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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This Software Engineer role will be focused on developing software tools supporting system design ... Mature prototype capabilities into production-ready enterprise applications supporting the defense ...

New

Software Engineer

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mature prototype capabilities into production-ready enterprise applications supporting the defense ... Software Quality Management through DevOps Practices: Implement and oversee DevOps methodologies to ...

Integrate, reverse engineer and adapt legacy COT/GOTS applications onto the virtualized platform to ... of Defense and other federal agencies. To Apply: We invite you to put your talents to work by ...

SETA AI Engineer

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$220 - $250/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space ... Experience with software development fundamentals including APIs, data handling, and system ...

New

Systems Engineer

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We perform R&D on next-generation systems and technologies for the Department of Defense and other U.S. Government agencies. We are hardware and software developers with experience turning research ...

Systems Engineer - Power & Energy Systems

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We perform R&D on next-generation systems and technologies for the Department of Defense and other U.S. Government agencies. We are hardware and software developers with experience turning research ...

Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Systems

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We perform R&D on next-generation systems and technologies for the Department of Defense and other U.S. Government agencies. We are hardware and software developers with experience transforming ...

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Showing results 1-20

Defense Software Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$58.7K

$136.5K

$190.1K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Columbia, SC is $136,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $160,000.00 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 cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,479 per year, or $65.6 per hour.

Software Engineer

Integer Technologies

Columbia, SC โ€ข On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

This Software Engineer role will be focused on developing software tools supporting system design, development, and manufacturing for customers in the defense, and aerospace, and maritime industries. Key objectives for the role are:

  • Develop modeling and simulation software tools for use in design and manufacturing environments.
  • Research and integrate emerging computational tools and workflows, including AI/ML technologies and modern data architectures, with physics-based modeling and simulation.
  • Collaborate across disciplines and with university partners to build prototypes that demonstrate technical capabilities applied to design and manufacturing systems with DoW relevance.
  • Mature prototype capabilities into production-ready enterprise applications supporting the defense industrial base.
What you'll do
  • Agentic Architecture Development: Support research and development of autonomous software agents, deployed in the control of complex systems.
  • Architectural Design & Documentation: Develop and document robust technical solutions for unique problem sets, ensuring scalable and maintainable software architectures and promoting standardization and re-use of modular code.
  • Software Development & Automation: Write clean, efficient code; adapt existing frameworks; and develop pipelines that optimize development processes and drive tangible results.
  • Product Development: Leverage hands-on software development experience to create innovative software products for internal teams and external customers, using proven methodologies from past projects.
  • Data Integration Strategy: Develop and implement methods for integrating data from multiple sourcesโ€”ranging from design information to transactional and streaming dataโ€”to create unified, actionable insights.
  • Software Quality Management through DevOps Practices: Implement and oversee DevOps methodologies to ensure software integrity, maintainability, and scalability. Utilize version control systems (e.g., Git) for source code management, enforce CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment, and apply infrastructure-as-code principles to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Automated Workflow & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build automated workflows to streamline data and software operations, while collaborating with cross-functional teams including data scientists, engineers, and domain specialists to ensure software solutions align with business needs.
  • Technical & Non-Technical Presentations: Present and clearly articulate architectural solutions to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding across all levels.
  • Technical Research & Documentation: Conduct research, review technical documentation, and evaluate the pros and cons of emerging technologies to continuously refine engineering strategies.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Translate complex software functions and development requirements into clear, accessible terms for customers, government representatives, project managers, and other non-technical stakeholders.
Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoW Secret Clearance (eligibility for Top Secret is a plus).
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Computer Science, Software/Computer Engineering or related field.
  • 5+years of professional experience in software development related to modeling, simulation, design, or manufacturing applications.
  • Experience with middleware software languages and technologies. For example: Java, C++, C#, Objective C, Python, SQL, Rust, Perl, Go, REST API, or Bash.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in developing software products for deployment in a defense environment.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in AI and ML technologies, including modeling, and machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn) to enhance system efficiency.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in designing and documenting scalable technical solutions, including microservices, cloud-based architectures, and modular frameworks.
  • Proficiency in building systems utilizing simultaneous data streams from real-world equipment and/or simulations such as Digital Twins.
  • Hands-on experience with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and version control systems (Git).
  • Experience mentoring junior developers, conducting peer code reviews, and contributing to a knowledge-sharing culture.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear technical reports and give concise briefings to senior military and executive stakeholders.
Additional Desired Qualifications
  • Masters or PhD in a relevant engineering or computer science discipline.
  • Experience with Systems Engineering and Systems Integration.
  • Experience in development of computation design applications.
  • Experience in manufacturing environments.
  • Experience using modeling and simulation tools in the development and optimization of components and systems, such as FEA, CFD, Discrete-event Simulation.
  • Experience in developing and maintaining enterprise software in production.
  • Experience developing and running applications on HPCs.
What We Do

Integer Technologies is an applied research and product development company founded by scientists and engineers with a passion for protecting freedom with innovation. We perform R&D on next-generation systems and technologies for the Department of Defense and other U.S. Government agencies. We are hardware and software developers with experience transforming research into fieldable technology. Our core portfolio of research includes projects in power & energy systems, unmanned systems (with an emphasis on maritime systems), digital engineering, cyber security, and advanced manufacturing. Our mission is to create a safer world by translating scientific discoveries into reliable products that address urgent national security needsโ€ฆ at the speed of relevance.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Base salary which exceeds local & national industry averages.
  • Integer fully covers medical, prescription, vision, and dental insurance costs for the employee and dependents. Integerโ€™s standard plan pays 100% of health insurance premiums for your entire family from a well-known national insurer, saving employees thousands of dollars annually.
  • Year-end performance-based bonuses.
  • 401(k) with company matching that vest immediately; no funny business.
  • Paid vacation.
  • Paid sick leave.
  • Paid holidays.
Company Perks
  • Startup culture with the stability of a large company. Integerโ€™s business plan has years of time phased contracted work, alleviating the would-be risk from a traditional small company.
  • Direct access to company leadership, prioritization of people over process, and a stellar team with a shared desire for personal and professional growth.
  • Friendly atmosphere where people enjoy not only their work and what they are creating but enjoy helping each other as well.
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