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Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

SAIC

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is seeking a Software Engineer to join our team in support of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and Air Force (AF). This position is ...

SAIC

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is seeking a Software Engineer to join our team in support of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and Air Force (AF). This position is ...

Navstar

Software Engineer SME

Herndon, VA · Remote

Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space ... and via remote Cloud services. As a mission-focused administrator that solves problems on the ...

Second Front Systems

Software Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$130K - $175K/yr

... defense. We pride ourselves on working together as a team and delivering results. You'll be ... Ability to work independently and collaborate with the team members in a remote environment ...

Rancher Government Solutions

Sr. Software Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

$127K - $168K/yr

Remote Company Description Rancher Government Solutions (RGS) is specifically designed to address ... of Defense, Intelligence Community, and civilian agencies. Position Summary We are seeking a ...

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All JobsRemote Defense Contractor Software Engineer JobsRemote Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

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

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote defense contractor software engineer in Washington, DC is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Software Engineer SME

Cornerstone Defense

Herndon, VA • Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

  • Location: Herndon, Virginia
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #3953

Title: Software Engineer SME
Location: Herndon, VA
*Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply *
Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Benefits Overview :
Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *
Required Education, Experience, & Skills:
We are looking for experienced Full Stack Software Developers to join our technology-based program supporting a key government customer. This program delivers Enterprise Computing engineering services with modern technology solutions with that function both on customer premise, and via remote Cloud services. As a mission-focused administrator that solves problems on the program, you will be expected to: recognize the issue(s), identify the facts, define additional data that would be helpful, make assumptions as necessary, determine alternative approaches, evaluate alternatives, make recommendations, alter assumptions and rework solutions, and reflect on lessons learned.
The Software Developer will develop new automation capabilities that utilize infrastructure as code best practices and establishes a continuous integration /continuous delivery pipeline.
Required Skills, Responsibilities and Experience:
• Minimum of 16 years of professional software development experience.
• Proficiency in Java and C#.
• Experience with modern frameworks and technologies such as React, Node.js, TypeScript, and .NET.
• Hands-on experience developing solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or Oracle).
• Strong understanding of DevOps practices and related tools (e.g., Jira, GitHub, Jenkins), including pipeline development, release management, and orchestration.
• Proficiency with scripting languages, preferably Python or PowerShell.
• Experience developing in both Windows and Linux environments.
• Ability to work closely with stakeholders to gather requirements and deliver effective technical solutions.
• Experience architecting, implementing, and maintaining solutions within cloud environments (e.g., AWS or Azure).
• Strong documentation skills, including developing concepts of operations and standards of practice for tiered maintenance support.
• Ability to interface with senior leadership and provide regular status updates.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:
• Ansible
• Powershell
• Java
• Microsoft Certified Engineer
• Microsoft Certified Architect
• Or other relevant vendor professional certifications, current within the last 3 to 5 years.

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