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Weapons System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

... programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A software development. Experience with Code Review * Experience with software development tools, version control systems ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineer to join our Supercomputing team to help ... Architect and implement low-level control-plane software responsible for system bring-up ...

System Software Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$127K - $156K/yr

Join Intel as a System Software Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions across Intel's cutting-edge technology portfolio. In this ...

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Weapons System Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do weapons system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons system software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a weapons system software engineer do?

A Weapons System Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software that controls and operates military weapons systems. This includes working on embedded systems, real-time operating environments, and ensuring the integration of hardware and software components for optimal system performance. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the software meets strict safety, security, and performance standards required for defense applications.

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

To thrive as a Weapons System Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, software engineering principles, and familiarity with defense systems, usually supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Proficiency in languages like C/C++, embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and tools such as MATLAB or Simulink is commonly required, along with certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills are vital for effectively developing and maintaining mission-critical systems. These competencies are crucial to ensure the reliability, security, and effectiveness of complex defense technologies.

What are some common challenges weapons system software engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Weapons System Software Engineers often collaborate with hardware engineers, system integrators, and defense analysts, which can lead to challenges in aligning software requirements with hardware capabilities and security protocols. Clear communication is essential to ensure that software integrates seamlessly with physical components and meets stringent safety and compliance standards. Additionally, engineers must stay adaptable to rapidly changing project priorities and evolving military specifications. Being proactive in cross-team meetings and documentation helps mitigate misunderstandings and keeps projects on track.

What is the difference between Weapons System Software Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectWeapons System Software EngineerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; security clearances often requiredBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; certifications like Java or AWS may be preferred
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, military projects, government agenciesTech companies, startups, corporate IT departments
Industry UsageMilitary, defense, aerospaceTechnology, finance, healthcare, various industries
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Weapons System Software Engineer and a Software Engineer lies in their work environment and industry focus. Weapons System Software Engineers typically work on defense and military projects requiring security clearances, while Software Engineers work across diverse industries like tech and finance. Both roles require strong programming skills and a background in computer science, but their applications and security requirements differ significantly.

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

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

Infographic showing various Weapons System Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Stimulator/Message Software Engineer - JobID-0264

Mount Laurel, NJ

Innovative Defense Technologies
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees

$114K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
About The Role: 
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Stimulator/Message Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Mount Laurel, NJ location.

The Stimulator/Message Software Engineer will be part of a multi-discipline team focused on the DOW’s initiatives in support of tactical capability development for Navy surface and unmanned (UxVs) platforms and will be directly responsible for the architecting and refactoring of mission critical legacy weapons system software into a modern software technology stack where the target end state will ensure the highest impact to the US Navy by enabling a microservices based tactical platform within both a cloud-native and tactical-edge deployment model.

Warfare Systems’ project domains include real-time automated test and analysis, virtual computing environments, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) based data analytics, cybersecurity, as well as backfit and forward-fit tactical solutions. 

The Engineer will be fiercely accountable for the delivery of well-architected and production-ready solutions that exceed the Fleet’s requirements.

Clearance & Location Requirements:
  • All applicants must  be able to obtain/maintain an active  Secret U.S. Security Clearance. 
  • This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 4 days in office, based out of our Mount Laurel, NJ location.

Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:  
  • Design, implement, and test complex software in C++, utilizing Kafka, messaging protocols (DDS, Protobuf)
  • Design, implement, and test software using multiple languages and technology stacks 
  • Integrate software components into complex DoD software environments 
  • Explore and prototype next-generation solutions using artificial intelligence/machine learning, distributed processing, and modeling.
  • Interact with customers to elicit requirements and document agreements.
  • Present to organization leadership on project cost, schedule, and technical progress.
  • Software architecture development including hardware and software interfaces between software components.
  • Assist in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for tactical systems.
  • Participate and provide feedback for design & code/peer reviews.
  • Integrate individual software components into complex software environments.
  • Support test and integration activities at IDT labs and government Land Based Test Sites (LBTS).
  • Integrate software components into a complex software development environment 
  • Ensure adherence to industry standards pertaining to security, orthodox programming paradigms, and performance requirements 
  • Understand and interact with complex DoD software systems
  • Work with small cross-site teams of software and/or systems engineers
  • Collaborate with team members to peer-review architecture design, system requirements, and implemented code

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required): 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
  • 5+ years of full-time professional experience 
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed 
  • Familiarity with combat system design and software
  • Familiarity and experience with developing tactical systems software on DOD programs.
  • Familiarity with C, C++, Python, and/or Java programming languages
  • Adept with developing in Linux OS environments, including shell scripting.
  • Ability to decompose and document requirements and specifications.
  • Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures and software design patterns, especially the Strangler Pattern
  • Experience with Agile software development processes
  • Proficiency working within a Git CM environment
  • Comfortable with DevSecOps best practices
  • Ability to convert vague customer requirements into a refined vision.
  • Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity.
  • Ability to work on-site with potential hybrid flexibility.
  • Familiarity with the software development process (requirements through deployment)
  • Ability to design, develop, and analyze software systems
  • Ability to model/code/test algorithms in C++, Python, Java
  • Ability to model/code/test GUI applications
  • Proficiency in at least one modern language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, C#) and/or one modern frontend language (e.g., TypeScript, JavaScript) 
  • Understanding of:
    • Windows and Linux file systems
    • Version control (Git)
    • APIs (REST/gRPC)
    • Modular code design
  • Ability to review, critique, and harden AI-generated code
  • Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres)
  • Familiarity with computer networking and various networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS)
  • Ability to perform many concurrent assignments and determine the need for changing priorities 

What Makes You Stand Out:
  • Familiarity with the AEGIS Weapon System Common Source Library (CSL), ideally, or Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Single Source Library (SSL)
  • Experience with AEGIS, ideally, or SSDS tactical systems
  • Experience utilizing Make build system, Maven, and Ant scripting
  • Experience with X-Windows
  • Familiar with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) methodologies
  • Experience with Jenkins, Jira, and the Atlassian tool suite
  • Familiarity with foundational networking concepts such as routing, switching, identity services, intrusion detection, and firewall 
  • Familiarity deploying virtual machines in VMWare vSphere environments including networking configuration 
  • Familiarity designing complex software development environments including submodules, remote dependencies, and mixed-code deployments
  • Familiarity deploying virtual machines and/or containers into Azure cloud environments including networking configuration
  • Solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive 
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations 
  • Excellence in oral, written, and technical communication with peers and non-technical cohorts 
  • Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork 
  • Strong organization and planning skills 
  • Attention to detail while ability to see and understand the big picture
  • Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies 
  • Familiarity with Cloud infrastructure (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP)
  • Experience with big data solutions (e.g. Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
  • Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) for:
    • Code generation
    • Refactoring and optimization
    • Debugging and root-cause analysis
  • Ability to write effective prompts and iterate with AI to improve code quality and performance
  • Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques
  • Experience with testing frameworks including unit testing and interface testing 
  • Experience building user interfaces with a modern component framework such as React, Angular, or Vue.
  • Experience using Storybook or other Mock testing tooling.

If you see yourself reflected in this role and are excited about the impact you could make, we encourage you to apply! If you know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to share this opportunity with your network.

Pay Range*: $114,000 - $184,000 or $135,000 - $231,000
*Pursuant to New Jersey Senate Bill 2310 IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, this amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 2310. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.

Job Benefits
Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):
IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including:  
  • Generous benefits package 
  • Competitive PTO 
  • Paid holidays 
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching 
  • 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)  
  • Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program 
  • Professional Development Resources 
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits 
  • Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards 
  • Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches 

EEO Statement:
IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.