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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA

YO AI Labs

AI Software Engineer - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that ...

YO AI Labs

AI Software Engineer - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that ...

YO AI Labs

AI/ML Software Engineer - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that ...

YO AI Labs

AI/ML Software Engineer - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that ...

Blue Origin, LLC

Software Engineer II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$134K - $188K/yr

As a software engineer, you will apply your expertise to the aerospace applications of engineering ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Blue Origin

Software Engineer II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$134K - $188K/yr

As a software engineer, you will apply your expertise to the aerospace applications of engineering ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$25.8K

$112.6K

$203K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Tacoma, WA is $112,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,800.00 and $128,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA?

For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,615 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Software Engineer, C++

Anduril Industries

Bellevue, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,674 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

At Anduril, our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology, crafting high-impact, cutting-edge solutions that redefine innovation. You'll dive into a diverse range of projects, partnering with brilliant minds across disciplines to engineer robust software systems that empower our mission-critical operations. We're seeking talented C++ software engineers on several teams to contribute to projects that are shaping the future of defense.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design, develop, and optimize high-performance, low-latency C++ software for critical defense applications, systems, and infrastructure.
  • Engineer robust, efficient, and scalable solutions, tackling complex algorithmic challenges and memory management critical for real-time operations.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and other software disciplines to integrate C++ components and ensure seamless system functionality.
  • Debug, test, and profile C++ code to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and ensure system reliability and stability.
  • Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from architectural design and implementation to rigorous testing and deployment of advanced C++ systems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Deep Technical Acumen: A robust foundation in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics, enabling a strong understanding of low-level systems and algorithmic complexity.
  • Mastery of C++: Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated professional experience in developing high-performance, complex software solutions using modern C++.
  • Building Performant Systems: Proven ability to design and implement software that prioritizes performance, efficiency, and resource management for demanding applications.
  • Navigating Complex Architectures: Proven capability to rapidly understand and contribute to large, mature C++ codebases and intricate system architectures.
  • Commitment to Mission: A genuine passion for building critical C++ software that directly contributes to impactful, real-world outcomes and societal advancement.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

This job post is inclusive of openings within various teams. Successful candidates will be matched to a specific team at a subsequent stage of the recruitment process.

The roles considered for this job post may require travel. The extent of travel will vary by role.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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