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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop ... Designs,modifies, develops, writes, and implements software programming applications for training ...

New

CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop ... Designs,modifies, develops, writes, and implements software programming applications for training ...

New

Description SAIC is seeking a Software Engineer to own full stack development and technical ... Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets ...

Senior Software Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

DAS Technology Group is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join their team. In this role ... the RF/Microwave, Semiconductor & Defense and Space area. Founded in 2021, the company is ...

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$29.33 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal Government programs * Experience maintaining ... Develop your programming and software development expertise * Work alongside experienced technical ...

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$29.33 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal Government programs * Experience maintaining ... Develop your programming and software development expertise * Work alongside experienced technical ...

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$29.33 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal Government programs * Experience maintaining ... Develop your programming and software development expertise * Work alongside experienced technical ...

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal Government programs * Experience maintaining ... Develop your programming and software development expertise * Work alongside experienced technical ...

Software Integration Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Fathom 4 (www.fathom4.com) is the kind of defense services company that you've always wanted to ... RESPONSIBILITIES: • Integrate software baselines for current and future systems. • Analyze ...

Lead Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$36.43 - $54.64/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Software Developer to develop, enhance, and maintain complex software ... Experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal Government programs * Experience developing ...

Software Integration Engineer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Fathom 4 (www.fathom4.com) is the kind of defense services company that you've always wanted to ... RESPONSIBILITIES: · Integrate software baselines for current and future systems. · Analyze ...

Lead Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$36.43 - $54.64/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Software Developer to develop, enhance, and maintain complex software ... Experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal Government programs * Experience developing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Defense Software Engineer information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$59.4K

$138.1K

$192.3K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Charleston, SC is $138,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,300.00 and $161,900.00 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 Charleston, SC?

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

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,055 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

MTS Software Engineer

Caeus

Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Who We Are:

  • CAE Vision:Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers' training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety,efficiencyand readiness.

  • CAE Defense & Security Mission:CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop andmaintainthe highest levels of mission readiness.

  • CAE Values:Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence,IntegrityandOneCAEmake us who weareand we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:

  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance

  • A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe

  • Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions

  • Recognition, professional development,advancementand having fun!

Summary

This roleis performedas part of a production engineering team supporting the development, integration, and deployment of training systems. Responsibilities include networking,interfacingplatform simulation applications, and providingproductleveltroubleshooting and integration. The position follows the direction of lead engineers, works effectively with general technical guidance, and supports the Training System Support Center (TSSC) through all phases of software design, implementation, testing, and deployment. Engineering solutions must be imaginative, thorough, practical, and aligned with organizational standards andobjectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Performs engineering tasks within a production team environment supporting the development, integration, and deployment of training systems and associated software applications.
Assistsin networking design, system configuration, and interfacing with platform simulation applications as part of integrated training solution development.
Completes assigned work with general technical direction from lead engineers, ensuring accuracy, quality, and adherence to project timelines.
Communicates project status, technical issues, risks, and recommended solutions or corrective actions to lead engineers and project stakeholders.
Designs,modifies, develops, writes, and implements software programming applications for training system components.
Installs, configures, and supports software applications and operating systems used within simulation environments.
Participatesin all phases of software development within the TSSC, including requirements review, design, coding, integration, testing, and deployment, with minimal supervision.
Performsproductleveltroubleshooting, diagnoses software and system issues, and supports corrective actions to restore or enhance system functionality.
Develops engineering solutions that are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with established technical processes and organizationalobjectives.
Creates andmaintainsaccuratetechnical documentation such as design notes, installation guides, test procedures, and software support materials.
Collaborates closely withcrossfunctionalteams including software, hardware, and integration engineers to support system configuration updates and capability enhancements.
Follows established engineering procedures, configuration management guidelines, and quality standards to ensure consistent and reliable product performance.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
1-3 years of experience in software development, systems integration, or engineering support roles.
Foundational knowledge of software programming languages, debugging methods, and structured development practices.
Familiarity with operating systems, networking principles, and software installation processes.
Ability to follow engineering direction and work effectively with general supervision.
Strongproblemsolvingskills with the ability to diagnose issues and propose practical solutions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, especially for reporting status and documenting engineering activities.
Ability to work collaboratively in ateamorientedtechnical environment.

Preferred Skills

Experience with simulation devices, training systems, ordefenserelatedsoftware environments.
Knowledge of system integration principles and interfacing with simulation platform software.
Experience working with software version control systems or configuration management tools.
Familiarity with distributed computing, networking protocols, or simulation networking technologies.
Ability to develop or update detailed technical documentation for software and system support.
Experience troubleshooting complex interactions between hardware, software, and integrated systems.

Security Responsibilities

Mustcomplywithall company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.

  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a subassembly shop, final assemblylabsand customer sites. All areas are climate controlled however there are times when individuals will need to work outside in the elements.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on computers or performing engineering tasks.
Ability to walk through simulator bays, engineering labs, or training system areas as needed.
May occasionally need to lift and move small equipment or components (up to approximately 25lbs).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you needassistancetosubmityour application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com

About CAE

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position TypeRegularEqual Opportunity Employer

CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process.If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com.

Data Privacy

Privacy Statement | CAE

As part of our process, we may use AIsupported tools to help review applications, with human decisionmaking at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.