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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Huntsville, AL

Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea ... The Software Engineer will develop software within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment ...

Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea ... The Software Engineer will develop software within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment ...

ASRC Agile Decision Sciences is a premier provider of systems engineering, software engineering, system integration and project management services for real-time, mission-critical defense systems. We ...

ASRC Agile Decision Sciences is a premier provider of systems engineering, software engineering, system integration and project management services for real-time, mission-critical defense systems. We ...

The GMD program is a portion of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) system to protect the US and our ... Bachelors Degree in Software Engineering or related field. * Missile Defense domain knowledge

The GMD program is a portion of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) system to protect the US and our ... Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering or related field. * Missile Defense domain knowledge

DESE Research, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer (Junior to Mid-Level) to support mission ... complex defense system, with primary responsibility for improving software quality through ...

DESE Research, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer (Junior to Mid-Level) to support mission ... complex defense system, with primary responsibility for improving software quality through ...

DESE Research, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer (Junior to Mid-Level) to support mission ... complex defense system, with primary responsibility for improving software quality through ...

Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea ... The Software Engineer will develop software within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment ...

Overview i3 is seeking a Software Engineer with 0-3 years of professional experience to help ... Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other ...

These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality ... TBE is seeking an Entry Level Software Engineer (0-2 years) with the right composition of knowledge ...

Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business ... Software Engineer Job Purpose We are looking for an enthusiastic Web Developer to support a unique ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Huntsville, AL salary details

$23.6K

$103.3K

$186.2K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Huntsville, AL is $103,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $118,200.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL?

For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL are:

Software Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 500 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.

Within the Defense Sector, Leidos currently has an opening for a talented Software Engineer to work onsite in our Huntsville office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to develop software for critical counter UAS and missile defense solutions.

This position focuses on supporting the complete software lifecycle of complex defense systems in a Linux environment using languages like C++ and Python. The Software Engineer will develop software within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment, collaborating with multiple stakeholders across a multi-disciplinary team and utilizing software best practices to create unique solutions for complex mission-critical problems.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Developing software for use in a Linux environment

  • Developing software in a SAFe environment using Jira and Gitlab

  • Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to implement desired software functionality

  • Utilizing software best practices such as peer reviewing and unit testing

  • Debugging and troubleshooting software in a HWIL setting

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent degree from an ABET-accredited university with 2+ years of experience or Master's degree

  • Strong competency in at least C/C++, Python

  • Experience with software engineering throughout the software lifecycle

  • Experience with software best practices such as peer reviews, automated testing, and document generation

  • Experience collaborating with other functional groups (systems engineering, electrical engineering, test, etc.) to create a software product

  • Experience working within an Agile environment (or equivalent)

  • Experience using tools such as Jira and Gitlab (or equivalent)

  • Experience developing within Qt IDE (or equivalent)

  • Experience developing in a Linux environment

  • Familiarity troubleshooting/testing software in an HWIL environment

  • Currently living in Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate

  • Currently holds or has the ability to obtain a Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Buildroot and VMWare

  • Experience using Wireshark and developing software that sends communications over a network (UDP/TCP)

  • Supporting and maintaining CI/CD pipelines

  • DoD acquisition processes and methods

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 17, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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