Director Of Software Engineering Defense information
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$139K - $149.5K
1% of jobs
$149.5K - $159.9K
1% of jobs
$159.9K - $170.4K
1% of jobs
$170.4K - $180.8K
1% of jobs
$180.8K - $191.3K
2% of jobs
$191.3K - $201.7K
1% of jobs
$201.7K - $212.2K
2% of jobs
$212.2K - $222.6K
1% of jobs
$222.6K - $233.1K
1% of jobs
$233.1K - $243.5K
1% of jobs
$245K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$243.5K - $254K
87% of jobs
How much do director of software engineering defense jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of software engineering defense in the United States is $243,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $253,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A Director of Software Engineering Defense leads teams responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining software solutions tailored for defense applications. This role involves overseeing software projects, ensuring they meet both technical requirements and strict security regulations. Directors work closely with cross-functional teams, manage budgets and timelines, and coordinate with government or military stakeholders to align projects with defense needs. They also play a critical role in setting technical strategy, fostering innovation, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
To thrive as a Director of Software Engineering in Defense, you generally need deep expertise in software development, systems engineering, and leadership, often supported by a degree in computer science or engineering and relevant security clearances. Familiarity with defense-specific technologies, compliance frameworks (such as DoD 8570), and project management tools like Jira or Confluence is typically required. Strong strategic thinking, communication, and team leadership skills set top candidates apart in this high-stakes environment. These competencies are vital for delivering secure, mission-critical software solutions and effectively managing multidisciplinary engineering teams within the defense sector.
A Director of Software Engineering in the defense sector frequently works with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, cybersecurity experts, project managers, and government stakeholders. Regular collaboration ensures that complex requirements are met, compliance standards are upheld, and project milestones are achieved on time. The director often leads technical reviews, participates in risk assessments, and facilitates communication between engineering and program management to resolve challenges and align on strategic goals. This collaborative approach is essential for delivering secure, high-quality solutions within strict regulatory and operational frameworks.
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