Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Job Title: Software Engineer ($5,000 sign on bonus)

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, troubleshooting, and analyzing software programs for computer-based systems within a complex defense environment. You will perform system modeling, simulation, and analysis while contributing to the design and development of compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems. You will also provide input for documentation of new and existing software, ensuring that systems meet rigorous technical and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for computer-based systems, including embedded and operating system-level components.
• Apply object-oriented design principles and design patterns to create modular, maintainable, and extensible software solutions.
• Perform system modeling, simulation, and analysis to validate software behavior and system performance.
• Design and implement software components, subsystems, and integrations in a Linux and UNIX-based environment.
• Conduct software design implementation, subsystem integration, system integration, and comprehensive testing activities.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of documentation for new and existing software programs.
• Develop and maintain scripts for Solaris and other UNIX variants to support build, integration, and test activities.
• Use Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse to write, debug, and maintain software code.
• Apply UML syntax to model software architecture, design, and behavior.
• Utilize xUnit frameworks, including JUnit and CppUnitLite, to develop and execute automated unit tests.
• Follow established CMMI Level 5 life cycle processes and procedures throughout the software development life cycle.

Essential Skills

• Experience developing software in C++ or Java in a Linux operating system environment.
• Hands-on experience with software design, design implementation, subsystem integration, system integration, and testing.
• Experience participating in software requirements reviews, preliminary design reviews, critical design reviews, integration readiness reviews, and software acceptance reviews.
• Knowledge of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse or similar tools.
• Experience with embedded software development.
• Strong proficiency in object-oriented programming and object-oriented design.
• Familiarity with UML syntax and its use in modeling software systems.
• Experience with Windows, Solaris, and Linux operating environments.
• Experience developing scripts for Solaris and other UNIX variants.
• Experience with object-oriented design and development, including the use of design patterns to enable software insulation techniques and plugin architectures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Python and Bash scripting.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools for documentation and communication.
• Experience working with integrated development environments such as Eclipse.
• Experience in embedded programming and software engineering for defense or mission-critical systems.
• Experience working in UNIX-based environments, including Linux and Solaris.
• Exposure to large, long-lived defense programs and complex system-of-systems environments.
• Familiarity with the xUnit framework, especially JUnit and CppUnitLite.
• Experience working within CMMI Level 5 life cycle processes and procedures.

Work Environment

• You will work on a long-term defense program supporting a highly stable and established missile defense system that has been in operation for over four decades and is used by multiple allied navies worldwide. The role operates within a structured, process-driven environment that follows CMMI Level 5 life cycle standards, emphasizing quality, consistency, and rigorous review practices. You will primarily work with Linux, Solaris, and other UNIX variants, using technologies such as C++, Java, embedded software tools, UML, xUnit frameworks, and IDEs like Eclipse. The schedule follows a 9/80 work pattern, providing every other Friday off and offering flexibility in paid time off. The facility environment supports complex software and systems engineering activities for government defense work, providing a stable and professional setting focused on long-term program support.Support long-term defense programs by delivering reliable, maintainable software that meets stringent performance and quality requirements.E

This is a Contract position based out of Moorestown, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Moorestown,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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