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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Cary, NC

ARA

Software Cloud Engineer - Senior

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Software Cloud Engineer - Senior Position Requirements: * U.S. Citizenship (No exceptions; green ... S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health ...

Wood Plc

Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

... sub-contractors as a professional representative of Wood. Key Responsibilities * Perform ... Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) * Working knowledge ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer - AI Trainer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$50 - $100/hr

... other engineers -- who are driving real-world impact in AI development. Our platform offers an ... Advantages of contracting with us: * You'll be able to choose which projects you want to work on ...

Signalscape

SDR Software Engineer

Cary, NC

$90K - $120K/yr

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

LJB, Inc.

Entry Level Roadway Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Utilize CAD software to prepare detailed engineering drawings and plans for roadway projects ... Other duties as assigned. ENTRY LEVEL ROADWAY ENGINEER ESSENTIAL CREDENTIALS: Required ...

Hunter Super Techs - TurnPoint

AI Engineer I

Durham, NC · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

If you are an early-career software developer, an automation or Power Platform builder ready to ... Defensive, edge-case thinking: you instinctively ask "what happens when this input is wrong"Clear ...

Analog Devices

FPGA Systems Development Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate ... We are seeking a motivated, entry-level FPGA System Development Engineer to our Aerospace, Défense ...

Analogdevices

FPGA Systems Development Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate ... We are seeking a motivated, entry-level FPGA System Development Engineer to our Aerospace, Defense ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Transportation Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

Dewberry is seeking an Entry Level Transportation Engineer to join our Transportation Group in our ... Proficiency in MS Office software * Desire to work in a team environment * Fundamentals of ...

New

Dewberry

Entry Level Transportation Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

Dewberry is seeking an Entry Level Transportation Engineer to join our Transportation Group in our ... Proficiency in MS Office software * Desire to work in a team environment * Fundamentals of ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Cary, NC

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 Sep 3, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level defense contractor software engineer?

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 types of projects and technologies do entry level defense contractor software engineers typically work on?

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 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:

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Cary, NC as of August 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 Cloud Engineer - Senior

ARA

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

At ARA, we strive to hire valuable colleagues with not only the right skills, but who also demonstrate our core values of passion, freedom, service and growth.
You will be working on a team that is building a software driven cloud solution. You will work with a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of engineers and security specialists to design and implement secure cloud-based software solutions. You will be part of our employee-owned international research and engineering company. ARA is recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences, and you will be on this team.
Software Cloud Engineer - Senior Position Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship (No exceptions; green card holders are not eligible).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a closely related field with 8-10 years of relevant work experience.
  • Successfully acquire and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access
  • Successfully obtain DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification (Security+, CCNA-Security, etc.) within 60 days of hire.
  • Good oral & written communication skills
  • Excel as a team player and strive to maximize team & department performance
  • Willing to work on-site, daily, at our Raleigh, NC location

Software Cloud Engineer - Senior Preferred Experience & Skills:
At our core, we value passion, a willingness to learn, and strong teamwork. We believe that with the right mindset, work ethic, and skills, you can thrive in this role.
While the qualifications listed above are important, the following experience can help you ramp up quickly and maximize your impact:
  • Current DoD Secret Clearance (or higher)
  • Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure or other cloud platforms
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Go, Python
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Kubernetes, Helm, Amazon ECS/EKS or OpenShift
  • Understanding of software development and its best practices specifically when designing and building Cloud-native and Kube-native software applications
  • Experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines with tools such as GitLab, ArgoCD
  • Knowledge of infrastructure automation tools such as Terraform, Ansible, SaltStack

If this is the perfect job for you please apply online at https://www.ara.com/job-search today!
Who is ARA?
Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women's Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.
To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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