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Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72 ... We are looking for a field-forward, Software Engineer to deploy, operate, sustain, and iterate on ...

Navigation Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Able to contribute as a software developer. * Effective use of software configuration management ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Navigation Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Able to contribute as a software developer. * Effective use of software configuration management ... Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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?

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 full time defense contractor software engineers?

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:

Infographic showing various Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,886 per year, or $80.7 per hour.

Software Engineer, Connected Warfare

Anduril Industries

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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 75,501 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary:
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Software Engineer in the Menace Platform group will be responsible for solving novel problems to create a distributed data layer and mesh ecosystem, ensuring that military systems are efficient and effective.
Responsibilities:
• Own software spanning Menace Platform: mesh platform, data interfaces, and release management
• Deliver well architected systems through clear interfaces across components, code reviews, design reviews and modern software engineering practices.
• Champion test-ability, portability, monitoring, scalability, reliability, and maintainability as core parts of software delivery.
• Generate software solutions from problem definition and solution design, through to implementation and delivery to customers
• Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality
• Triage issues, root cause failures, and coordinate next-steps
• Travel up to 10% of time to collaborate with teammates and understand real world operating conditions
Qualifications:
Required:
• 3+ years experience designing and developing software
• A bias towards rapid delivery and iteration, extreme ownership, and strong opinions with low ego
• Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established code bases
• A desire to work on critical software that has a real-world impact
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
Preferred:
• Experience designing APIs for use in distributed systems
• Experience building modeling and simulation environments for distributed systems operating in non-standard networking conditions
• Familiarity with modern build and deployment tooling (e.g. NixOS, Terraform)
• Familiarity with industry standard cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and software infrastructure fundamentals (networking, security, distributed systems)
• A deep, demonstrated understanding of how computers and networks work, from a single desktop to a multi-cluster cloud node
• Professional software development lifecycle experience using tools such as version control, CICD systems, etc.
• Familiarity with industry standard monitoring, logging, and data management tools and best practices
Company:
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that specializes in developing advanced autonomous systems to enhance national security. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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

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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

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