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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Kirkland, WA (NOW HIRING)

Front Door Defense

Navigation Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130.71 - $182.99/hr

Able to contribute as a software developer. * Effective use of software configuration management ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Anduril Industries

Software Engineer, C++

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... ABOUT THE JOB At Anduril, our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology ...

Overland AI

Infrastructure Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72 ... As an infrastructure software engineer, you'll design, build, the internal platforms, libraries ...

Overland AI

Software Engineer - Planning

Seattle, WA · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72 ... We are seeking a Software Engineer - Planning to design and implement navigational planning ...

Overland AI

Software Engineer - Planning

Seattle, WA · On-site

$170 - $230/hr

Overland AIhas secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72 ... Role Summary We are seeking a Software Engineer - Planningto design and implement navigational ...

Crane Company

Embedded Software Engineer Sr

Lynnwood, WA

$145K - $191K/yr

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense ... The Senior Embedded Software Engineer is a key contributor to the development of advanced sensing ...

Kymeta

Senior Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$137K - $180K/yr

Ability to travel 10% SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * 8+ years of software engineering experience in embedded, networking, communications, aerospace, defense, or related technical environments * Strong ...

Overland AI

Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $240K/yr

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72 ... We are looking for a field-forward, Software Engineer to deploy, operate, sustain, and iterate on ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... ABOUT THE JOB We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join the LatticeOS team, where you ...

Kymeta Corporation

Senior Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Ability to travel 10% SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * 8+ years of software engineering experience in embedded, networking, communications, aerospace, defense, or related technical environments * Strong ...

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Defense Software Engineer information

See Kirkland, WA salary details

$72.2K

$167.7K

$233.6K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Kirkland, WA is $167,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,400.00 and $196,700.00 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 Kirkland, WA?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA are:

What cities near Kirkland, WA are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Kirkland, WA with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Kirkland, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,729 per year, or $80.6 per hour.

Software Engineer, C++

Anduril Industries

Bellevue, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,812 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

At Anduril, our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology, crafting high-impact, cutting-edge solutions that redefine innovation. You'll dive into a diverse range of projects, partnering with brilliant minds across disciplines to engineer robust software systems that empower our mission-critical operations. We're seeking talented C++ software engineers on several teams to contribute to projects that are shaping the future of defense.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design, develop, and optimize high-performance, low-latency C++ software for critical defense applications, systems, and infrastructure.
  • Engineer robust, efficient, and scalable solutions, tackling complex algorithmic challenges and memory management critical for real-time operations.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and other software disciplines to integrate C++ components and ensure seamless system functionality.
  • Debug, test, and profile C++ code to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and ensure system reliability and stability.
  • Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from architectural design and implementation to rigorous testing and deployment of advanced C++ systems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Deep Technical Acumen: A robust foundation in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics, enabling a strong understanding of low-level systems and algorithmic complexity.
  • Mastery of C++: Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated professional experience in developing high-performance, complex software solutions using modern C++.
  • Building Performant Systems: Proven ability to design and implement software that prioritizes performance, efficiency, and resource management for demanding applications.
  • Navigating Complex Architectures: Proven capability to rapidly understand and contribute to large, mature C++ codebases and intricate system architectures.
  • Commitment to Mission: A genuine passion for building critical C++ software that directly contributes to impactful, real-world outcomes and societal advancement.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

This job post is inclusive of openings within various teams. Successful candidates will be matched to a specific team at a subsequent stage of the recruitment process.

The roles considered for this job post may require travel. The extent of travel will vary by role.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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