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Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$55 - $120/hr

Work closely with crossโ€‘functional engineering teams to integrate embedded software into complex RF and defense systems. * Use Agile development practices and tools such as Jira and Git (or similar ...

Defense Industry Experience * Systems Engineering Exposure * Distributed Systems * Technical Design Experience Work Environment The position offers a highly collaborative environment with software ...

Software Simulation Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Defense Industry Experience * Systems Engineering Exposure * Distributed Systems * Technical Design Experience Work Environment The position offers a highly collaborative environment with software ...

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Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

What is an overnight defense contractor software engineer?

Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineers are professionals who develop, maintain, and troubleshoot software systems used in defense applications, often working during overnight shifts to support 24/7 operations. They may work for companies contracted by government or military agencies, ensuring that critical defense systems are secure, functional, and up to date. These engineers typically work on projects involving cybersecurity, embedded systems, simulation, or mission-critical software. Their role can also involve responding to real-time incidents or updates that need immediate attention outside of standard business hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight defense contractor software engineer?

To thrive as an Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or Java, and typically a security clearance due to sensitive project work. Familiarity with secure software development practices, version control systems (like Git), and defense-specific tools such as MATLAB or simulation platforms is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with teams and ensuring quality under tight deadlines. These technical and soft skills are crucial for delivering reliable, secure software solutions that meet stringent defense industry standards and operate effectively in mission-critical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight defense contractor software engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing communication across different time zones, ensuring security compliance during off-peak hours, and maintaining high alertness while working unconventional shifts. To address these, it's important to establish clear handover protocols with daytime teams, stay updated on security best practices, and implement personal routines to manage sleep and alertness. Building strong remote communication skills and leveraging collaboration tools can also help ensure project continuity and team cohesion.

What is the difference between Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Night Shift Defense Software Developer?

AspectOvernight Defense Contractor Software EngineerNight Shift Defense Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, security clearances often requiredBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, security clearances may be needed
Work EnvironmentContractor role, often in secure facilities or remoteFull-time employment, in secure facilities or remote
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agenciesDefense contractors, government agencies
Work HoursOvernight shifts, typically 10-12 hoursNight shifts, usually 8-12 hours

The Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer and Night Shift Defense Software Developer roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. The main difference lies in the employment type, with the former often being a contractor and the latter a full-time employee. Both roles require security clearances and involve working overnight hours in defense-related projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Embedded Software Engineer III

Rolling Meadows, IL โ€ข On-site

PROLIM Global Corporation
IT Servicesย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

www.govt.prolim.com Is hiring for federal client Northrup Grumman Embedded Software Engineer III
Northrop Grumman | MANHATTAN BEACH,CA & ROLLING MEADOWS,IL
Interested candidate can share resume at alec.dsouza@prolim.com or call Senior Recruiter Alec at 214-764-6882
Job Description: Embedded Software Engineer III (Contract)
Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer III
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time Contract
Contract Duration: August 3, 2026 - December 31, 2027
Work Schedule: 9x80 A (40 hours/week)
Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required
Position Overview
Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer III to join its Software Engineering organization in Manhattan Beach, California. The selected candidate will develop high-performance embedded software for flight, space, and ground systems operating in resource-constrained environments with both soft and hard real-time requirements.
This role involves designing and implementing complex software solutions for data processing, control systems, and embedded applications while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain embedded software applications using C/C++.
  • Develop object-oriented software for real-time embedded systems.
  • Implement software for resource-constrained environments supporting aerospace and defense applications.
  • Work with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, RT-Linux, FreeRTOS, or similar RTOS platforms.
  • Participate in software architecture, requirements analysis, design, coding, integration, verification, validation, and deployment.
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, and test engineers to integrate software with complex hardware platforms.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation and ensure compliance with software engineering standards.
  • Support software integration, troubleshooting, and debugging in laboratory environments.
  • Participate in Agile, Waterfall, or Spiral software development processes.
  • Ensure software quality through unit testing, code reviews, and system validation.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.
  • Strong experience with C/C++ programming.
  • Experience with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Object-Oriented Software Design.
  • Hands-on experience developing software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, RT-Linux, FreeRTOS, or Green Hills Integrity.
  • Experience working in fast-paced laboratory or embedded development environments.
  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience across the complete software development lifecycle, including:
    • Software architecture
    • Requirements analysis
    • Design and implementation
    • Unit testing
    • System integration
    • Verification and validation
  • Experience with embedded aerospace or defense systems.
  • Familiarity with hardware validation and verification of RF, digital, or mixed-signal devices.
  • Experience using laboratory test equipment, including:
    • Signal generators
    • Noise generators
    • Logic analyzers
    • Spectrum analyzers
    • Network analyzers
    • Power supplies and switching equipment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience working within large multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Required Technical Skills
  • C/C++
  • Embedded C++ Development
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Object-Oriented Software Development
  • Wind River VxWorks
  • VxWorks RTOS
  • Embedded Systems Development
  • Software Integration & Testing
  • Real-Time Embedded Software

Work Environment
  • Onsite position in Manhattan Beach, California.
  • Collaborative engineering laboratory supporting advanced aerospace and space programs.
  • Opportunity to work on mission-critical embedded software supporting next-generation strategic space systems.