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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Carnegie, PA (NOW HIRING)

Cmu

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

If you are creative, curious, and motivated to solve complex technical challenges in support of national defense, we encourage you to apply. About the Role We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer ...

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 ...

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 ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

... defense, agricultural, mining, industrial, and off-road autonomy applications. Our ruggedized ... What You'll Be Doing As a Software Engineer, you will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

... defense, agricultural, mining, industrial, and off-road autonomy applications. Our ruggedized ... What You'll Be Doing As a Software Engineer, you will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

... defense, agricultural, mining, industrial, and off-road autonomy applications. Our ruggedized ... What You'll Be Doing As a Software Engineer, you will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary ...

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Defense Software Engineer information

See Carnegie, PA salary details

$60.9K

$141.5K

$197K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Carnegie, PA is $141,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,100.00 and $165,900.00 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 cities near Carnegie, PA are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Carnegie, PA with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:
Defense Software Engineer jobs near you

Software Engineer

Software Engineering Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

What We Do
The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances the state of the art in software engineering and cybersecurity, serving as a national resource for the advancement of secure, reliable, and high-performing software systems. As a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) at Carnegie Mellon University, SEI partners with academia, the U.S. Department of War, other government agencies, and industry to improve the development, acquisition, and sustainment of software-intensive systems.
Our mission is to help organizations acquire and operate software-reliant systems that are secure, reliable, sustainable, and mission-effective delivered on time and within budget.
If you are creative, curious, and motivated to solve complex technical challenges in support of national defense, we encourage you to apply.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support U.S. Department of War customers in acquiring and sustaining a mission-critical, software-based mission planning and readiness applications essential to national security operations.
In this role, you will provide software development support across the full software acquisition lifecycle, including architecture analysis, development oversight, risk reduction, integration, and long-term sustainment planning. You will work closely with Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), sustainment organizations, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure delivered capabilities meet operational, maintainability, and long-term supportability requirements.
The ideal candidate combines deep, hands-on expertise in C++ and browser supported languages. Additionally, development experience supporting Army, Air Force, Navy and Space Force acquisition programs, legacy-dependent systems, and operational environments is key. You will integrate with technical teams, evaluate architectural tradeoffs, develop prototypes, analyze existing source code, and support customer engagements that inform acquisition and sustainment decisions. Join us in advancing the engineering of mission-critical systems that protect and support those who serve.
What You'll Do
  • Support DoW software acquisition and sustainment efforts in alignment with DoD 5000-series guidance, including architecture analysis, engineering, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment planning
  • Provide software development expertise for a DoW planning and readiness application supporting mission readiness
  • Analyze lifecycle artifacts associated with two or more planning applications and propose methods to combine them into a common baseline
  • Advise and develop prototype capability for government stakeholders on software design decisions, technical risks, modernization strategies, and tradeoffs associated with large, legacy-dependent systems
  • Lead software development efforts from concept through deployment, with an emphasis on C++ and browser supported languages like C#, Java, and Angular.
  • Demonstrate software architecture expertise by developing and maintaining design artifacts such as data-flow diagrams, sequence diagrams, interface control definitions, and quality attribute specifications to support scalable, maintainable, and resilient solutions
  • Analyze existing source code, interfaces, and data flows to identify technical debt, sustainment risks, and modernization opportunities
  • Build prototypes and technical demonstrations to reduce risk, inform acquisition decisions, and mature emerging capabilities
  • Lead and mentor development teams, promoting disciplined engineering practices, continuous improvement, and mission focus
  • Support customer engagements such as technical interchange meetings (TIMs), design reviews, and acquisition milestone activities, providing clear, defensible technical input
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, software engineering best practices, and digital modernization initiatives relevant to sustainment and maintenance systems

Who You Are
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance; an existing SECRET or higher clearance is preferred
  • Experience leading, architecting, or developing large-scale acquisition programs
  • Experience with developing mission and safety critical embedded software applications
  • Experience supporting major DoW acquisition organizations
  • Proven experience designing and implementing complex software architectures for mission-critical or sustainment-focused systems based on new and existing system and software requirements with varying levels of uncertainty
  • Proven experience in developing new and maintaining existing software documentation artifacts with emphasis on views and models across the full Software Development Lifecycle through modern tools and approaches
  • Proven experience in structured verification and validation activities in planning and execution of system and software level test activities
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and balance architectural drivers, tradeoffs, extensibility, and long-term maintainability
  • Experience across the full software development lifecycle, including use of static analysis tools and associated coding standards to improve quality and security
  • Demonstrated success leading technical teams and engaging credibly with government and contractor stakeholders
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to senior government decision-makers
  • Willingness to work directly with U.S. military and government customers in mission-focused environments
  • Ability to travel up to 25% to SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings
  • You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciple with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience

Why Work Here?
Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, generous time off, and a robust retirement savings policy to name a few.
  • Join a world-class organization that makes a meaningful impact on government software.
  • Collaborate with experts and work with cutting-edge technologies to solve challenging problems for the government and the nation.
  • Receive an 8% monthly contribution to your retirement plan with no personal contribution required.
  • Access tuition benefits for yourself and your dependent children.
  • Take advantage of paid parental and military leave.
  • Qualify for relocation assistance and many other benefits.

Join us in advancing the engineering of mission-critical systems that protect and support those who serve.
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance

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