Software Engineer - (Panama City, FL) with Security Clearance
The Software Engineer will support Confidential Client by designing, developing, and implementing software applications for unmanned maritime systems. This entry-level role involves software programming, testing, and installation under general supervision, with opportunities for growth within a dynamic defense contracting environment. The position requires a security clearance and occasional travel, contributing to critical defense technology programs.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Software Engineer to join a growing Maritime Engineering, Technology and Sustainment (METS) team supporting Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) programs. You will contribute to software design, development, testing, and deployment for autonomous maritime systems and related unmanned systems software under general supervision.
- Support design, modification, development, and implementation of software for unmanned systems.
- Install, configure, and support software applications and operating systems.
- Participate in software testing activities including test review, analysis, witnessing, and certification.
- Work with systems engineers and cross-functional teams to verify software meets program requirements.
- Adapt to evolving technical requirements and perform additional duties as assigned.
- Travel up to 10% as required by customer or program needs.
Must-have Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Interim Secret or Secret security clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field — OR High School Diploma/GED with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
- 0–1 years of directly related work, internship, or project experience (entry-level).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Strong written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred / Helpful Skills
- Experience or coursework in programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java.
- Background or familiarity with DoD contracting and requirements.
- Experience with software development best practices, version control, and testing frameworks.
- Good organizational skills and customer-facing communication abilities.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated base pay: $146,717 per year (estimated).
- Full-time benefits (where applicable): medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, tuition reimbursement, life/disability insurance, paid time off, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program, and optional voluntary benefits.
- Pay will be determined based on experience, education, skills, and geographic market factors.
- This position may offer growth into higher-responsibility and senior technical roles.
Location & Work Details
- Location: Panama City Beach, FL (on-site / local team) — this role reports to facilities in the Panama City, FL region supporting NSWC PCD work.
- Travel: up to 10% (customer or program dependent).
- Employment type: Full-time.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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