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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

SAIC

Software Engineer

North Charleston, SC · On-site

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 ...

DAS Technology Group

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 ...

PEMCCO, Inc.

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$29.33 - $44/hr

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

PEMCCO

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$29.33 - $44/hr

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

PEMCCO, Inc.

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC

$29.33 - $44/hr

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

PEMCCO

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

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

Fathom 4, LLC

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 ...

PEMCCO, Inc.

Lead Software Developer

Hanahan, SC

$36.43 - $54.64/hr

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 ...

Fathom 4, LLC

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 ...

PEMCCO, Inc.

Lead Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$36.43 - $54.64/hr

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 ...

PEMCCO

Lead Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$36.43 - $54.64/hr

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 ...

PEMCCO

Lead Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

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 ...

Fathom 4, LLC

Software Developer

Charleston, SC · On-site

Fathom 4 (www.fathom4.com) is the kind of defense services company that you've always wanted to ... Works with Government Systems Engineering and Software Development teams to Identify and prioritize ...

Fathom 4, LLC

Software Developer

Hanahan, SC · On-site

Fathom 4 (www.fathom4.com) is the kind of defense services company that you've always wanted to ... Works with Government Systems Engineering and Software Development teams to Identify and prioritize ...

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All JobsDefense Software Engineer JobsDefense Software Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

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 11, 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 job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC 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:
Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
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.

Software Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

North Charleston, SC

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 223 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is seeking a Software Engineer to own full stack development and technical maturation of a government software prototype as it transitions from research/prototype status to a Program of Record (PoR) for our customer site in North Charleston, SC.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the full-stack engineer for a government software system, overseeing backend services, frontend applications, and supporting infrastructure.
  • Design, develop, and maintain APIs and services using Go and Python, while driving the technical roadmap to transition a research prototype into a production-ready system for a Program of Record.
  • Refactor, re-architect, and harden prototype code to meet security, scalability, maintainability, and supportability standards required for fielded DoD/government systems.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity/ISSO personnel to implement RMF-compliant technical controls, support ATO accreditation, and contribute to required security documentation/artifacts.
  • Enforce secure software development practices, including secure coding standards, vulnerability management, container hardening, secrets management, logging/auditing, and secure CI/CD pipelines.
  • Integrate and advocate for AI-assisted development tools to enhance code quality, security posture, and software delivery efficiency.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelors and five (5) years or more work experience; (4) four years of additional work experience accepted in lieu of degree.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Go, Python.
  • Active, hands-on use of AI development tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or similar AI coding assistants) as part of daily engineering work.
  • Practical experience with cybersecurity-conscious software engineering - secure coding practices, vulnerability remediation, container/infrastructure hardening, or similar. 
  • Experience taking prototype/research-grade code and maturing it into a production, supportable system.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Direct experience supporting an ATO package (SSP development, control implementation, POA&M management, eMASS).
  • Experience with containerization/orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipeline security.
  • Familiarity with DoD software acquisition processes and prototype-to-Program-of-Record transitions.
  • Experience with cloud environments (AWS GovCloud or similar) in an accredited/compliance-driven context.
  • Prior experience in a DoD, IC, or other federal contracting environment.
  • Proficiency with React and Rust.
  • Familiarity with the general lifecycle of moving a system through security accreditation (RMF, ATO, or equivalent commercial/compliance frameworks) - prior direct ATO experience is a strong plus but not mandatory. 

Required Security Clearance:

  • Must be a US Citizen with an active Interim Secret clearance to start and the ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.

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