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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Cary, NC

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$96K - $154K/yr

Practice defensive programming to deliver stable and high-quality software for Red Hat customers and upstream communities. * Communicate and collaborate with developers and teams inside and outside ...

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$96K - $154K/yr

Practice defensive programming to deliver stable and high-quality software for Red Hat customers and upstream communities. * Communicate and collaborate with developers and teams inside and outside ...

Train entry-level software engineers as directed by department management, ensuring they are knowledgeable in critical aspects of their roles. Design and work with complex data models. Mentor less ...

Train entry-level software engineers as directed by department management, ensuring they are knowledgeable in critical aspects of their roles. Design and work with complex data models. Mentor less ...

\n \n \n \n \n Signalscape has supplied engineering services and products used for defense ... Our design services span many disciplines, including custom system design, software development ...

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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Cary, NC salary details

$22.2K

$97.1K

$175.1K

How much do entry level defense contractor software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Cary, NC is $97,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $111,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Cary, NC? For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Cary, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Cary, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Cary, NC are:
What cities near Cary, NC are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Cary, NC with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Cary, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,146 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Software Engineer

Redhat

Raleigh, NC • On-site, Remote

$96K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

About the Job

The Red Hat Identity Management (IdM) Engineering team seeks a Software Engineer to help us deliver on the next generation of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) product functionalities within Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and the Red Hat Certificate System as well as contributing to open-source projects like Dogtag PKI. As a Software Engineer, your main focus will be on designing, developing, testing and collaborating with other contributors over the world to bring features on existing components or bootstrap new ones. This is an ideal position for engineers interested in contributing to open source projects, and services for enterprise & public sector critical infrastructure.

What you will do
  • Development of high-quality PKI solutions, own the quality of their code and contribute to testing frameworks.

  • Participate in the whole development cycle from requirements gathering, scoping, source code development to testing and verification

  • Practice defensive programming to deliver stable and high-quality software for Red Hat customers and upstream communities.

  • Communicate and collaborate with developers and teams inside and outside Red Hat

What you will have
  • 2+ years of professional software engineering experience.

  • Java / Rust programming experience; professional or academic experience is required

  • Knowledge of Linux operating system and its development tools; any distribution is OK

  • Experience with PKI, cryptography, and general system and software security technologies

  • Experience using AI agents to accelerate development efforts.

  • Good written and verbal communication in English.

The following will be considered a plus
  • Experience with an autonomous agentic software defined lifecycle

  • Experience with Agile development methodologies (e.g. Scrum, JIRA)

  • Experience with Python, Bash, or similar scripting languages

  • Experience with software testing, CI/CD, and related frameworks

  • Experience with package maintenance on Fedora/RHEL

  • Experience with hybrid cloud systems or frameworks (e.g., OpenShift, AWS, Microsoft Azure)

#LI-EK1

Red Hat will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is $96,440.00 - $154,190.00. Actual offer will be based on your qualifications.

Pay Transparency

Red Hat determines compensation based on several factors including but not limited to job location, experience, applicable skills and training, external market value, and internal pay equity. Annual salary is one component of Red Hat's compensation package. This position may also be eligible for bonus, commission, and/or equity. For positions with Remote-US locations, the actual salary range for the position may differ based on location but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience.

About Red Hat

Red Hat is the world's leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver high-performing Linux, cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. Spread across 40+ countries, our associates work flexibly across work environments, from in-office, to office-flex, to fully remote, depending on the requirements of their role. Red Hatters are encouraged to bring their best ideas, no matter their title or tenure. We're a leader in open source because of our open and inclusive environment. We hire creative, passionate people ready to contribute their ideas, help solve complex problems, and make an impact.

Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
Retirement 401(k) with employer match
Paid time off and holidays
Paid parental leave plans for all new parents
Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave
Additional benefits including employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!

Note: These benefits are only applicable to full time, permanent associates at Red Hat located in the United States.

Inclusion at Red Hat
Red Hat's culture is built on the open source principles of transparency, collaboration, and inclusion, where the best ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. When this is realized, it empowers people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to come together to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation. Our aspiration is that everyone experiences this culture with equal opportunity and access, and that all voices are not only heard but also celebrated. We hope you will join our celebration, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all the beautiful dimensions that compose our global village.

Equal Opportunity Policy (EEO)
Red Hat is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.


Red Hat does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or any other payment related to unsolicited resumes or CVs except as required in a written contract between Red Hat and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.Red Hat supports individuals with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations to job applicants. If you need assistance completing our online job application, email application-assistance@redhat.com. General inquiries, such as those regarding the status of a job application, will not receive a reply.