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Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Richmond, VA

Remote (U.S.-based preferred) Clearance: Public Trust (Required / Must be eligible) Position Overview: We are seeking highly motivated, early-career Full Stack Software Engineers who bring strong ...

Lead Software Engineer (Java)

Richmond, VA ยท On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

Software Engineer (Full Stack) Our client, a consulting company, is seeking a Full Stack Software ... This is a REMOTE role. Snapshot of the client: * The company is well respected in the Richmond ...

Data Engineer - Remote

Richmond, VA ยท On-site +1

$113K - $136K/yr

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a Data Engineer Details: Data Engineer Location: 100% Remote Duration: 12 months Required Qualifications: * 7+ Years Experience in the following: Python, Java ...

Sr Systems Software Developer

Glen Allen, VA ยท Remote

$55.75 - $73.75/hr

Senior Systems Software Developer (Remote) Remote | long term | Active IRS MBI Clearance Required Seeking a Senior Systems Software Developer with 10+ years of experience in system-level software ...

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Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Richmond, VA salary details

$62.8K

$146K

$203.4K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote defense contractor software engineer in Richmond, VA is $145,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,800.00 and $171,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote defense contractor software engineer?

A Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer is a software developer who works for a company contracted by government defense agencies to build, maintain, or secure software systems, but does their work from a remote location instead of a traditional office or on-site facility. These engineers often develop applications for military or national security use, which can include communication systems, cybersecurity tools, or mission-critical platforms. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, they may require special security clearances and must adhere to strict security protocols even while working remotely.

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

To excel as a Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you typically need a strong background in computer science or engineering, proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Java, and active security clearance. Familiarity with secure coding practices, embedded systems, and tools such as Git, Jira, and specialized defense software development environments is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and self-motivation are standout soft skills for remote collaboration and meeting strict project requirements. These competencies ensure secure, reliable software delivery and effective teamwork in sensitive, mission-critical defense projects.

How does a remote defense contractor software engineer typically collaborate with team members and stakeholders given security and communication constraints?

Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineers often work with multidisciplinary teams, including developers, project managers, and cybersecurity specialists. Collaboration is facilitated through secure, government-approved communication platforms and version control systems that comply with strict security protocols. Regular virtual meetings and documentation are essential to ensure alignment on project requirements and updates. While remote work offers flexibility, engineers must be diligent in following procedures for handling sensitive information and may sometimes need to access secure facilities for classified work. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming the challenges of working in a highly regulated, remote environment.

What is the difference between Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Remote Cybersecurity Software Engineer?

AspectRemote Defense Contractor Software EngineerRemote Cybersecurity Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, security clearances often preferredBachelor's in CS, Cybersecurity, or related; certifications like CISSP beneficial
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government projects, secure facilitiesTech companies, security firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsPrimarily cybersecurity and IT sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for security clearance and defense projectsCompared for network security and threat mitigation roles

The Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer typically works on defense and military projects requiring security clearances, while the Remote Cybersecurity Software Engineer focuses on protecting networks and systems from cyber threats. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their industries and project types differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA?

For Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA are:

What cities near Richmond, VA are hiring for Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Richmond, VA with the most Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Richmond, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,994 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

AI Software Engineer

Digital Links Inc

Glen Allen, VA โ€ข Remote

Contractor

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Description:

 
Job Title: AI Software Engineer (AI-Driven Development Focus)
Job Type:
Location: Remote (U.S.-based preferred)
Clearance: Public Trust (Required / Must be eligible)
 
Position Overview:
We are seeking highly motivated, early-career Full Stack Software Engineers who bring strong multi-technology expertise and a passion for modern, AI-driven software development. These individuals will support federal programs by building scalable, secure, and user-centric applications.
The ideal candidates are technically versatile, fast learners, and intuitive “vibe coders”—developers who can rapidly prototype, iterate, and deliver solutions using AI-assisted development tools while maintaining strong engineering discipline.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Design, develop, and maintain full-stack applications in a remote, distributed team environment
Build modern, responsive user interfaces using React
Develop backend services and APIs using Java and/or Python
Implement and support CMS solutions, including Drupal
Utilize AI-driven coding tools (e.g., Copilot, generative AI assistants) to enhance productivity and code quality
Participate in Agile ceremonies (daily stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives)
Ensure application security, scalability, and performance aligned with federal standards
Conduct code reviews, testing, and deployment support
Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the full technology stack
 
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
2–5 years of hands-on full-stack development experience
 
Proficiency in:
Java
Python
JavaScript (ES6+)
Hands-on experience with React
Experience working with Drupal or similar CMS platforms
Understanding of REST APIs, microservices, and modern architectures
Experience with Git or similar version control systems
Ability to work effectively in a fully remote environment
 
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, automation frameworks)
Exposure to cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes)
Familiarity with SQL/NoSQL databases
Prior experience supporting federal or government clients
Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards
Security Requirements:
Must be eligible for and able to obtain a Public Trust clearance
U.S. Citizenship or lawful eligibility may be required based on federal guidelines
Ability to pass background investigation
 
Key Competencies:
Multi-Stack Versatility: Comfortable working across frontend, backend, and CMS platforms
AI-First Mindset: Leverages modern AI tools to accelerate development
Creative Problem Solving (“Vibe Coding”): Builds intuitive, efficient solutions quickly
Collaboration: Strong communication skills in a remote team setting
Ownership & Accountability: Delivers high-quality work with minimal supervision