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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Princeton, NJ

Alta Ares

Software Engineer -- VIE USA

New York, NY · Remote

About Alta Ares Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter ... Role & Mission This VIE is Alta Ares' software engineering presence in the United States -- a ...

Alta Ares

Software Engineer - VIE USA

New York, NY · On-site

About Alta Ares Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter ... Role & Mission This VIE is Alta Ares' software engineering presence in the United States - a ...

Mobility Ideal Health

Software Engineer-I

Edison, NJ · On-site

Position Summary: The Assistant Software Engineer will join our team at Mobility Ideal Health ... This entry level position is designed for a motivated individual with a foundational understanding ...

TickPick

Software Engineer

New York, NY

$100K - $130K/yr

... entry-level engineers were historically able to do. What You'll Do: * Contribute across the entire stack - .NET APIs, React/Next.js web, and React Native mobile * Use AI coding agents daily to help ...

ZeroMark

General Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

Proven experience in software development, preferably in a defense, aerospace, or security-related domain. * Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java. * Strong ...

PhysicsX

Forward Deployed Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

Our customers include leading innovators in Aerospace & Defense, Materials, Energy, Semiconductors ... As a Software Engineer, this takes the form of building and deploying applications that utilize the ...

Doppel Inc

Software Engineer, Simulation

New York, NY · On-site

$135K - $300K/yr

Why Join Doppel Doppel is building the future of social engineering defense. Our AI-native platform uses agentic AI to protect executives, employees, customers, and brands from phishing ...

Comtech, LLC

Software Engineer- Java/Full stack

New York, NY · On-site

$56.50 - $77.75/hr

... Defense. Our services span all aspects of business, providing a holistic approach for managing an ... Core member of an agile engineering team that designs and develops software applications

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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Princeton, NJ salary details

$25.2K

$109.9K

$198.1K

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 Princeton, NJ is $109,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $125,800.00 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 Princeton, NJ? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Princeton, NJ are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Princeton, NJ? For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Princeton, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Princeton, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Princeton, NJ are:
What cities near Princeton, NJ are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Princeton, NJ with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you

Specialist Software Engineer

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

New York, NY • On-site

$114K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Metropolitan Transportation Authority rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 97 rated public transport

Job description

Description
Position at MTA Headquarters
JOB TITLE:
Specialist Software Engineer
SALARY RANGE:
$114,070 - $134,641
DEPT/DIV:
Information Technology
SUPERVISOR:
Senior Director, Product Development
LOCATION:
2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
HOURS OF WORK:
9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day) or as required
This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently 2 days per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
Opening
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.
Job Summary
Software engineers are responsible for designing, coding, verifying, testing, documenting, amending, and refactoring programs/scripts and integration software services, and maintaining high-quality software to meet business and customer needs. Software Engineers perform coding, debugging, testing, project management, and troubleshooting/maintenance throughout the software development lifecycle. Software Engineers gather information, perform analysis, and elicit the details of user requirements in discussion with users. Contribute software development methods, tools, and techniques and apply agreed standards and tools to achieve well-engineered outcomes.
Responsibilities
  • Requirements Management: Defines and manages scoping and requirements definition and ensures traceability to source.
  • Software Design & Development: Designs, codes, verifies, tests, documents, amends, and refactors complex programs/scripts and integration software services. Uses appropriate modelling techniques following agreed software design standards, guidelines, patterns, and methodology.
  • Testing: Develops and executes test plans and test cases; implements scalable and reliable automated tests and frameworks.
  • Acceptance Testing: Develops acceptance criteria related to functional and non-functional requirements, business processes, features, user stories, and business rules.
  • User Experience Evaluation: Selects appropriate tools and techniques to evaluate user experiences of systems, products, services, or devices, and validates that security, usability, and accessibility requirements have been met.
  • Configuration Management: Develops, configures, and maintains tools to identify, track, log, and maintain accurate, complete, and current system information; develops and maintains associated operational documentation.
  • Application Support: Maintains application support processes and uses application management software tools to investigate issues, prioritize and diagnose incidents, collect performance statistics, and create reports.
  • Project/Product Management: Defines, documents, and executes small projects or subprojects. May act as product owner for one or more lower-value products or services, managing elements of the product life cycle to meet customer/user needs and achieve financial or other targets.
  • Quality & Safety Assurance: Plans, organizes, and conducts quality and safety assessments, and suggests opportunities for improvement. Contributes to identifying, analyzing, and documenting hazards and safety risks.
  • Supplier Management: Monitors and reports on supplier performance, customer satisfaction, adherence to security requirements, and market intelligence.
  • Skills Development: Continuously develops and maintains personal knowledge of software engineering practices, emerging trends, and technologies.
  • May mentor less experienced staff
  • Performs other duties and tasks
  • May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)
  • Travel may be required to other MTA locations or external sites
  • Complies with all policies and standards
  • Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
  • Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
  • Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
  • Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS). An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered instead of a degree.
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Certified Software Engineer or equivalent, Agile Project Management, technical certifications relevant to the specific position (and software products and toolsets used in that position), and experience with the System Development Life Cycle with the specific methodologies in use in the Department is preferred.
  • A software engineering industry certification is preferred, including but not limited to: Certified Scrum Developer (CSD), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP), Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), Amazon Certified: AWS Certified Developer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer, Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Must know about MS Rapid Application Development.
  • Must know the Azure Cloud environment, including Azure Logic Apps, Azure Functions, and Power Platform.
  • Hands-on programming experience in a business setting.
  • Proficiency in at least one software engineering methodology, including but not limited to: Agile, DevOps, Extreme Programming (XP), Rapid Application Development (RAD).
  • Experience applying a structured validation and testing method, including but not limited to: Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, Acceptance Testing, Regression Testing.
  • Proficient collaboration skills to ensure design specifications are seamlessly implemented by the development team.
  • Proficient with version control e.g. GIT
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and navigate organizational ambiguity.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient in Programming Languages, e.g., C#
  • Proficient in Software Testing
  • Programming experience with the following language(s), including but not limited to, e.g Ruby, Python, Java, C++, COBOL, MS-SQL Developer, Oracle, .Net, DBA, JavaScript, Java, File management experience.
  • Familiarity with the following vendor-specific platforms, including but not limited to: List here (e.g. Azure, Windows Server platforms, RESTful APIs, or Linux)
  • Experience administering and developing workflows and specialized UIs in Alfresco or other Document Management systems
  • Data Structures and Algorithms (Thorough Knowledge/Fully Proficient)
  • Database Management (Thorough Knowledge/Fully Proficient)
  • Web Development (Thorough Knowledge/Fully Proficient)
  • DevOps (Thorough Knowledge/Fully Proficient)
  • Operating Systems (Thorough Knowledge/Fully Proficient)
  • Cybersecurity, including encryption and authentication (Thorough Knowledge/Fully Proficient)
  • Cloud Computing (Thorough Knowledge/Fully Proficient)
  • Active Listening, Attention to Detail, Customer Service
  • Prioritization, Problem-Solving, Effective Verbal and Written Communication

Competencies
Core Competency
Proficiency Level
Competency Definition
Cultivates Innovation
Capable
Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful
Customer Focus
Capable
Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
Communicates Effectively
Adept
Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
Tech Savvy
Capable
Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications
Technical Skills
Capable
Specialized knowledge and expertise on tools, programs, domains, platforms, and products used for specific tasks
Values Diversity
Adept
Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
Collaborates
Adept
Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
Other Information
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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