ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Defense Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ZP Group

Entry-Level Account Manager

Tysons Corner, VA · On-site

$44K - $53K/yr

Intelligence, Defense, Homeland, Health, and Civilian. Piper Companies provides staffing and professional services in Enterprise IT, Cyber Security, and Health Sciences. Everything we do is deeply ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsDefense JobsEntry Level Defense JobsEntry Level Defense Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Defense information

What is an entry level defense job?

Entry level defense jobs are positions within the defense industry or military that require little to no prior experience and are suitable for recent graduates or individuals starting their careers. These roles can include administrative support, logistics, engineering, information technology, and security positions, among others. Entry level positions in defense may be found with government agencies, the armed forces, or private defense contractors, and often provide opportunities for on-the-job training and career advancement. Applicants typically need at least a high school diploma or associate’s degree, and some positions may require security clearances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level defense professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Defense professional, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with a strong understanding of defense protocols and security principles. Familiarity with defense-related software, cybersecurity tools, and sometimes active security clearance is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring national security, supporting mission-critical projects, and collaborating effectively in high-stakes environments.

What types of projects or assignments can I expect as an entry level defense professional?

As an entry-level defense professional, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from supporting senior analysts on research tasks to assisting with the development, testing, or maintenance of defense systems. Your daily responsibilities may include data analysis, report preparation, participating in project meetings, and ensuring compliance with security protocols. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, such as engineers, project managers, and security personnel. This exposure provides valuable learning opportunities and can help you identify areas for future specialization within the defense sector.

What is the difference between Entry Level Defense vs Entry Level Security Guard?

AspectEntry Level DefenseEntry Level Security Guard
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, background check, basic physical fitnessHigh school diploma, background check, basic physical fitness
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, defense facilities, government sitesCommercial buildings, retail stores, event venues
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agenciesPrivate security companies, retail, hospitality

Entry Level Defense roles typically involve working in government or military-related environments with a focus on national security, requiring similar credentials as security guards. However, defense roles may demand additional clearances or specialized training. Security guards generally work in commercial settings, focusing on property and personnel safety. Both roles serve security purposes but differ mainly in work environment and scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Defense jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Defense jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Defense job openings:

Entry Level Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineer (Entry-Senior) - Navy Training & Simulation Systems - 28027

HII's Mission Technologies division

Virginia Beach, VA

$70K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Participate in Agile sprint planning, execution, and reviews.

  • Design, develop, test, and deploy C++ and/or Java software on Linux platforms as part of the ATD system.

  • Support installation, integration, and system verification events with minimal travel.

Job description

Requisition Number: 28027 

Required Travel: 0 - 10%

Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $145,000.00 

Security Clearance: Secret  

Level of Experience: Mid 

This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.

Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture:

  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.

Summary

HII Mission Technologies is seeking Software Engineers across multiple experience levels (Entry through Senior) to support the design, development, and deployment of the Advanced Training Domain (ATD) System-a missioncritical U.S. Navy combat systems trainer. This team delivers highfidelity simulations that enhance fleet readiness and modernize shipboard and shore-based training.

This is an onsite, hands-on engineering role working within a secure environment alongside developers, systems engineers, and Navy operators. As part of our Integrated Training Systems group, you will help deliver software that directly improves warfighter performance. #LI-MJ1

Why This Role Matters
  • Modernizes advanced Navy training systems used fleetwide
  • Builds realworld combat system simulation capabilities
  • Supports mission readiness, national defense, and advanced training modernization
  • Offers growth across multiple levels of engineering responsibility
The following positions are available: (Role and target salary) 
  • Software Engineer I: $70,000
  • Software Engineer II: $82,500
  • Software Engineer III: $110,000
  • Software Engineer IV / Senior: $145,000

Final offers aligned to level, experience, skills, and internal equity.


Key Job Responsibilities
All Levels

Participate in Agile sprint planning, execution, and reviews. Design, develop, test, and deploy C++ and/or Java software on Linux platforms as part of the ATD system. Analyze and resolve software issues, including STRs. Create clear technical documentation such as sequence diagrams, developer notes, and code commentary. Conduct developer testing in lab environments and aboard ship as required. Support installation, integration, and system verification events with minimal travel. Collaborate with crossfunctional teams-including systems engineering, test, integration, and Navy operators-to deliver highfidelity training capabilities. Follow secure coding, configuration management, and Agile best practices throughout the software lifecycle. Teammates will also perform additional related duties as assigned to support project and organizational needs

Level Differentiators Entry-Level (Software Engineer 1)

Works under guidance to implement wellscoped features and support development tasks. Troubleshoots routine issues with assistance and contributes to documentation, code hygiene, and Agile ceremonies. Builds familiarity with ATD systems, Navy training environments, and simulation technologies. Focuses on learning, growth, and contributing reliably with limited systemlevel ownership.

Intermediate (Software Engineer 2)

Independently develops features and resolves moderately complex issues. Troubleshoots across multiple components with limited oversight and contributes to componentlevel design discussions. Supports GUI development, integration tasks, ActiveMQ/JAWS components, and lab/shipboard testing with minimal supervision.

Advanced (Software Engineer 3)

Owns subsystem development and deep troubleshooting. Leads sprint tasks and resolves complex STRs. Coordinates with multiple engineering disciplines, supports crossteam integration, and provides technical guidance to peers. Promotes coding/testing best practices and performs highercomplexity integration and testing activities autonomously.

Senior (Software Engineer 4)

Architects multicomponent C++/Java solutions and serves as a senior technical contributor. Leads integration efforts across teams, drives technical decisions, and mentors engineers at all levels. Reviews major technical products, influences systemlevel strategy, and owns significant ATD system components and roadmap direction.

Note: System ownership expectations, troubleshooting complexity, and collaboration/leadership responsibilities increase with each level.

What you must have
Education & Experience

Must have relevant experience with Bachelors in related field:

  • Software Engineer 1: Bachelor's (0 exp) OR HS + 4 yrs
  • Software Engineer 2: Bachelor's + 2 yrs OR Master's (0 yrs) OR HS + 6 yrs
  • Software Engineer 3: Bachelor's + 5 yrs OR Master's + 3 yrs OR HS + 9 yrs OR PhD or Juris Doctorate (0 yrs)
  • Software Engineer 4: Bachelor's + 9 yrs OR Master's + 7 yrs OR HS + 13 yrs OR PhD or Juris Doctorate + 4 yrs 
Technical Skills
  • Experience with C++ and/or Java development in Linux environments
  • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum processes
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex software issues
  • System ownership, troubleshooting complexity, and collaboration/leadership expectations will vary and increase based on level.
Clearance Requirements
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must have a current or active a DoD Secret clearance
  • Ability to otain a DoD Information Assurance Technician (IAT) Level II certification or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA Security, CySA+) within 3 months of hire if not currently held.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, Data Science, or related
  • Experience developing or integrating Navy training systems or simulations
  • Familiarity with ActiveMQ, JAWS, GUI development
  • Experience with Jira, GitLab, CI/CD pipelines, virtualization, or container tools
  • Experience in Navy training environments or other mission-critical systems
  • IAT Level II certification or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA Security, CySA+)
Physical Requirements
Adequate visual acuity and manual dexterity for meeting the requirements Software Engineer family.


The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance? 
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

Apply