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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Amentum is seeking skilled Software Engineers to become part of our US Navy Advanced Technology Development Team. The ideal candidate will design, optimize, and develop software to maximize ...

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... Experience in defense, national security, or other mission-driven software environments

Software Engineer

Warrenton, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $140K/yr

Altamira serves the defense, intelligence and homeland security communities worldwide by focusing ... We are seeking a Software Engineer who thrives on developing high-throughput data, low-latency code ...

Software Engineer The Mission: Do you want to build software that solves the world's most complex ... STR is a growing defense technology company. We specialize in advanced research and development for ...

Who We Are Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology solutions. Our ... The Work Lockheed Martin Rotary & Mission Systems is seeking a full-time Software Engineer. In this ...

We are seeking a motivated and innovative Software Engineer to support the development of next-generation AI-enabled solutions for mission-driven environments across the Department of Defense and ...

Who We Are Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology solutions. Our ... The Work Lockheed Martin Rotary & Mission Systems is seeking a full-time Software Engineer. In this ...

We are seeking a motivated and innovative Software Engineer to support the development of next-generation AI-enabled solutions for mission-driven environments across the Department of Defense and ...

They are seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to design, develop, and field software solutions ... Forterra delivers autonomous mission systems for defense. Founded in 2002, the company is ...

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

Software Engineer The Mission: Do you want to build software that solves the world's most complex ... STR is a growing defense technology company. We specialize in advanced research and development for ...

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

Software Engineer The Mission: Do you want to build software that solves the world's most complex ... STR is a growing defense technology company. We specialize in advanced research and development for ...

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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

What types of projects and technologies do entry-level software engineers typically work on in the defense contracting industry?

As an entry-level software engineer in the defense contracting industry, you will often work on projects related to embedded systems, simulation software, cybersecurity applications, or mission-critical systems. Technologies commonly used include programming languages like C++, Java, or Python, as well as specialized tools for version control, testing, and secure software development. You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, project managers, and, at times, hardware engineers. A key challenge is adhering to strict security protocols and regulatory standards, but you will gain valuable experience in secure coding practices and large-scale system integration. These projects provide a strong foundation for future advancement within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or software engineering, with proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and compliance with security standards such as DoD STIGs or obtaining a Security+ certification may be required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to produce secure, reliable software that meets strict governmental regulations and supports critical defense operations.

What does an Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer do?

An Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer works on developing, testing, and maintaining software systems used in defense applications. This role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create secure and reliable solutions for military or government clients. Responsibilities might include writing code, debugging software, and ensuring compliance with security and quality standards specific to the defense industry. Entry-level engineers often receive mentorship and training to help them understand specialized technologies and protocols required for defense projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Defense Contractor Software EngineerEntry Level Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field; security clearance often preferredBachelor's in CS or related field; security clearance usually not required
Work EnvironmentGovernment contractors, defense agencies, secure facilitiesTech companies, startups, corporate offices
Industry UsagePrimarily defense, aerospace, government projectsBroad industry, including tech, finance, healthcare
Job FocusEmbedded systems, cybersecurity, defense-specific applicationsWeb, mobile, enterprise applications

While both roles involve software development, Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer typically requires security clearance and focuses on defense-related projects within government or military sectors. Entry Level Software Developer has a broader industry scope with less emphasis on security clearance, working on commercial applications across various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Entry Level Software Engineer

Entry Level Software Engineer

Pae

Dahlgren, VA • On-site, Remote

$75 - $90K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Amentum is seeking skilled Software Engineers to become part of our US Navy Advanced Technology Development Team. The ideal candidate will design, optimize, and develop software to maximize performance and efficiency in an R&D-focused environment. This position is primarily based in Fredericksburg and Dahlgren, VA, with occasional opportunities for telecommuting and travel.

Responsibilities of a Software Engineer

- Collaborate with the team and end-users to develop graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for in-house tools.

- Create and implement software updates utilizing C++, Rational Team Concert, GitLab, and other DevOps tools.

- Participate in and support test events, which may require occasional travel.

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Physics, with some relevant experience.

- Active Secret-level US Government Security Clearance (US citizenship required to maintain clearance).

- Proficiency in defining and managing software requirements, designing, coding, benchmarking, testing, debugging, and documenting within a software development lifecycle.

- Ability to plan, perform, and lead efforts related to software design, coding, and testing.

- Hands-on experience with Agile software development environments and methodologies.

- Familiarity with Atlassian tool suites, including Jira (issue tracking) and Confluence (decision tracking).

- Proficient use of source code versioning tools such as Git or Bitbucket.

- Experience with C++ or C# (preferred).

- Ability to commute to Fredericksburg and Dahlgren, VA (approximately 1 hour south of Washington D.C.).

- Possession of a valid Real ID driver's license for access to customer sites, as well as reliable personal transportation (rideshare options like Uber/Lyft are not permitted), due to occasional travel requirements between local job sites.

Benefits & Perks

- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage

- 401(k) plan with employer matching

- Tuition reimbursement program

- Wellness initiatives

- Professional growth opportunities and career advancement

- Discounts on various services

- Paid time off, including flexible holiday options

- Parental leave

- Basic life insurance and AD&D coverage

Join a team passionate about innovation and cutting-edge development. Apply today to be a part of the future of advanced technology solutions!

Compensation Details:

$75 - $90K

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

07/06/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.