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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Rocket Lab Corporation

Optical Engineer II

Toronto, ON · On-site

... software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems ... defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the ...

Localcoin

Cybersecurity Engineer

Etobicoke, ON · Hybrid

CA$100K - CA$150K/yr

Experience with application security practices and secure software delivery. * Experience managing ... Strong understanding of modern security threats, attack vectors, and defensive controls. * Ability ...

S&P Global

Lead Penetration Test Engineer

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$135K/yr

... and defensive strategies. Partner with internal teams to design and execute threat assessments ... Familiarity with secure software development practices and the software development lifecycle.

Spgi

Lead Penetration Test Engineer

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$135K/yr

... and defensive strategies. Partner with internal teams to design and execute threat assessments ... Familiarity with secure software development practices and the software development lifecycle.

Precinmac

CNC Programmer

Milton, ON · On-site

CA$30 - CA$35/hr

Utilize simulation software (Vericut or NC Simulator) to verify toolpaths, detect collisions, and ... defense experience a plus). * 5+ years of CNC programming experience, with mastery in Mastercam

Rocket Lab Corporation

Optical Engineer II

Toronto, ON

CA$93K - CA$117K/yr

... software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems ... defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the ...

L3Harris Technologies

Optical Designer 1

Toronto, ON

CA$71K - CA$121K/yr

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in ... Design, build and use precision mechanical engineering test fixtures using modern methods to ...

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All JobsDefense Software Engineer JobsDefense Software Engineer Jobs in Toronto, ON

Defense Software Engineer information

See Toronto, ON salary details

$34.4K

$109K

$170.8K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Toronto, ON is $109,032.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,073.00 and $133,130.00 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 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 Toronto, ON? For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Software Engineer jobs in Toronto, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Software Engineer jobs in Toronto, ON are:
What cities near Toronto, ON are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Toronto, ON with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:
Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,032 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Optical Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Toronto, ON • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

OPTICAL ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Lab's site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Optical Engineer II reports to the optical lead and is responsible for supporting development and maintenance of star tracker products.

 WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Undertake design, analysis and test to develop new star tracker products and maintain existing products
  • Develop, integrate and commission test setups for star tracker production, and research & development
  • Complete data collection and analysis to quantify part level and unit level performance
  • Support the quality team as needed for root cause analysis and disposition of non-conformances
  • Support the production team as needed to complete assembly, integration and test of star tracker products
  • Support the business development team in responding to customer inquiries

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in science or engineering
  • 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field
  • 2+ years of experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field
  • 5+ years of experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems
  • Master's degree in physics or aerospace engineering
  • Experience with optical design and Zemax OpticStudio
  • Familiarity with optomechanical design and sourcing/selection of optomechanical components
  • Familiarity with spacecraft system design and the space environment
  • Familiarity with lens manufacture and assembly
  • Familiarity with stray light analysis and stray light mitigation techniques
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills
  • Experience with data analysis, visualization and interpretation using Python or Matlab
  • Experience with source control technologies like GIT or SVN
  • Experience with embedded microcontroller development in C

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 

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