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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in East Rutherford, NJ

They are looking for an entrepreneurial generalist software engineer who can contribute across the ... Legacy defense broke. Founded in 2023, the company is headquartered in New York City, NY, US ...

Senior Ground Software Engineer

Long Beach, NY · On-site

$140 - $220/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About Odin Dynamics Founded in 2025, Odin Dynamics is a defense technology company building ... This engineer will own the complete ground software lifecycle: requirements, architecture, system ...

Proven experience in software development, preferably in a defense, aerospace, or security-related domain. * Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java. * Strong ...

Our customers include leading innovators in Aerospace & Defense, Materials, Energy, Semiconductors ... As a Software Engineer, this takes the form of building and deploying applications that utilize the ...

Software Engineer, Platform

New York, NY · On-site

$135K - $300K/yr

  • PTO

Why Join Doppel Doppel is building the future of social engineering defense. Our AI-native platform uses agentic AI to protect executives, employees, customers, and brands from phishing ...

The role of Software Engineer (Platform) involves designing and maintaining foundational systems ... Legacy defense broke. Founded in 2023, the company is headquartered in New York City, NY, US ...

Software Engineer II with Security Clearance

Totowa, NJ · On-site

$86K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At Electronic Systems, you'll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense ... We are seeking a Junior Level Software Engineer for our ECS Software organization in Totowa New ...

Software Engineer, Product

New York, NY · On-site

$220K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

TL;DR - We're building humanity's defense layer for the AI age and are looking for a Firmware ... One of the first 10 engineers shaping hardware systems pre-Series A. * Own firmware that leaves the ...

Software Engineer, Product

New York, NY · On-site

$220K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

TL;DR - We're building humanity's defense layer for the AI age and are looking for a Firmware ... One of the first 10 engineers shaping hardware systems pre-Series A. * Own firmware that leaves the ...

Software Engineer, Detection

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $350K/yr

  • PTO

Why Join Doppel Doppel is building the future of social engineering defense. Our AI-native platform uses agentic AI to protect executives, employees, customers, and brands from phishing ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Software Engineer information

See East Rutherford, NJ salary details

$64.7K

$150.3K

$209.4K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in East Rutherford, NJ is $150,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,300.00 and $176,300.00 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 East Rutherford, NJ?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in East Rutherford, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near East Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near East Rutherford, NJ with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in East Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,305 per year, or $72.3 per hour.

$164K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days 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

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 6 years relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. 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.


ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:


As an Embedded Software Engineer working with custom Hardware built in-house, for our Cyber group, you’ll be a member of a cross functional team responsible for developing mission critical NSA-certified Cybersecurity devices in a rapidly growing product line. You’ll be working at the cutting edge of Cybersecurity and high-speed data.

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:

  • Real-Time Embedded software, preferably on Linux OS
  • Real world experience developing in a systems programming language such as C/C++, with Rust experience preferred
  • Extensive experience with software design, code, integration, and test
  • Long development lifecycle and product lifespans, requiring maintenance and regular technology refresh
  • Concurrent programming

Nice to have experience with:

  • Heterogeneous computing systems
  • Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux)
  • ARMv8 architecture
  • Serial communication protocols, hardware interfaces, and device drivers
  • Computer Networking

What sets you apart:

  • Passion for designing complicated systems and working on problems of diverse scope.
  • Ability to define the scope, schedule, and expectations for the work you execute.
  • Shows initiative on assignments and executes projects with little guidance and can provide technical direction and leadership.
  • Ability to turn CONOPS, Specifications or Requirements into software design, code, test plans, and then execute testing/debugging.
  • Proficiency with software tools supporting Integrated Development Environments (IDE), version control, defect tracking, and scripting.
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation


Our Commitment to You:

  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development. 
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is Fully On-Site.
While on-site, you will be a part of the Florham Park, NJ facility.

#CJ3


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 $164,100.00 - USD $173,074.00 /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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