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Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$178.80K - $211.90K/yr

Review contractor software plans, technical documentation, and deliverables for compliance and ... Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

The Software Engineer will contribute to the development and sustainment of advanced technology ... IC, or defense contractor programs). * Strong understanding of secure software development ...

The Software Engineer will contribute to the development and sustainment of advanced technology ... IC, or defense contractor programs). * Strong understanding of secure software development ...

E01-C07 Software Engineer

Hollywood, MD · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

The Software Engineer will contribute to the development and sustainment of advanced technology ... g., DoD, IC, or defense contractor programs). > * Strong understanding of secure software ...

Principal Software Engineer

$138.20K - $185.30K/yr

... Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an ... Government/Contractor software teams. Primary Responsibilities include (but not limited to)

Software Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Ability to navigate the complexities of military contracting processes and collaborate with defense ...

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Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

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How much do internship defense contractor software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship defense contractor software engineer in the United States is $25.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you should have a strong foundation in computer science principles, programming languages (such as C++ or Java), and be enrolled in or have completed relevant coursework. Familiarity with secure software development practices, integrated development environments (IDEs), and version control systems like Git is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this setting. These competencies are crucial for developing high-quality, secure software that meets stringent defense industry standards while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

What types of projects might I work on as an intern software engineer at a defense contracting company?

As an intern software engineer at a defense contractor, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from developing and testing embedded systems to supporting simulation tools and software used in defense applications. Interns often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, analysts, and project managers, to contribute to real-world solutions such as cybersecurity, radar systems, or mission planning software. The work environment is typically fast-paced and emphasizes security protocols, so you'll also gain experience working within strict compliance and documentation standards. These experiences not only build technical skills but also provide insight into how large, complex projects are managed in the defense industry.

What does an Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer do?

An Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer assists in developing, testing, and maintaining software systems for defense-related projects under the guidance of experienced engineers. Interns may work on tasks such as coding, debugging, software integration, and documentation, often focusing on secure and reliable solutions for military or government applications. They typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support the development of technologies like radar systems, communications software, or cybersecurity tools. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in a highly regulated and impactful industry.
More about Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Internship 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 Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,867 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Software System Engineer

Software System Engineer

VTG

Chantilly, VA

$178.80K - $211.90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

VTG is looking for a Software Expert in Chantilly, VA.  (Note: Contingent upon program award).

Software Expert I provides advisory and analytical support to government program and technical staff, assisting with software requirements analysis, documentation, and oversight activities within a SETA environment. 

Software Expert II provides independent technical advisory support, evaluating software solutions, requirements, and contractor performance to ensure alignment with mission and program objectives.

Software Expert III serves as a trusted technical advisor to government leadership, providing strategic guidance and oversight across complex softwareintensive programs in a SETA capacity.


What will you do?

Software Expert I

  • Support analysis of software requirements, architectures, and design documentation
  • Assist with review of contractor software deliverables for compliance with requirements and standards
  • Support development and maintenance of technical documentation (requirements matrices, technical assessments, briefings)
  • Participate in technical reviews, working groups, and stakeholder meetings as an observer/support role
  • Track software risks, issues, and action items under senior guidance
  • Support coordination between government stakeholders and development contractors

Software Expert II

  • Analyze and assess software requirements, architectures, and design approaches
  • Review contractor software plans, technical documentation, and deliverables for compliance and quality
  • Support development of government technical guidance, standards, and evaluation criteria
  • Advise program managers and technical leads on software risks, tradeoffs, and impacts
  • Support Agile ceremonies and technical reviews as a government advisor (noncoding role)
  • Track and assess softwarerelated risks, dependencies, and integration considerations
  • Prepare technical briefings and recommendations for government leadership

Software Expert III

  • Provide seniorlevel advisory support on software architecture, design, and lifecycle strategy

  • Lead government reviews of contractor software approaches, roadmaps, and deliverables

  • Advise program leadership on software risks, technical debt, scalability, and sustainability

  • Support development of software governance frameworks, standards, and evaluation criteria

  • Participate in senior technical reviews, milestone events, and executive briefings

  • Assess alignment of software solutions with mission objectives and enterprise architecture

  • Mentor junior and midlevel software experts

  • Support acquisition and source selection activities with technical expertise, as required


Do you have what it takes?
  • TS/SCI with Poly Required

Software Expert I

  • 1-4 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or technical programs
    Basic understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, DevSecOps, or waterfall)
    Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting federal, DoD, or IC programs, Exposure to requirements management or technical review processes, Familiarity with Agile or DevSecOps concepts from an oversight perspective

Software Expert II

  • 5-9 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or programs
    Strong understanding of software lifecycles, architectures, and integration principles
    Experience performing technical reviews or oversight of contractor software development
    Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ mission programs, Experience in Agile, SAFe, or DevSecOps environments in an advisory capacity, Familiarity with cloud, data, or mission system software architectures

Software Expert III

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
  • 10+ years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or enterprise platforms
  • Deep understanding of modern software architectures and development lifecycles
  • Proven experience providing technical oversight and advisory support (nondeveloper role)
  • Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and briefing skills
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ missioncritical programs, Experience advising on largescale or multivendor software programs, Familiarity with Agile at scale (SAFe), DevSecOps, and cloudbased architectures
Qualifications:
  • TS/SCI with Poly Required

Software Expert I

  • 1-4 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or technical programs
    Basic understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, DevSecOps, or waterfall)
    Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting federal, DoD, or IC programs, Exposure to requirements management or technical review processes, Familiarity with Agile or DevSecOps concepts from an oversight perspective

Software Expert II

  • 5-9 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or programs
    Strong understanding of software lifecycles, architectures, and integration principles
    Experience performing technical reviews or oversight of contractor software development
    Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ mission programs, Experience in Agile, SAFe, or DevSecOps environments in an advisory capacity, Familiarity with cloud, data, or mission system software architectures

Software Expert III

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
  • 10+ years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or enterprise platforms
  • Deep understanding of modern software architectures and development lifecycles
  • Proven experience providing technical oversight and advisory support (nondeveloper role)
  • Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and briefing skills
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ missioncritical programs, Experience advising on largescale or multivendor software programs, Familiarity with Agile at scale (SAFe), DevSecOps, and cloudbased architectures
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME