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Missile Control System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

AEGIS Missile Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

... command/control systems. The AEGIS Missile Software Engineer will support the Missile Defense ... Agency (MDA) Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program Office provide technical and programmatic ...

Hp

System Software Engineer (Kernel)

Spring, TX · On-site

$130K - $205K/yr

System Software Engineer (Kernel) Description - The Systems Software Engineer (Kernel) is tasked ... Control systems design * Fault tolerant and high availability systems design * CI/CD pipeline ...

Apple

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$142K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

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Missile Control System Software Engineer information

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How much do missile control system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for missile control system software engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a missile control system software engineer do?

A Missile Control System Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the software used to control and guide missiles. Their work involves creating algorithms for navigation, targeting, and system diagnostics, as well as ensuring the software integrates seamlessly with missile hardware. They collaborate with other engineers to ensure the software meets strict safety, reliability, and performance standards, often working within the defense or aerospace industry. These engineers typically use languages like C, C++, and Ada, and must adhere to rigorous security and quality protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a missile control system software engineer?

To thrive as a Missile Control System Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering, experience with embedded systems, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with programming languages like C/C++, real-time operating systems, and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, secure, and precise missile control systems vital for national defense and mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by missile control system software engineers, and how are they addressed within the team?

Missile Control System Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to developing highly reliable and secure software that must function flawlessly under extreme conditions. These engineers must rigorously test code to meet strict safety and performance standards, often working with classified or proprietary systems. Collaboration with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and quality assurance teams is essential to address integration issues and ensure compliance with defense regulations. Regular code reviews, simulations, and joint troubleshooting sessions are standard practices to mitigate risks and maintain system integrity.

What is the difference between Missile Control System Software Engineer vs Missile Systems Engineer?

AspectMissile Control System Software EngineerMissile Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and maintaining missile control softwareDesigning and integrating missile system components
Required SkillsEmbedded programming, real-time systems, control algorithmsSystems integration, hardware-software interface, system testing
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams within defense or aerospace companiesMultidisciplinary teams involving hardware, software, and systems engineering
CertificationsSecurity clearances, software engineering certificationsEngineering licenses, security clearances

The Missile Control System Software Engineer primarily focuses on developing and maintaining the software that controls missile operations, emphasizing embedded systems and control algorithms. In contrast, the Missile Systems Engineer has a broader role in designing and integrating entire missile systems, including hardware and software components. Both roles often require security clearances and engineering certifications, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Missile Control System Software Engineer jobs?

For Missile Control System Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Missile Control System Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

AEGIS Missile Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

Astrion
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Astrionexternal

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

AEGIS Missile Software Engineer

Job Location: Dalhgren, Virginia

Job Status: Full Time

Clearance: Active Secret

SALARY: $100,000 to $150,000

At Astrion, we are at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and engaged with the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) rigorous engineering efforts to develop and deploy a layered Missile Defense System (MDS). This exciting, rewarding work helps guarantee the security of the United States, deployed forces, and allies. Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists and technicians supporting the research, development, testing and evaluation of the missile defense system whose purpose is to detect, track, engage and destroy adversary missiles.

Our MDA analysts and engineers work in modern, well-appointed government facilities in Dahlgren, VA. Dahlgren is home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, and is a hub for naval and missile defense research and development. You will collaborate with other missile defense experts – military, government civilians, and contractors from Astrion and other companies. Our team of experts helps the Government manage planning, development and delivery of state-of-the art sensors, weapons, communications, and command/control systems.

The AEGIS Missile Software Engineer will support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program Office provide technical and programmatic expertise.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / Skills

  • Education: BA/BS in a STEM related field
  • Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance, which requires US Citizenship
  • Works Independently, as a team member, or leading teams/tasks
  • Ability to apply engineering rigor to solve engineering/scientific problems
  • Provide programmatic oversight of SM-3 Blk IIA Missile. Communications, components, development and integration within the Guidance Section (GS) and Kinetic Warhead (KW)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / Skills

  • Active TS/SCI Clearance
  • Prior experience with Aegis Weapons Systems
  • Experience with Missile System Software Development
  • Technical experience in one of the following areas: Fleet operations, systems engineering, missile systems, Aegis Qualifications, etc.

RESPONSIBILTIES 

  • Responsible for SM-3 Block IIA Missile Communications support for Radio Frequency missile communications components. 
  • Operational and technical support to integrate existing and developing operational command and control systems.
  • Develop and document system architectures and functions in applicable Interface Control Documents, specifically the GFC/C to Link-16 interface document.
  • Provide performance assessment and verification (PAV) support to the Systems Engineer for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program Office.
  • PAV processes and plan development, monitor and implement plans to assess and verify system performance

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