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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Technology Engineer Sr

Strongsville, OH

$113K - $149K/yr

Must have experience with: (i) using software design principles and knowledge of all phases of ... defensive coding and planning for scale, conducting code reviews and providing inputs in ...

Technology Engineer Sr

Strongsville, OH

$113K - $149K/yr

Must have experience with: (i) using software design principles and knowledge of all phases of ... defensive coding and planning for scale, conducting code reviews and providing inputs in ...

New

... animal kingdom's natural defense mechanisms, we developed patented, quantum-resistant Data ... Design, develop and maintain Windows-based software applications and components using the latest ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space ... Prepare purchase requisitions, hardware/software specifications for electronic/electrical equipment ...

CNC Programmer

Painesville, OH · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The CNC Programmer is responsible for creating, optimizing, & maintaining CNC ... Strong proficiency with ESPRIT CAM software is a plus * Background in aerospace, defense, or ...

CNC Programmer

Painesville, OH · On-site

$23 - $31.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The CNC Programmer is responsible for creating, optimizing, & maintaining CNC ... Strong proficiency with ESPRIT CAM software is a plus * Background in aerospace, defense, or ...

CNC Programmer

Painesville, OH · On-site

$23 - $31.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The CNC Programmer is responsible for creating, optimizing, & maintaining CNC ... Strong proficiency with ESPRIT CAM software is a plus * Background in aerospace, defense, or ...

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Defense Software Engineer information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

$61.6K

$143.1K

$199.3K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Cleveland, OH is $143,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,400.00 and $167,800.00 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 Cleveland, OH?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Cleveland, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

$74K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field. Agile experience preferred.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required within a reasonable period of time.  Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.



Imagine building your career by developing the solutions that go directly aboard U.S. Navy warships supporting the mission readiness of our nation's service members every day. That's the challenge waiting for you at General Dynamics Mission Systems. As a full stack developer, you won't just write code — you'll be delivering software that sailors rely on for crew readiness aboard some of the most complex warships ever built. Are you ready? Then make a career move that makes an impact at General Dynamics Mission Systems.

Utilizing your creativity and innovative engineering skills, you'll join a high-performing agile team delivering a cutting-edge suite of tools that replaces legacy paper-based processes with modern, scalable software deployed on edge networks across the U.S. Navy fleet.


What you'll experience:

  • Technologies deployed in some of the most demanding environments on earth, including aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and guided missile destroyers
  • A team of bold thinkers committed to solving real-world Navy challenges, from handling large-scale data sets to engineering DevSecOps pipelines that meet the Navy's rigorous cybersecurity standards
  • The unique opportunity to see your software installed and running at sea, directly supporting sailor readiness and ship operations
  • Opportunities to gain new knowledge as it's discovered — including working with cloud environments, edge deployments, and cyber certification processes

What sets you apart:

  • Shows initiative and professionally executes projects with little direction
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Team player who thrives in collaborative environments 
  • Self-starter with the ability to juggle multiple programs and tasks at once
  • High level of experience in Excel, PowerPoint, Teams

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Be a member of the development team responsible for designing, developing, refactoring, testing and maintaining new features across multiple modules
  • Develop web-based and mobile software applications supporting shipboard deployments across multiple Navy hull types
  • Participate in all phases of the Agile Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, design, implementation, and testing 
  • Contribute to our DevSecOps pipeline including cyber security scans, routine SBOMs, and continuous deployment to on-premises integration builds and cloud evaluation environments
  • Support integration and testing efforts including Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and Production Readiness Reviews (PRR) in coordination with the integration team

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Familiarity with software engineering disciplines from requirements development to validation
  • Strong skills in use of Java and Java EE development tools
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills as well as practical problem-solving and decision skills
  • Experience in the design and development of software applications using multiple technologies including, but not limited to Java, .NET, SQL, Web Services, JavaScript, and XML
  • Experience with relational databases is desired
  • Experience with containerization technologies, e.g., Docker or Kubernetes, is desired
  • Experience with Agile development process is desired

Workplace Options:
This position can be either 100% On-Site at our facility located in Lakewood, OH or Flex.
#LI-Hybrid


This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
USD $74,050.40 - USD $82,149.60 /Yr.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!


Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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