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Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Endurance Energy

Staff Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

As a Staff Software Engineer, you will develop the software infrastructure necessary for the ... defense and federal contracting (CMMC, NIST 800-171, FedRAMP) • Prior experience standing up ...

Anduril Industries

Software Engineer, C++

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are ...

Anduril Industries

Software Engineer, C++

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop high ...

Overland AI

Infrastructure Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72 ... As an infrastructure software engineer, you'll design, build, the internal platforms, libraries ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. They are seeking a Staff Software Engineer to lead technical direction and ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Software Engineer JobsFull Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer JobsFull Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$72.3K

$167.9K

$233.9K

How much do full time defense contractor software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time defense contractor software engineer in Seattle, WA is $167,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,600.00 and $196,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Full Time Civilian Software Engineer?

AspectFull Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires security clearances, specialized certifications, and a background check.
Work EnvironmentPrimarily works on classified projects within government or defense contractor facilities.
Employer & IndustryEmployed by defense contractors or government agencies, focusing on national security projects.
Job FocusDevelops secure, mission-critical software for defense systems, often involving embedded or real-time applications.

In contrast, a Full Time Civilian Software Engineer typically works on commercial or non-classified projects in various industries, with less emphasis on security clearances. The defense contractor role demands specialized security credentials and a focus on secure, mission-critical systems, whereas civilian roles are more diverse in project scope and environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer, and why are they important?

A Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer needs a strong background in computer science, software development, and security protocols, often supported by a relevant degree and eligibility for security clearance. Familiarity with programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python, as well as experience with secure development environments and tools like Git and Jira, are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the delivery of reliable, secure, and mission-critical software solutions in high-stakes defense environments.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineers working as full-time defense contractors?

Full-time defense contractor software engineers often encounter challenges such as navigating strict security protocols, working with legacy systems, and adapting to evolving government requirements. The need for security clearances and compliance with industry regulations can add complexity to daily tasks. Additionally, engineers frequently collaborate in cross-functional teams with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability. While the work is rewarding and mission-driven, managing deadlines and integrating with multi-disciplinary teams can be demanding.

What does a Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer do?

A Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems used by military and defense organizations. Their responsibilities often include working on secure and mission-critical applications, integrating software with specialized hardware, and ensuring compliance with government security regulations. These engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable solutions that support defense operations, such as communication, cybersecurity, simulation, and intelligence systems.
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 Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 72% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,886 per year, or $80.7 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer

Endurance Energy

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Endurance Energy is pioneering the world's first modular subsea geothermal power plants, aiming to convert ocean thermal resources into significant baseload power. As a Staff Software Engineer, you will develop the software infrastructure necessary for the operation of these power plants, including data pipelines and operational software, while collaborating with hardware engineers and other operational leaders to ensure efficient deployment and scaling of the technology.
Responsibilities:
• Architect and build the telemetry, data, and operational software that runs Endurance's power plants on the seafloor and supports subsea deployment operations
• Make and execute the build, buy, and configure calls across PLM, ERP, MES, procurement, telemetry, and operational tooling
• Select, integrate, configure, and where required build the foundational software systems that run Endurance's manufacturing and supply chain
• Write production code, set engineering standards, and build the technical patterns that the broader software team will inherit
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and policy leaders to ensure the software roadmap maps to operational reality
• Establish cybersecurity, data governance, and development practices appropriate for a venture-backed company operating across federal, defense, and international markets
• As the first software engineer at Endurance, own the technical foundation that the broader software organization is built on
• Help shape the software organization as it grows, including interviewing and onboarding future engineers
Qualifications:
Required:
• 8+ years of software engineering experience
• Track record architecting, shipping, and operating internal software systems (manufacturing, supply chain, engineering data, telemetry, or operations tooling)
• Strong build, buy, and configure judgment with hands-on experience selecting, deploying, or replacing industrial software systems such as PLM, ERP, MES, or procurement platforms
• Demonstrated ability to ship production software end to end, from architecture through deployment and operation
• Technical fluency strong enough to hold credibility with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers
• Comfort being the first software engineer at a venture-backed company at sub-fifty headcount, including all the ambiguity that comes with it
• Ability to work onsite in Seattle and travel to deployment sites as required
Preferred:
• Experience inside hardware companies known for strong in-house industrial software, such as SpaceX, Anduril, Tesla, Hadrian, Helion, Shield AI, Saronic, Apex, Relativity, or Stoke
• Background in operational technology, SCADA, telemetry, or controls integration adjacent to physical hardware
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems, supplier development tooling, or quality data systems at scale
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks relevant to defense and federal contracting (CMMC, NIST 800-171, FedRAMP)
• Prior experience standing up software for ITAR / EAR controlled environments
• Background in subsea, aerospace, defense, or other regulated hardware industries
Company:
Endurance Energy develops subsea geothermal energy projects to generate continuous electricity from deep-sea hydrothermal resources. Founded in 2008, the company is headquartered in Seattle, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

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