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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Interior Integration Engineer

Wichita, KS

$93K - $125K/yr

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES Support the Design for Defense customer of modifications affecting interior ... Review engineering designs and actively participate in the development and integration of ...

Interior Integration Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES • Support the Design for Defense customer of modifications affecting ... Provide design data to Certification Engineering team to support certification of projects. • ...

Project Engineer I

Wichita, KS · Hybrid

$143K - $197K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 ... As a Project Engineer I you will support planning, coordination, and execution of the engineering ...

Stress Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$52.50 - $72/hr

Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with industry-standard analysis tools: F&DT Tools: NASGRO ... Familiarity with military standards (e.g., Joint Service Specification Guide JSSG-2006) for defense ...

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members ... Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$40 - $53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiarity with 2D/3D CAD software and manufacturing documentation. * Strong problem-solving ... Work on both commercial and defense aerospace programs. * Gain exposure to advanced manufacturing ...

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members ... Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Software Engineer information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$56.8K

$132K

$183.8K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Wichita, KS is $131,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,400.00 and $154,800.00 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 Wichita, KS?

For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Wichita, KS are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Wichita, KS with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Wichita, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,975 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

Spirit Defense - Operations Engineering Manager

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS

$105K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit’s Defense Business Unit (“Spirit Defense”). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions.


Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

  • Manage Continuous Improvement Specialists who focus on best practices for manufacturing operations, including process improvement, quality, and safety.
  • Develop new manufacturing build plans, conduct root cause analysis and other necessary activities, as an owner of the manufacturing process.
  • Enforce policies and procedures that may affect sections and subordinate work units.
  • Use competency to complete tasks with little to no oversight, while communicating cross-functionally to ensure goals and outcomes are achieved.
  • Manage multiple tasks to successful closure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ensure that direct reports can meet critical schedule deadlines.
  • Interact effectively across all levels of leadership and staff.
  • Lead a team including CI Specialists and professional union-represented employees.
  • Interact across all levels of the organization; efficiently and effectively communicate and execute the manufacturing plan and schedule, implement agreed-upon changes; navigate difficult situations and conversations to a productive outcome.
  • Lead team in developing solutions to complex problems which require the consistent use of manufacturing best practices.
  • Apply knowledge of tools used in the manufacturing process to ensure lean practices, improve quality, and ensure consistent application of safety practices.
  • Experience utilizing production metrics to make informed decisions and drive results.
  • Develop, control, and manage effective build plans and communicate progress to senior leadership.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)
  • 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing production environment.
  • Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities to develop effective solutions to assembly operations problems, including troubleshooting.
  • Ability to manage projects and to lead and participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering initiatives, in a team environment, interact with multiple disciplines and levels of management.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, act decisively, and to demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness.
  • Knowledge of business and production metrics, structures, and reporting.
  • Knowledge of standard business software including Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints.
  • Knowledge of SAP or other large-scale MRP systems.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Manufacturing, Technology or Engineering degrees preferred.
  • Experience in Business Management functions.
  • Experience with Demand Management.
  • Experience with APICS Supply Chain principles.
  • Experience with Lean principles, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints.
  • Knowledge of Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning.

Drug Free Workplace:

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary Pay Range: $105,300 - $161,450

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

 

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.#LI-CG1

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)
  • 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing production environment.
  • Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities to develop effective solutions to assembly operations problems, including troubleshooting.
  • Ability to manage projects and to lead and participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering initiatives, in a team environment, interact with multiple disciplines and levels of management.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, act decisively, and to demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness.
  • Knowledge of business and production metrics, structures, and reporting.
  • Knowledge of standard business software including Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints.
  • Knowledge of SAP or other large-scale MRP systems.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Manufacturing, Technology or Engineering degrees preferred.
  • Experience in Business Management functions.
  • Experience with Demand Management.
  • Experience with APICS Supply Chain principles.
  • Experience with Lean principles, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints.
  • Knowledge of Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning.

Drug Free Workplace:

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary Pay Range: $105,300 - $161,450

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

 

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.#LI-CG1

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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