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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Galois, Inc.

Research Engineer

Portland, OR

... defense, healthcare, semiconductors, and fintech. Research Engineers at Galois design and develop ... About This Role Galois is hiring a Software Engineer/Researcher to join our team! This role will ...

Galois, Inc.

Research Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

... defense, healthcare, semiconductors, and fintech. Research Engineers at Galois design and develop ... About This Role Galois is hiring a Software Engineer/Researcher to join our team! This role will ...

Galois, Inc.

Research Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

... defense, healthcare, semiconductors, and fintech. Research Engineers at Galois design and develop ... About This Role Galois is hiring a Software Engineer/Researcher to join our team! This role will ...

Pwc

AI Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$55K - $187K/yr

Within our Internal Firm Services practice, you will apply data, algorithms, and software ... PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the ...

Dtna

Software & Hardware Testing Architect I

Portland, OR · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

This entry-level role provides an opportunity to build expertise in release management process ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. * 0-3 ...

New

AditiStaffing

Java Developer

Beaverton, OR

$53 - $68.75/hr

... of Contractors are in Technical Positions. We are committed to and passionate about our Clients ... OR Software Engineer (Performance) with experience in Java development. Qualifications * 6 years ...

Analogdevices

Integration Engineer

Beaverton, OR

$75K - $103K/yr

ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate ... S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this ...

Analog Devices

Integration Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate ... S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this ...

Collabera

Cloud Software Engineer (W2 Only)

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$65.25 - $85/hr

In 2015 we placed more than 6,000 contractors across select 100+ clients that we service. End client for this project is a large legal organization with operations in more than 100 countries and has ...

Procom Services

213533 Software Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

... ICAP (Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) * Will be part of a fast-paced ... Software Skills * C# and Python programming experience is a must. * Java, Batch and Shell scripting ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$25.5K

$111.2K

$200.4K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Portland, OR is $111,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $127,300.00 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you

AI-forward Software Engineer

JS Consulting

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title- AI-forward Software Engineer

Project Location – (Remote + international travel) (expenses paid by client for the international travel)

Duration- 6+ months contract

Visa- USC/ GC/ GCEAD/ H4EAD

Must have Valid LinkedIn profile.

Job Description-: This is a unique position as it'll require hands-on coding in BOTH GitHub Copilot AND Amazon Q, previous mentorship/training experience (think: paired programming, or DevRel type work), and will very likely require international travel (India is confirmed as a primary location, possibly Europe and, South America). 
These individuals will be supporting ~50 engineers, over 2-week sprints. for a total of 30 weeks. The rotation, work schedule, and travel plans are all up in the air, so we need to talk to contractors that'll be flexible. 

GitHub Copilot Adoption Framework (GCAF) Collaborative Engineer (Remote + international travel)

We are seeking an AI-forward Software Engineer with expert-level knowledge of GitHub Copilot and Amazon Q features. With both hands-on experience, and mentoring capabilities, this individual will design and deliver structured hands-on developer sprints centered around AI.
This contractor opportunity is likely to include international travel for an extended period of time (potentially 4-6 weeks). For more details, please review the description below.

 Key Responsibilities

  • Design and deliver structured, hands-on developer sprints focused on GitHub Copilot and Amazon Q.
  • Facilitate live coding sessions, demonstrations, and collaborative labs.
  • Mentor developers through real-world challenges, providing guidance on prompt engineering, debugging, and feature implementation.
  • Develop and maintain instructional materials, including curriculum, documentation, and best-practice guides.
  • Adapt instructional strategies based on participant feedback and learning progress.
  • Promote responsible AI usage, including security, ethics, and data privacy considerations.

 Required Skills & Proficiencies

  • Generative AI & Tool Expertise, including MCP usage and Agentic Orchestration
  • Expert-level knowledge of GitHub Copilot and Amazon Q features, including Copilot Chat agents and Amazon Q’s /dev command.
  • Advanced prompt engineering skills for both platforms.
  • Understanding of Copilot Enterprise and Amazon Q for Business, including RAG and internal codebase reasoning.
  • Intermediate understanding of LLM fundamentals, AI ethics, and security practices.
  • Strong problem-solving mindset and diagnostic skills.
  • Passion for generative AI and developer enablement.

 Instructional & Communication Skills

  • Advanced curriculum development and public speaking abilities.
  • Expert-level live coding and demonstration skills.
  • Strong mentoring and facilitation capabilities.
  • Intermediate technical writing skills for post-sprint resources.

 Technical & Development Skills

  • Advanced proficiency in at least one of Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Java.
  • Expert fluency with IDEs such as VS Code and JetBrains.
  • Deep understanding of GitHub Flow, Agile practices, and version control.
  • Intermediate knowledge of cloud and DevOps fundamentals (AWS, IaC, CI/CD).
  • Strong grasp of testing and debugging strategies.

 Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certifications in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS) or DevOps practices.
  • Contributions to open-source or developer communities.
  • Patience, empathy, and adaptability in instructional settings.