2

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is engaging Computational Biology & Cheminformatics Experts to contribute their expertise to a customer's computational drug discovery project. In this role, you'll ...

This entry-level opportunity is ideal for a recent engineering graduate who is passionate about ... Review shop drawings, respond to contractor questions, and document field conditions during ...

New

Kleinschmidt has a full-time opening for an Entry Level Structural Engineer to perform analysis ... Experience with structural modeling software and CAD software (MathCAD, RISA-3D, SAP2000, AutoCAD ...

Junior DevOps Engineer

Madison, WI

$53.25 - $72.75/hr

... defense strategies based on individual business risk. How - At Sprocket Security, we've built an ... Collaborate with software engineers to enhance the deployment process of company applications.

Junior DevOps Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$53.25 - $72.75/hr

... defense strategies based on individual business risk. How - At Sprocket Security, we've built an ... Collaborate with software engineers to enhance the deployment process of company applications.

Propulsion Engineer I

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience under the guidance of ... Basic proficiency in using engineering design software and tools such as CAD, FEA, or CFD. * Basic ...

Energy Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

... software platform will be provided. * Present and discuss findings with customers, contractors ... Develop and review engineering calculations to quantify energy and cost savings using spreadsheets ...

... software platform will be provided. * Present and discuss findings with customers, contractors ... Develop and review engineering calculations to quantify energy and cost savings using spreadsheets ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$24.2K

$105.7K

$190.4K

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Madison, WI is $105,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,900.00 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 Madison, WI?

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

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

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

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,663 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Johnson Health Tech rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Description


WHO WE ARE

Johnson Health Tech is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment manufacturers, delivering innovative solutions that help people live healthier lives. Through our award-winning portfolio of commercial and residential brands, we serve customers in more than 60 countries worldwide.


Mission Statement: To delight and excite our customers through truly innovative products, unsurpassed quality, and best-in-class customer experience provided by a world-class organization.


POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking for an Entry-Level Software Tester who brings an adaptable technical foundation and a passionate attitude toward quality assurance. This is the perfect place to kick-start your career, offering a unique environment where you can sharpen your coding craft while seeing firsthand how business logic drives technical decisions. If you're ready to grow your software development skills and your professional intuition, then you may have discovered your career path. 


At Johnson Health Tech, our Software Testers do far more than automate manual tasks. You are an architect of innovation, building sophisticated tools and defining the communication protocols that push our testing coverage to the limit. By anticipating every user nuance-and every potential edge case-you ensure our software remains unbreakable. As the ultimate gatekeeper of quality, you safeguard the entire integrated technology ecosystem embedded within our world-class fitness equipment.


Collaborating closely with our Design Quality Assurance leadership, you'll champion a seamless digital experience that empowers users to crush their fitness goals. Your mission is to balance high-performance software with unwavering ethics, integrating concrete bug-prevention strategies that prioritize user privacy and accessibility through our forward-thinking, dynamic quality frameworks.


You are a vital pillar of our Global Design Quality Assurance collective-an elite team of test engineers dedicated to perfecting the synergy between hardware, software, and regulatory integrity. In this role, your voice matters. You'll thrive in a high-collaboration environment, exchanging cutting-edge strategies and tools that sharpen your technical edge and redefine testing efficiency. While this is an individual contributor role, your influence on our global standards will be profound. 


This is a non-supervisory position. 


RESPONSIBILITIES

Author test cases, test scenarios, test plans and test cycles for multiple embedded android-based system

Convert manual test cases (regression & feature test scenarios) into automated tests scripts for execution.

Execute automated test scripts in our state-of-the-art test center.

Participate in the review of requirements for product software design and functional specifications.

Collaborate with the Product Development teams to understand the requirements and develop & manage the test scenarios for all the new development projects.

Communicate, prioritize, and track test execution, defects, and issues appropriately and recommend corrective action whenever required.

Facilitate functional testing, regression testing, UI testing, and performance testing for all feature requirements.

Investigate root cause of isolated issues during the software development lifecycle process.

Deliver quality products by thoroughly testing throughout all phases of development life cycle (Regression, Functional, Integration, End to End testing) using a combination of testing methods.

Develop testing tools that can improve the reliability and efficiency of testing.


Marginal Job Functions:

Other projects as assigned.

Evening conference calls with global teams in Taiwan and/or China (as needed)


Requirements

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or other Science / Technical Engineering fields.


Experience:

Classroom project level experience with object-oriented programming such as C++ or Java. 

Familiar with Android Studio

Familiar with using shell scripting in Unix.

Familiar with Ubuntu and Windows platforms and commands. 

Passionate about software quality assurance. 


Eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship. 


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a typical office environment with usually moderate noise levels and requires regular use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach above the shoulders, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required, along with some evenings or early mornings for international conference calls or events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.


BENEFITS & PERKS

We offer an excellent compensation package and team-oriented work environment with growth opportunities. Some of our outstanding benefits include:

Health & Dental Insurance

Company paid Life Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off benefits

Product discounts

Wellness programs


Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

What Johnson Health Tech employees say

Pay

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom