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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Memphis, TN

Associate Project Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Performance Contracting is seeking a motivated individual to join our growing employee-owned organization as an entry-level Associate Project Engineer for its Memphis-142 operations based in Memphis ...

Associate Project Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Performance Contracting is seeking a motivated individual to join our growing employee-owned organization as an entry-level Associate Project Engineer for its Memphis-142 operations based in Memphis ...

Project Engineer

Southaven, MS · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Controls project costs by approving expenditures and administering contractor contracts. * Prepares ... Proficient with MS Office Suite of tools, exposure to schedule software, Primavera (P6) or ...

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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Memphis, TN salary details

$23.3K

$101.9K

$183.6K

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Memphis, TN is $101,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $116,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Memphis, TN? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN? For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN are:
What cities near Memphis, TN are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Memphis, TN with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: Please indicate in your cover letter or resume introduction which position below you are interested in.
  • Huntington Dam Safety Production Center GS-13 full performance 14 (hire at either grade) (Multiple Location Options)
  • Huntington Dam Safety Center GS-14 (Multiple Location Options)
  • Pittsburgh Regional Inland NAV Design Production Center GS-13 (Multiple Location Options)
A seat location must be confirmed in a USACE office before a final offer is made.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998


In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
IN ADDITION TO THE EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO QUALIFY FOR THESE POSITIONS, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT OUTLINED IN THE EDUCATION SECTION.
SPEICIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-13: developing construction cost estimates and/or independent government estimates (IGE) for civil works projects; developing budgetary construction cost estimates; evaluating bids and proposals received for construction project proposals; developing estimates for modifications needed for construction projects. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-14: cost estimating, scheduling, and cost/schedule risk analysis as required to analyze projects for budgeting and implementation of dam safety projects; developing cost estimates and construction schedules to support dam safety modifications; performing technical cost analysis of construction contractor proposals; AND leading teams to complete various dam safety studies and associated reports. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-13).
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent:
52 weeks at the GS 12 for the GS 13
52 weeks at the GS-13 for the GS-14

Education:Basic Education for GS-0810 (Engineering Series):
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in engineering. T
o be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); OR (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure - Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, or any other written test required for professional registration, by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in A above. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program.
4. Related curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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