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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer

Lanham, MD · Hybrid

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology ... As part of the OpenSpace development team, the Software Engineer will be a valuable contributor to ...

KBR, Inc

Software Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Software Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. With KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team delivers ... Your work here will directly support the Department of the Air Force in advancing defense ...

KBR

Software Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site +1

$110K - $115K/yr

Software Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. With KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team delivers ... Your work here will directly support the Department of the Air Force in advancing defense ...

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer

Lanham, MD · Hybrid

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology ... As part of the OpenSpace development team, the Software Engineer will be a valuable contributor to ...

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer

Lanham, MD · Hybrid

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology ... As part of the OpenSpace development team, the Software Engineer will be a valuable contributor to ...

REDLattice

Software Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Software Engineer Location: Quantico, VA At REDLattice, we are a global leader in delivering ... enforcement, defense, and national security operations. With offices in Northern Virginia ...

REDLattice, Inc.

Software Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Software Engineer Location: Quantico, VA At REDLattice, we are a global leader in delivering ... enforcement, defense, and national security operations. With offices in Northern Virginia ...

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All JobsDefense Software Engineer JobsDefense Software Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Defense Software Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$66.1K

$153.5K

$213.8K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Reston, VA is $153,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,800.00 and $180,000.00 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 Reston, VA?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,477 per year, or $73.8 per hour.

Software Engineer - JobID-0055

Arlington, VA • On-site

Innovative Defense Technologies
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Innovative Defense Technologiesexternal

$90K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer - JobID-0055
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Arlington, VA
Compensation: $90,000 - $184,000 / year
Description
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), provider of cutting-edge cloud-based integration, automated testing and data analysis for complex, mission-critical systems in the US Department of Defense (DOD), is seeking a Software Engineer to be based in our Arlington, VA office. Leveraging advanced software automation, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and AI-driven capabilities, IDT accelerates capability development, enhances operational readiness, and reduces lifecycle costs for the Department of Defense. The company is dedicated to transforming defense systems through innovation, efficiency, and mission-critical results.
Overview:
This position is based in our Arlington, VA office, with support to Government customer meetings and installations throughout the United States. You will join a team of dynamic, leading-edge software engineers, system integrators, and system engineers. You must have experience with complex systems and fluency with contemporary programming languages, development environments, and architectures. You will be a key contributor to the development and execution of fielded DoD systems, inclusive of primarily software, but also infrastructure, security, and operational design. The environment is challenging, and you will work within a to solve complex problems for this growing business.
Software Engineer responsibilities include gathering user requirements, defining system functionality, writing code in various languages (C++, Java), and verifying software functionality through testing. The ideal candidate is familiar with the software development life cycle (SDLC) from preliminary system analysis to tests and deployment. This role requires full-time presence on-site at our Arlington, VA office.
All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities Include:
  • Design, implement, and test software using multiple languages and technology stacks
  • Explore and prototype next-generation solutions for DoD customers
  • Integrate software components into complex DoD software environments
  • Support test and integration activities in IDT labs, as well as on-site customer labs
  • Develop software interfaces to communicate across network protocols such as TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ
  • Take leadership in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for software systems
  • Participating in and providing feedback in design reviews and code reviews

Minimum Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in software development
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics or equivalent full-time professional experience

Skills Knowledge & Expertise
Required skills:
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ or Java
  • Experience using Confluence and Jira in a software development environment
  • Experience with tactical DoD systems and tactical data networks
  • Ability to decompose and document requirements and specifications
  • Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures and software design patterns
  • Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle
  • Understanding of object-oriented programming
  • Proficiency working with version control software like Git, SVN and software development environments
  • Experience with software testing and configuration management
  • Ability to convert vague customer requirements into a refined software solution
  • Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity
  • Ability to work on-site with potential hybrid flexibility
  • Ability to travel approximately 10%

Preferred skills:
  • Active DOD Clearance.
  • Proficiency in containerization (Docker, Podman, etc.) and orchestration frameworks (Swarm, Kubernetes, etc.)
  • Development, system integration, and test experience with complex DoD systems
  • Experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment
  • Experience with virtualization and containerization deployment technologies
  • Experience with deployment automation tools (SALT, Ansible, Terraform etc.)
  • Proficiency working with different SW development tools such as Jenkins, JFrog Artifactory, and Gitlab
  • Experience with creating and configuring Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.)
  • Experience with basic network concepts like VLANs, IP addressing schemes, and static routing

Competencies:
  • Solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations
  • Excellence in oral, written, and technical communication with peers and non-technical cohorts
  • Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork
  • Strong organization and planning skills
  • Attention to detail

Pay Range*: $90,000 - $150,000 or $114,000 - $184,000
This amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate's experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):
IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including:
  • Generous benefits package
  • Competitive PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching
  • 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)
  • Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program
  • Professional Development Resources
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
  • Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards
  • Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches

EEO Statement:
IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.

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