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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer Position Requirements: * US Citizenship required ... S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health ...

Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer Position Requirements: * US Citizenship required ... S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health ...

SDR Software Engineer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Signalscape has supplied engineering services and products used for defense, intelligence, and law ... Our design services span many disciplines, including custom system design, software development ...

Lead Cloud Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

... defense mechanisms through red and blue team activities. * API and Software Vigilance: Elevate the ... Modern Software Engineering: Apply contemporary software engineering practices to your role ...

CNO Software Developer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$120K/yr

Signalscape has supplied engineering services and products used for defense, intelligence, and law ... Design and develop new hardware or software based CNO capabilities * Manage the designing ...

Software Engineering Director II

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$245K/yr

Partner effectively with 2nd line of defense, Auditor, and regulators to ensure Risk is identified ... IT software engineering, five years' relevant business experience (i.e. making technical-related ...

... the defense and national security enterprise. We believe people are any organization's most ... Partner with software engineers, product leaders, and stakeholders to translate operational ...

New

Senior Research Engineer - AI/ML

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$181K/yr

... and Defense communities. Application areas include software tool development, physics-based ... The scientist / engineer will join a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of engineers and ...

ADI combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements ... S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this ...

... the defense and national security enterprise. We believe people are any organization's most ... You will work alongside senior engineers, software developers, product leaders, and mission ...

New

SDR Software Engineer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

\n \n \n Signalscape has supplied engineering services and products used for defense, intelligence ... Our design services span many disciplines, including custom system design, software development ...

Senior Security Engineer - Network Defense

Raleigh, NC ยท Remote

$111K - $152K/yr

Coordinate with software developers to ensure Containment security capabilities are verified ... Manage security product life cycle from Network Defense roadmap to Annual Vendor Reviews. * Assist ...

Software Engineering Director I

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$245K/yr

Partner effectively with 2nd line of defense, Auditor, and regulators to ensure Risk is identified ... Responsible for oversight of software engineering and unit testing and supporting integration and ...

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Defense Software Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$61.7K

$143.4K

$199.8K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Raleigh, NC is $143,405.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,600.00 and $168,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Defense Software Engineer job?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Defense Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer

ARA

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

At ARA, we strive to hire valuable colleagues with not only the right skills, but who also demonstrate our core values of passion, freedom, service and growth.
If you are looking for a career where you get to design, implement, deploy, and maintain custom software solutions to meet unique and interesting challenges, then our Raleigh, NC division of ARA has an exciting opportunity worth considering. Not only will you solve challenging core problems, you'll also be able to grow your career in an exciting environment that promotes teamwork and cross-training in a wide range of related disciplines.
The successful candidate for this position will develop, configure, and implement software solutions targeting government Kubernetes clusters across cloud and on-prem environments. The candidate will closely work with their team and interface with security to integrate applications into secure air-gap environments.
The opportunity for career advancement and continued learning at ARA goes beyond project work. We strive to identify cross-training opportunities and encourage staff to become involved in upcoming R&D efforts as well as interject new ideas into our longstanding operational programs. At ARA, we foster an environment where technical staff are empowered to research and develop their own ideas -with resources and support from a strong internal technical team and external partners. You can expect day to day to have flexibility in choosing the level of autonomy suited to you, while at the same time enjoying a challenging technical career with great opportunity for personal growth.
Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer Position Requirements:
  • US Citizenship required
  • Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance
  • Active Single Scope (CI) Polygraph on record
  • BS or higher in Computer science, IT, Engineering, Applied mathematics, or a closely related field
  • 10+ years relevant work experience with BS
  • 8+ years relevant work experience with MS
  • Relocation to Raleigh NC; this position involves minimal travel for collaboration with customers and partners. Willing to work onsite a minimum of 3 days a week and up to 5 days
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills

Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer Preferences:
  • Experience with modern programming languages (e.g. Go, Rust, and/or Python)
  • Experience with programming both functional and object orientated applications
  • Expert in API development with understanding of gRPC, REST, WebSockets, and microservices
  • Experience with CI/CD tools (e.g. Gitlab/Jenkins)
  • Experience with deploying software applications onto Kubernetes clusters (e.g. Helm, in-development software, CNCF tooling)
  • Experience administrating Kubernetes clusters
  • Experience with IaC/CaC tools (e.g. Terraform, Open Tofu, Crossplane)

If this is the perfect job for you please apply online at https://www.ara.com/job-search today!
About Us:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979 as the disco era was, thankfully, closing out and the personal computer era was beginning. We employ over 2,200 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA prides ourselves on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.
To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.