Internship Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs

JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

Our client is seeking a Software Engineer to join our dynamic team in providing cutting-edge technical solutions. The Software Engineer will contribute to the development and sustainment of advanced technology solutions in support of Department of Defense and commercial programs. This role focuses on creating reliable, secure, and innovative software to meet mission objectives, while working closely with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Candidates should bring strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to operate within the requirements of a DoD contractor environment.

The proposed salary range for this position is $100,000 - $180,000. There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

• Consistently delivers high-quality work as an individual contributor.
• Mentors junior team members through example and feedback.
• Demonstrates ownership mindset, seeing problems through to resolution.
• Designing and building systems that are robust, maintainable, and performant.
• Working within complex codebases or distributed systems.
• Introduces improvements in architecture, build tooling, or development workflows.
• Solves open-ended problems with limited guidance.
• Balances technical tradeoffs with product and business objectives.
• Leads technical discussions and builds consensus.
• Produces clear design documentation and effectively aligns stakeholders.

Clearance: Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance Years of Experience and Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field and 7–10 years of embedded software development experience with 3–5 years managing or leading a software development team.

• Proficiency in C++, C, Python, and JavaScript/TypeScript
• Experience with RTOS environments (VxWorks, QNX, FreeRTOS), Embedded Linux, and deterministic/preemptive scheduling
• Hands-on experience with Git and CI/CD tools including Atlassian Bamboo, Jenkins, Bitbucket Pipelines, and GitLab CI
• Familiarity with Angular and Qt/QML for UI development
• Strong understanding of UDP/TCP protocols, multicast networking, and DDS (Data Distribution Service)
• Proven ability to motivate teams, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and manage expectations.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, real-time constraints, and hardware/software integration.
• Experience with process improvement and implementing engineering best practices.
• Experience managing software projects in classified or restricted environments (e.g., DoD, IC, or defense contractor programs).
• Strong understanding of secure software development practices, including handling of classified data and systems.
• Working knowledge of DoD software assurance, RMF, STIG compliance, and data labeling requirements.
• Prior experience leading teams within SCIF or SAPF facilities.

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.