems and supporting infrastructure
  • Build reliable, scalable, and maintainable software solutions across embedded, systems, and application layers
  • Develop software that interfaces with sensors, actuators, networking equipment, and onboard compute systems
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, autonomy, perception, and field engineering teams
  • Optimize software performance, reliability, observability, and fault tolerance in mission‑critical environments
  • Design and implement distributed services, communication frameworks, and data pipelines supporting autonomous operations
  • Participate in architecture discussions and technical decision‑making across software and systems domains
  • Support testing, validation, deployment, and troubleshooting of software in both laboratory and field environments
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, tooling, and development practices
Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate brings strong software engineering fundamentals and has experience developing systems that interact with real‑world hardware, robotics platforms, autonomous systems, or other complex cyber‑physical environments. Strong understanding of Linux‑based development environments.

  • 5+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • C++
  • Strong proficiency in one or more of:
  • Experience developing software for systems that interact with physical hardware
  • Rust
  • Experience with software architecture, debugging, testing, and performance optimization
  • Ability to operate effectively in cross‑functional engineering environments
  • Experience working on complex distributed, real‑time, embedded, robotics, autonomy, aerospace, defense, maritime, automotive, industrial automation, or similar systems
  • Go
  • Python
  • Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS, device drivers, or hardware communication protocols
  • Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, UAVs, UGVs, USVs, or maritime platforms
  • Experience with networking, distributed systems, middleware, or communication frameworks
  • Experience with cloud infrastructure, backend services, and deployment pipelines
  • Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 or similar robotics frameworks
  • Experience integrating software with sensors, controls, or electromechanical systems
  • Experience supporting field testing and operational deployments
  • Exposure to defense, aerospace, maritime, or other mission‑critical environments

Aerospace or Defense Software Development and Autonomous Systems Engineering successful candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds, including: Platform Engineering, Embedded Software Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Systems Software Engineering, Backend Software Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering.

Physical Requirements
  • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
  • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
  • Occasional standing and walking within the office
  • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
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