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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Started his career at Deloitte Consulting, focusing on supply chain & manufacturing operations for the aerospace & defense sector. Brent Shulman * Full-stack engineering leader * Previously an ...

R&D Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$108K - $172K/yr

R&D Software Engineer Lead mainframe security software development while mentoring juniors and coordinating with stakeholders Location: Lisle, IllinoisDurham, North CarolinaPlano, Texas Compensation ...

On-Site Job Id: 14121-CSAR - Chase # of Openings: 1 Auria is looking to hire a Software Engineer to ... Prior experience contributing to large-scale government software programs or defense acquisitions.

Showing results 41-60

Defense Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$152K

$211.7K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $178,200.00 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,971 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Space Systems Embedded Software Engineers - Level 3 or 4 (TS/SCI)

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. At Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you will engineer the enduring icons of modern space exploration and global security, from manufacturing the vital Solid Rocket Boosters for NASA's Artemis missions and the engineering behind the James Webb Space Telescope, to pioneering on-orbit logistics with our uncrewed Cygnus cargo spacecraft and Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), alongside developing next-generation national defense constellations and strategic missile systems.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSS), Rolling Meadows, IL is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer for its Software & Controls Department to be responsible for full-cycle product development of new software subsystems and defense electronics as well as customization of current systems to support customer needs. As a Space Systems Embedded Software Engineers - Level 3 or 4 (TS/SCI), you will be driving requirements analysis and system architecture, design, coding, test, and verification using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. These products and systems power the next generation of products.

Our products are integrated with our customers' machines and systems, and many of the applications are highly customized and unique. We are interested in highly motivated candidates with embedded software design experience with a focus on software interactions with safety-critical real-time systems, digital signal processing, and secure software solutions. This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance at the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. Basic Qualifications: Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or another STEM discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience; OR Master's degree in the fields listed above with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD with 1 year of related experience Sr.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Level 4: Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or another STEM discipline from an accredited university and 9 years of related experience; OR Master's degree in the fields listed above with 7 years of related experience; OR PhD with 5 years of related experience Requires an active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with SCI at time of application, [US citizenship required] Experience developing embedded software in C/C++ Working knowledge of RTOS (RTLinux, VxWorks, Integrity) concepts and operation Experience with scripting languages such as: Python, JavaScript, Perl, Unix/DOS shell scripts Experience and ability to review work products and provide meaningful feedback Experience developing in a hybrid Linux/Windows environment Working knowledge of electronic test equipment (Oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, etc) Working knowledge of Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket) Preferred Qualifications: Experience developing applications for Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and architectures Experience developing drivers and BSPs for custom hardware platforms Experience with Linux Embedded real-time OS development (Yocto) Experience leading and defining software development and architecting activities Experience with day-to-day technical leadership (CAM, IPT lead, etc) Experience with System on a Chip (AMD, Xilinx, Altera) software/FPGA integration Experience in embedded C++ optimization Experience implementing and/or defining digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms Working knowledge of RF systems (link budgets, antennas, RF front end HW, etc) Experience with hands-on hardware testing, debugging, and board bring-up Experience with GNU Radio and/or Redhawk SDR development #SpaceEngJobs #SpaceSoftwareJobs Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay

Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939