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Defense Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lynx

Principal Software Engineer (Test)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$129.30K - $173.30K/yr

Lynx is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military and commercial space partners. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer ...

STR

Senior Cyber Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$130.80K - $172.40K/yr

STR is a growing technology company specializing in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security. They are seeking a Senior Cyber Software Engineer to develop ...

Lynx

Senior Software Engineer (Test)

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$118.10K - $153.40K/yr

Lynx is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company. They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Test) to support the development and validation of advanced ...

Navstar

Senior Software Engineer - OMS

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$117.30K - $154.60K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - Open Mission Systems (OMS) Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

New

Lynx

Senior Software Engineer (Test)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$105.80K - $137.40K/yr

Lynx is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military and commercial space partners. They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Test ...

Navstar

Principal Software Engineer - OMS

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$129.30K - $173.30K/yr

Principal Software Engineer - Open Mission Systems (OMS) Job Title: Principal Software Engineer ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

New

Oceaneering

Senior Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$120.70K - $159.10K/yr

... Defense customers. They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer who will be responsible for ... designing, writing, and integrating software while leading small teams and interfacing with ...

LYNX

Senior Software Engineer (Test)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$105.80K - $137.40K/yr

Senior Software Engineer (Test) Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA. Salary Range: $120,000 ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

Navstar

Senior Software Engineer - OMS

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$120.90K - $159.40K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - Open Mission Systems (OMS) Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

New

LYNX

Senior Software Engineer (Test)

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$109K - $141.60K/yr

Senior Software Engineer (Test) Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA. Salary Range: $120,000 ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

Navstar

Senior Software Engineer (Test)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$105.80K - $137.40K/yr

Senior Software Engineer (Test) Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA. Salary Range: $120,000 ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

New

LYNX

Principal Software Engineer (Test)

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$133.20K - $178.60K/yr

Principal Software Engineer (Test) Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA. Salary Range: $160,000 ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

Lynx

Senior Software Engineer (Test)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$105.80K - $137.40K/yr

Lynx is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company. They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Test) to support the development and validation of advanced ...

Navstar

Principal Software Engineer - OMS

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$133.20K - $178.60K/yr

Principal Software Engineer - Open Mission Systems (OMS) Job Title: Principal Software Engineer ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

New

LYNX

Principal Software Engineer (Test)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$129.30K - $173.30K/yr

Principal Software Engineer (Test) Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA. Salary Range: $160,000 ... S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development ...

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Defense Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 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.
More about Defense Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:
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Defense Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer - Mission Systems

Principal Software Engineer - Mission Systems

Lynx Software Technologies

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer - Mission Systems
Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.
Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible
Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required
Company Overview
Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven Aerospace and Defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.
As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.
Description
Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a Principal Software Engineer - Mission Systems to support the design, development, integration, and testing of software that enables core mission capabilities within complex avionics architectures. This role encompasses mission computing, tactical & mission data links, displays, electronic warfare, aircraft sensor integration and fusion, communications, navigation, and weapon system software development and integration to deliver cohesive, real-time operational functionality. The position offers the opportunity to directly impact mission effectiveness by enabling situational awareness, decision support, and coordinated execution across advanced military aviation systems.
This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi-site team and must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic, time-management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.
Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.
Basic Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline
  • 8+ years of C/C++ development experience
  • Experience in mission systems software architecture, including design, development, and integration.
  • Software development experience across mission systems such as tactical/mission data links, aircraft sensors, communications/navigation/identification (CNI), mission computers, displays, weapon systems, or electronic warfare systems
  • C / C++ development for real-time embedded systems
  • Integration and interoperability testing in lab and simulated environments
  • Ability to work onsite 100%
  • Ability to travel 10%
Preferred / Additional Skills
  • Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
  • Real-time operating systems and deterministic scheduling
  • Networked and distributed systems under bandwidth and latency constraints
  • Secure communications and crypto interface awareness (COMSEC)
  • Message parsing, data modeling, and protocol implementation
  • Mission systems and OMS/MOSA integration
  • Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Sound Exciting? Get in touch today! We have very robust benefits including:
• Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
• 401K with generous employer match
• Responsible Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• Remote work opportunities based on role
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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