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Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs

Senior Software Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site +1

$119K - $157K/yr

... defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and ... We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain high-quality software ...

Senior Software Engineer

Fairborn, OH ยท On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

... defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and ... We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain high-quality software ...

Sr Staff/Senior Software Engineer

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

... defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and ... SciTec is seeking a Sr Staff/Senior Software Engineer to support programs delivering Missile ...

Sr Staff/Senior Software Engineer

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

... defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and ... SciTec is seeking a Sr Staff/Senior Software Engineer to support programs delivering Missile ...

Sr. Staff Software Engineer

Fairborn, OH ยท On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

... defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and ... We are seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain high-quality ...

Sr. Staff Software Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site +1

$119K - $157K/yr

... defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and ... We are seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain high-quality ...

Sr. Staff Software Engineer

Fairborn, OH ยท On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

... defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and ... We are seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain high-quality ...

Beyond security, PreVeil helps defense contractors meet strict U.S. federal cybersecurity ... We're seeking a Lead Software Engineer, Client Platforms to join our team. We're scaling our end-to ...

Junior Software Engineer

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

This is a full-time position with the expectation of a minimum 40-hour commitment per work week ... Prior internship or co-op experience at a defense contractor or marine technology company Pay Range:

New

This is a full-time position with the expectation of a minimum 40-hour commitment per work week ... Prior internship or co-op experience at a defense contractor or marine technology company Pay Range:

New

$119K - $157K/yr

Sparton is an innovative defense contractor headquartered in DeLeon Springs, Florida, with a rich ... Job Summary The Embedded Software Engineer III designs and develops software applications. Performs ...

Role: Software Engineer Type: Full-Time Location: Orlando, FL - Hybrid Reports to: Software ... We are proud of being a growing part of the Orlando Defense and Space contractor community and ...

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking a software engineer with critical thinking and effective communication ... Defense Contractors while remaining agile and entrepreneurial at heart to provide rapid and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Waterford, CT ยท On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking a software engineer with critical thinking and effective communication ... Defense Contractors while remaining agile and entrepreneurial at heart to provide rapid and ...

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Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

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

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time defense contractor software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who are the big 5 dod contractors?

The top five defense contractors for the Department of Defense (DoD) are Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. These companies often hire software engineers for defense systems, cybersecurity, and aerospace projects, requiring security clearances and specialized technical skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Full-time defense contractor software engineers, especially those with specialized skills in cybersecurity, embedded systems, or working on high-security projects, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Such roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in high-stakes environments like defense or aerospace industries.

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.

How much do defense contractor engineers make?

Defense contractor software engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, security clearance, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or clearance can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans.

What engineers make $500,000?

Full-time defense contractor software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cybersecurity or systems architecture, and often security clearances can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation typically involves senior roles, leadership positions, or working on high-stakes projects in the defense industry.

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.
More about Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

SciTec

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site, Remote

$119K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions.

Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. SciTec cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship of employee work visas of any type. Further, U.S. citizenship is a requirement to obtain and keep a security clearance. Applicants that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain high-quality software systems supporting advanced analysis and data processing workflows. This role focuses on distributed systems, microservices, and real-time data pipelines, working closely with scientific and technical users in a mission-focused environment.

The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor with deep C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python expertise, sound software engineering judgment, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines while influencing technical direction through example and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and maintain high-quality software aligned with program and project objectives
  • Work both independently and collaboratively with development teams to deliver complex features end to end
  • Collaborate directly with advanced technical and scientific users to translate analysis needs into robust software solutions
  • Ensure reliability, scalability, and performance of messaging systems and data pipelines
  • Contribute to containerized, distributed microservice architectures, including development, deployment, and testing
  • Design, implement, and maintain real-time or near-real-time data processing and streaming workflows
  • Ensure reliability, scalability, and performance of messaging systems and data pipelines
  • Identify technical risks and propose risk-reduction strategies to support program success
  • Participate in and guide Agile development activities, including code reviews, design discussions, and sprint planning
  • Promote strong engineering practices, including testing, documentation, and maintainability
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through technical collaboration and code reviews
  • Champion comprehensive testing strategies, including unit, integration, and system testing
  • Contribute to documentation, knowledge sharing, and clear technical communication
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

The following minimum qualifications are required for the position:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or a related technical field
  • 10+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • Strong proficiency in Object-Oriented Programming, including modern language features and best practices
  • Hands-on experience with microservice architectures and distributed systems
  • Understanding of containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman) and orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes)
  • Solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including design patterns, modularity, and maintainability
  • Experience writing and maintaining automated tests
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across technical disciplines
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, well-tested code
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Professional experience working in Linux environments
  • Experience using version control systems such as Git
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Candidates who have any of the following skills will be preferred:

  • Advanced degree (e.g., Masters) in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics
  • Experience working with remotely sensed data or scientific data processing workflows
  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance
  • Experience with implementing Zero-Trust utilizing OAuth2, SAML, Keycloak, OPA, or similar
  • Familiarity with messaging and communication technologies, such as: Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, Kafka, gRPC, and REST
  • Professional experience with DevOps and CI/CD tooling, including: Docker, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD
  • Experience working in Agile software development environments and using task scheduling and tracking software (e.g., JIRA)

*Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications which are generated by AI will not be considered for employment.

Benefits

SciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including:

  • 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match
  • 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options
  • 80% company paid Dental insurance
  • 100% company paid Vision insurance
  • 100% company paid Life insurance
  • 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance
  • Short-term Disability insurance
  • Annual Profit-Sharing Plan
  • Discretionary Performance Bonus
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay
  • Flexible Work Hours

The pay range for this position is $135,000-$152,000. SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation.

SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Vet/Disabled.

#ND123


SciTec logo

About SciTec

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Princeton, NJ, US

Year founded

1979