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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Istari Digital

Forward Deployed Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$143K - $165K/yr

The Role Istari's software doesn't just get handed off, it gets deployed into some of the most complex engineering environments in aerospace and defense. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be ...

Istari Digital

Forward Deployed Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$143K - $165K/yr

The Role Istari's software doesn't just get handed off, it gets deployed into some of the most complex engineering environments in aerospace and defense. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be ...

Crane Company

Planner Programmer

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Use Computer Aided Manufacturing(CAM) software to create newand modify existing machine programs to ... As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations ...

Istari Digital

Forward Deployed Engineer

Seattle, WA

$143K - $165K/yr

The Role Istari's software doesn't just get handed off, it gets deployed into some of the most complex engineering environments in aerospace and defense. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be ...

Istari Digital

Forward Deployed Engineer

Seattle, WA

$143K - $165K/yr

The Role Istari's software doesn't just get handed off, it gets deployed into some of the most complex engineering environments in aerospace and defense. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.3K

$119.3K

$215.1K

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Seattle, WA is $119,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $136,600.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,337 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Forward Deployed Engineer

Istari Digital

Seattle, WA • On-site

$143K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Role
Istari's software doesn't just get handed off, it gets deployed into some of the most complex engineering environments in aerospace and defense. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be embedded directly inside our customer organizations, operating as part of their team while remaining tightly connected to Istari's product and engineering core.
This is not a support role. You are a builder. You'll write real code, architect integrations, and solve hard problems that emerge at the intersection of digital engineering workflows and mission-critical operations. The challenges you'll tackle require the instincts of a strong software engineer and the adaptability of someone who thrives in unstructured environments. Challenges like connecting CAD, CFD, FEM pipelines to Istari's platform; unlocking cross-discipline and cross-clearance collaboration; enabling organizations to actually use the tools in which they've invested.
You'll work alongside Istari Program Managers who are embedded in the same customer environments. They carry the program context and stakeholder relationships while you own the technical execution. Together, you operate as a unit capable of handling almost anything a customer throws at you. The best Forward Deployed Engineers make our product smarter, not just our customers happier.
Core Responsibilities:
Onsite Technical Delivery
  • Embed with customer engineering teams to understand their workflows, data environments, and technical constraints
  • Architect and build software solutions that integrate Istari's platform into existing digital engineering ecosystems (CAD, CFD, FEM, simulation pipelines, and related toolchains)
  • Serve as the primary technical interface for the customer - not just answering questions, but proactively identifying where our software can drive more value

Software Development
  • Develop, test, and maintain integrations and workflow solutions following modern software engineering practices
  • Write clean, maintainable code that can be productized or reused across customer deployments
  • Contribute to internal tooling and documentation that scales your knowledge across the team

Feedback Loop to Product
  • Translate field experience into actionable product insights - you are one of Istari's clearest signals on what customers actually need
  • Participate in internal engineering reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning
  • Help develop proposals and technical approaches for new customer opportunities

Required Qualifications:
Required
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals - you write production-quality code and can defend your architectural decisions
  • Hands-on experience with digital engineering toolchains: CAD, CFD, FEM, or related simulation and modeling environments
  • Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments without a lot of hand-holding
  • Ability to work on-site with customers in a U.S. defense or aerospace context (clearance eligibility required; active clearance a strong plus)
  • U.S. citizenship required

Preferred
  • Experience integrating engineering software into larger data or workflow platforms
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or other systems-engineering-heavy industries
  • Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or digital thread / digital twin concepts
  • Exposure to or direct experience with advanced CAD, CFD, or FEM tools

Why This Role?
The engineers who do this job well become some of the most technically well-rounded people in the industry. You'll see how large, complex organizations actually work -- not just the happy path. You'll build things that get used immediately. And because you're reporting into Istari's Customer Success org (not a sales or account team), your career trajectory stays technical. You'll also have the Istari team behind you: regular syncs, access to internal engineering resources, and a clear path to influence the product you're deploying.
About Istari Digital
Istari is a digital engineering software company building open, scalable infrastructure for engineering data. Our platform lets customers simply and securely integrate engineering models across disciplines, organizations, and security levels -- whether they're designing prototypes, performing virtual testing, or training AI and autonomy for complex systems.
Focus is rewarded. Finish is remembered.
Facts are friendly. Even when they are not fun.
Fellowship is fundamental. Make others successful.
$143,000 - $165,000 a year
The anticipated compensation range for this position may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and business needs. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for bonuses, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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