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

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 ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Systems Test Engineer

Morrisville, NC ยท On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Hybrid Work Environment: Hybrid Owl Cyber Defense is a leader and trusted partner in ... The ideal candidate is a skilled software developer who is passionate about technology, enjoys ...

CNO Software Developer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$120K/yr

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

Are you an innovative Embedded Software Engineer with expertise in C/C++ and Linux systems? Do you ... defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of ...

Systems Test Engineer

Morrisville, NC ยท On-site +1

$95K - $125K/yr

Hybrid Work Environment: Hybrid Owl Cyber Defense is a leader and trusted partner in ... The ideal candidate is a skilled software developer who is passionate about technology, enjoys ...

Senior Software Developer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$120K - $170K/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 ...

Senior Software Developer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$120K - $170K/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

$140 - $190/hr

... 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 19, 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?

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 Raleigh, NC are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,405 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Software Development Engineer (SDE) II

Kognitiv Edge

Durham, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Role: Software Development Engineer (SDE) II 

Job Type: Full-time 

Years of Experience: 2+ 

Work Arrangement: On-site, in-office (this is not a remote or hybrid position) 

Location: Raleigh, NC (approx. 15% travel to customer and deployment sites) 

Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance 


About Kognitiv Edge:  

Kognitiv Edge (KE) is a mission-driven technology company dedicated to optimizing human performance across the defense and national security enterprise. We believe people are any organization's most important capability, and our mission is to deliver the data, technology, and insights that maximize readiness, resilience, and performance at scale. 


We build secure, cloud-native platforms that turn fragmented information into actionable intelligence for the military leaders, healthcare providers, researchers, and operators who depend on it. By integrating data from disparate sources and applying advanced analytics, we help organizations make faster, better-informed decisions that shift them from reactive responses to proactive, data-driven action and improve mission outcomes. 


Operating at the intersection of technology, data, and national security, our work supports some of the most demanding environments in the world, where the quality of a decision can carry enormous consequences. 


We are a team of builders, problem-solvers, and innovators who thrive on complex challenges with real-world impact. If you are passionate about technology that serves a greater purpose, committed to continuous learning, and eager to work alongside high-performing teammates, we invite you to join us. 


Position Summary:  

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate SDE II to join our team at Kognitiv Edge. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and maintaining our software infrastructure and source code, contributing to various Azure-native projects. This position is ideal for someone who has development experience in the cloud and a desire to make significant impacts in a fast-paced start-up environment. 


Key Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate with team to design software architecture solutions. 
  • Contribute to the development and management of ETL (Extract, Transform, and Load) data ingestion processes. 
  • Design and maintain source control repositories and CI/CD pipelines. 
  • Create and alter IAC (Infrastructure as Code) to provision Azure infrastructure. 
  • Develop and integrate new API connections. 
  • Support the development of front-end applications using role-based access, login functionalities, and Microsoft integrations. 
  • Work closely with the rest of the development team to introduce creative solutions during the development, testing, and deployment processes. 


Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, MIS, or a related field OR meets all other requirements and has at least 3 years programming experience and 3 years as a developer in cloud environment.  
  • 2-5 years of experience in the following: Python, Java, Typescript, Javascript, C#. Must be able to talk to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles.  
  • Azure 1-3 years' experience OR AWS 3-5 years' experience back end or full stack developer in cloud environment. 
  • 1-3 years' experience in DevOps (CI/CD, Git Source Control)  
  • 1-3 years' experience in Infrastructure as Code (IAC) OR can prove DevOps knowledge 
  • 1-2 years' experience in Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) OR can prove relational & non-relational database knowledge. 


Preferred Skills: 

  • Knowledge of Azure services, especially Azure Synapse and Power Apps 
  • Terraform or other IAC experience 
  • Experience with ETL development and Data Lakes 
  • Some familiarity with Power BI and data visualization tools 
  • Understanding of API development and basic OAuth 2.0 principles 
  • Experience setting up CI/CD pipelines 
  • Experience with Object-Oriented Programming and scripting 


Benefits: 

Benefits of Joining Kognitiv Edge 


Competitive Compensation Package: At Kognitiv Edge, we understand the value of our team members and offer competitive salaries and benefits to reflect their importance in our success. 


Health and Wellness Programs: We prioritize the health and well-being of our employees with comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and wellness initiatives. 


Professional Growth Opportunities: Kognitiv Edge is committed to the continuous professional development of our team. Enjoy access to a range of training programs, workshops, and conferences to enhance your skills and career growth. 


Innovative Work Environment: Join a team where innovation thrives. Work on cutting-edge projects that challenge and expand your technical and creative boundaries. 


Paid Time Off: Enjoy generous vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave, ensuring you have ample time to relax and recharge. 


Team Building Activities: Be a part of a company culture that values collaboration and camaraderie through regular team outings, events, and activities. 


Join Kognitiv Edge and be a part of a dynamic team, contributing to groundbreaking solutions in human performance and operational excellence.