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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Air

Lead Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

... the defense and intelligence communities. This role is a full-time position located out of our ... Lead software engineering efforts from ideation through implementation as well as the day-to-day of ...

Air

Lead Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA

... the defense and intelligence communities. This role is a full-time position located out of our ... Lead software engineering efforts from ideation through implementation as well as the day-to-day of ...

Air

Lead Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

... the defense and intelligence communities. This role is a full-time position located out of our ... Lead software engineering efforts from ideation through implementation as well as the day-to-day of ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense, agricultural, mining, industrial, and off-road autonomy applications. Our ruggedized ... What You'll Be Doing As a Software Engineer, you will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense, agricultural, mining, industrial, and off-road autonomy applications. Our ruggedized ... What You'll Be Doing As a Software Engineer, you will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense, agricultural, mining, industrial, and off-road autonomy applications. Our ruggedized ... What You'll Be Doing As a Software Engineer, you will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer - Military

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Carnegie Robotics designs and manufactures advanced robotics systems and components for defense ... We've had Electrical Engineers who started as interns in Production and Manufacturing, Software ...

Carnegie Robotics

Software Engineer - Military

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Carnegie Robotics designs and manufactures advanced robotics systems and components for defense ... We've had Electrical Engineers who started as interns in Production and Manufacturing, Software ...

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All JobsDefense Software Engineer JobsDefense Software Engineer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Defense Software Engineer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$61.6K

$143.2K

$199.5K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Pittsburgh, PA is $143,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $168,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Software Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,218 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Software Engineering Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$120K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

What We Do
The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances the state of the art in software engineering and cybersecurity and serves as a national resource for secure, resilient software systems. The SEI works closely with academia, the U.S. Department of War, other government organizations, and industry to improve the development, acquisition, and sustainment of software-intensive systems.
Our core purpose is to help organizations acquire and operate software-reliant systems that are secure, reliable, sustainable, and mission-effective, delivered on time and within budget.
If you are creative, curious, collaborative, technology-focused, and motivated to solve complex problems in support of national defense, we encourage you to apply.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support U.S. Navy customers in the acquisition of a software-based maintenance and readiness application critical to fleet operations and national security. This position provides technical leadership across the software acquisition lifecycle, including architecture analysis, software development oversight, risk reduction, and sustainment planning. The role requires close collaboration with Naval Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and Program Management Offices (PMOs), sustainment organizations, contractors, and fleet stakeholders to ensure software solutions meet operational, maintainability, and long-term supportability requirements.
The ideal candidate combines hands-on software expertise (C/C++) with experience supporting Naval acquisition programs, legacy-dependent systems, and operational environments. This role includes guiding technical teams, evaluating architectural tradeoffs, developing prototypes, analyzing existing source code, and leading customer engagements that inform acquisition and sustainment decisions.
What You'll Do
  • Support Naval software acquisition and sustainment activities in accordance with DoD 5000-series acquisition guidance, including architecture analysis, software engineering, integration, testing, deployment, and long-term sustainment planning
  • Provide technical leadership for a fleet-facing maintenance and readiness application supporting operational availability across afloat and ashore environments
  • Advise Navy Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), and government stakeholders on software design decisions, technical risks, modernization strategies, and tradeoffs associated with large, legacy-dependent systems
  • Lead software development efforts from concept through deployment, with an emphasis on C and C++-based implementations supporting high-performance and mission-critical use cases
  • Demonstrate software architecture expertise by developing and maintaining design artifacts such as data-flow diagrams, sequence diagrams, interface control definitions, and quality attribute specifications to support scalable, maintainable, and resilient solutions
  • Analyze existing source code, system interfaces, and data flows to identify technical debt, sustainment risks, and modernization opportunities.
  • Develop prototypes and technical demonstrations to support risk reduction, acquisition decision-making, and capability maturation
  • Collaborate with senior U.S. Navy and government stakeholders, contractors, integrators, SEI staff, and leadership to assess needs and deliver technically sound recommendations
  • Lead and mentor a team of developers, fostering disciplined engineering practices, continuous improvement, and mission focus
  • Support customer engagements such as technical interchange meetings (TIMs), design reviews, and acquisition milestone activities, providing clear, defensible technical input
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, software development best practices, and Naval digital modernization initiatives relevant to sustainment and maintenance systems

Who You Are
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance; an existing SECRET or higher clearance is preferred
  • Previous experience leading, architecting, or developing large scale Navy acquisition programs including Aegis Combat System, SM-series interceptors, Sea Sparrow Missile System and/or Surface Electronic Warfare programs
  • Previous experience working with large scale Naval Command elements such as NAVSEA, NAVAIR, NAVWAR, NAVFAC, NIWC or their predecessors such as SPAWAR

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with ten (10) years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience
  • Proven experience designing and implementing complex software architectures for mission-critical or sustainment-focused systems
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and balance architecture drivers, tradeoffs, extensibility, and long-term maintainability
  • Deep understanding of C and C++ software development, including analysis of existing codebases
  • Working knowledge of C#, Java, and Python
  • Experience across the full software development lifecycle, including the use of static analysis tools and techniques to improve software quality and security
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and engage credibly with government and contractor stakeholders
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to government decision-makers
  • Willingness to work directly with U.S. military and government stakeholders in support of mission success
  • Ability to travel up to 25% to SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings

Why Work Here
Our benefits philosophy centers on choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • The opportunity to join a world-class organization with a significant impact on government software systems
  • Work alongside leading experts to solve high-consequence national security challenges
  • An 8% employer retirement contribution with no employee contribution requirement
  • Tuition benefits for you and your dependent children
  • Access to university resources, including wellness programs, transit benefits, and onsite fitness facilities at select locations
  • Paid parental leave and military leave
  • Eligibility for relocation assistance and additional benefits

Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance

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