Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Indiana
Lead Software Engineer jobs in Indiana are concentrated in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and the Fort Wayne corridor, where employers like Salesforce, Eli Lilly, and Cummins maintain engineering teams of real scale. Demand is strongest for engineers with depth in cloud-native architecture, distributed systems, and platform engineering. Indiana's mid-size tech scene keeps competition for proven leads tighter than coastal markets, which means qualified candidates move quickly. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Lead Software Engineer jobs
Job ID: 2618934
Location: Bedford, IN, US
Date Posted: 2026-11-09
Category: Software
Subcategory: SW Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: Interim_Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a Mid-Level Software Developer to support a government-owned, data-centric interoperability capability at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane. This capability acts as a universal translation layer that lets sensors, effectors, cyber capabilities, and command and control (C2) systems exchange data regardless of vendor.
This position directly supports development of the common data schema, system adapters, software development kits (SDKs), application programming interfaces (APIs), and data pipelines using Agile and DevSecOps practices. The work spans laboratory integration, field demonstrations, and transition to a fielded program. The ideal candidate has hands-on Linux development experience and a strong background supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of the Navy (DoN) programs, with a passion for delivering mission-critical capabilities to warfighters.
Key Responsibilities
Design, code, and test adapters that translate proprietary protocols from legacy and emerging sensors, effectors, cyber capabilities, and C2 systems into a common, vendor-neutral data format. Help expand and maintain the common data schema.
Develop, document, and update developer-friendly SDKs and APIs that enable rapid, vendor-agnostic integration by government and third-party developers.
Participate in the full software development lifecycle in an Agile/DevSecOps environment, including requirements analysis, design, coding, unit and integration testing, and documentation. Contribute to the Software Lifecycle Development Plan.
Develop and maintain software in Linux-based environments using C, C++, Java, and/or Python. Check all code into government-controlled repositories (e.g., Bitbucket) and follow project coding standards.
Support software builds, configuration management, and version control using Git, Jenkins, or similar CI/CD pipelines. Integrate automated unit testing, container scanning, and security vulnerability linting.
Build, containerize (Docker or government-approved equivalents), and deploy cloud-ready applications, microservices, and adapters. Support Kubernetes orchestration, secure container registries, and the security controls for Authority to Operate (ATO) packages.
Develop tools and dashboards that collect and report on performance and integration statistics. Analyze data flows to optimize message passing, reduce latency, and support backwards compatibility and interoperability.
Support software verification in Live/Virtual/Constructive (LVC) and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) environments. Troubleshoot defects found in lab, test, and field events, and turn anomalies into backlog items and design changes.
Follow change control and environment promotion practices (Dev/Test/Prod) and help prevent "code drift" while supporting controlled third-party adapter contributions.
Produce and maintain technical documentation, including interface documentation, test plans and procedures, and technical data package inputs. Support developer-facing manuals and training materials.
Collaborate with systems engineers, hardware engineers, and government stakeholders on software interfaces. Participate in software design reviews, test readiness reviews, post-test reviews, and technical meetings.
Provide on-site technical support during integration events, demonstrations, and exercises.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 3 or more years of professional software development experience, including work on interface, integration, API, or data-translation software
- Prior experience working on-site at a Naval or DoD installation
- Interim secret clearance with the ability to obtain a secret clearance. SAIC will sponsor the clearance process.
- Candidate must be a US Citizen
- Must be local to or willing to relocate to the Crane, Indiana area. This position is on-site at NSWC Crane.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting DoD or DoN acquisition programs
- Experience integrating sensor, effector, weapons, or C2 systems, particularly interface, adapter, or middleware development
- Familiarity with data translation, message parsing, and sensor-to-shooter or kill-chain data workflows
- Experience with tactical data link protocols and communications systems (e.g., Link 16, CDL, TTNT, or similar)
- Familiarity with open-architecture approaches such as MOSA (and FACE, if applicable)
- Experience with containerization (Docker, Podman), Kubernetes, and secure or government cloud environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud), including ATO/RMF exposure
- Experience with CI/CD automation, including automated testing and container/vulnerability scanning
- Experience with LVC, simulation, or hardware-in-the-loop test environments
- Experience with FPGA or microcontroller firmware development
- Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket) in an Agile environment
- Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and requirements traceability
- Experience writing developer documentation or technical training content
- Working knowledge of structured data formats and schemas (e.g., JSON, XML, Protobuf) and of building or consuming APIs.
- Familiarity with software integration and testing methodologies, including automated testing in CI/CD pipelines
- Strong programming skills in C, C++, Java, and/or Python
- Experience with version control (Git or equivalent) and Agile development workflows using tools such
- Proficiency in Linux-based development environments (Red Hat, Ubuntu, CentOS, or similar)
- Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (e.g., TCP/IP) to support lab and field integration
Job ID: 2618934
Location: Bedford, IN, US
Date Posted: 2026-11-09
Category: Software
Subcategory: SW Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: Interim_Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a Mid-Level Software Developer to support a government-owned, data-centric interoperability capability at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane. This capability acts as a universal translation layer that lets sensors, effectors, cyber capabilities, and command and control (C2) systems exchange data regardless of vendor.
This position directly supports development of the common data schema, system adapters, software development kits (SDKs), application programming interfaces (APIs), and data pipelines using Agile and DevSecOps practices. The work spans laboratory integration, field demonstrations, and transition to a fielded program. The ideal candidate has hands-on Linux development experience and a strong background supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of the Navy (DoN) programs, with a passion for delivering mission-critical capabilities to warfighters.
Key Responsibilities
Design, code, and test adapters that translate proprietary protocols from legacy and emerging sensors, effectors, cyber capabilities, and C2 systems into a common, vendor-neutral data format. Help expand and maintain the common data schema.
Develop, document, and update developer-friendly SDKs and APIs that enable rapid, vendor-agnostic integration by government and third-party developers.
Participate in the full software development lifecycle in an Agile/DevSecOps environment, including requirements analysis, design, coding, unit and integration testing, and documentation. Contribute to the Software Lifecycle Development Plan.
Develop and maintain software in Linux-based environments using C, C++, Java, and/or Python. Check all code into government-controlled repositories (e.g., Bitbucket) and follow project coding standards.
Support software builds, configuration management, and version control using Git, Jenkins, or similar CI/CD pipelines. Integrate automated unit testing, container scanning, and security vulnerability linting.
Build, containerize (Docker or government-approved equivalents), and deploy cloud-ready applications, microservices, and adapters. Support Kubernetes orchestration, secure container registries, and the security controls for Authority to Operate (ATO) packages.
Develop tools and dashboards that collect and report on performance and integration statistics. Analyze data flows to optimize message passing, reduce latency, and support backwards compatibility and interoperability.
Support software verification in Live/Virtual/Constructive (LVC) and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) environments. Troubleshoot defects found in lab, test, and field events, and turn anomalies into backlog items and design changes.
Follow change control and environment promotion practices (Dev/Test/Prod) and help prevent "code drift" while supporting controlled third-party adapter contributions.
Produce and maintain technical documentation, including interface documentation, test plans and procedures, and technical data package inputs. Support developer-facing manuals and training materials.
Collaborate with systems engineers, hardware engineers, and government stakeholders on software interfaces. Participate in software design reviews, test readiness reviews, post-test reviews, and technical meetings.
Provide on-site technical support during integration events, demonstrations, and exercises.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 3 or more years of professional software development experience, including work on interface, integration, API, or data-translation software
- Prior experience working on-site at a Naval or DoD installation
- Interim secret clearance with the ability to obtain a secret clearance. SAIC will sponsor the clearance process.
- Candidate must be a US Citizen
- Must be local to or willing to relocate to the Crane, Indiana area. This position is on-site at NSWC Crane.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting DoD or DoN acquisition programs
- Experience integrating sensor, effector, weapons, or C2 systems, particularly interface, adapter, or middleware development
- Familiarity with data translation, message parsing, and sensor-to-shooter or kill-chain data workflows
- Experience with tactical data link protocols and communications systems (e.g., Link 16, CDL, TTNT, or similar)
- Familiarity with open-architecture approaches such as MOSA (and FACE, if applicable)
- Experience with containerization (Docker, Podman), Kubernetes, and secure or government cloud environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud), including ATO/RMF exposure
- Experience with CI/CD automation, including automated testing and container/vulnerability scanning
- Experience with LVC, simulation, or hardware-in-the-loop test environments
- Experience with FPGA or microcontroller firmware development
- Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket) in an Agile environment
- Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and requirements traceability
- Experience writing developer documentation or technical training content
- Working knowledge of structured data formats and schemas (e.g., JSON, XML, Protobuf) and of building or consuming APIs.
- Familiarity with software integration and testing methodologies, including automated testing in CI/CD pipelines
- Strong programming skills in C, C++, Java, and/or Python
- Experience with version control (Git or equivalent) and Agile development workflows using tools such
- Proficiency in Linux-based development environments (Red Hat, Ubuntu, CentOS, or similar)
- Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (e.g., TCP/IP) to support lab and field integration
See All 31 Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lead Software Engineer JobsLead Software Engineer Jobs by City in Indiana
Where Indiana roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lead Software Engineer Job Market in Indiana
A snapshot from current Indiana openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Indiana Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead software engineer jobs across Indiana.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
- Seven or more years of software engineering experience with at least two in a lead role
- Demonstrated proficiency in one or more backend languages such as Java, Python, or Go
- Experience leading code reviews, setting technical standards, and mentoring junior engineers
- Hands-on background with cloud platforms, CI/CD pipelines, and modern DevOps practices
- Strong communication skills to translate technical decisions for cross-functional stakeholders
Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lead software engineer in Indiana?
The path in Indiana runs through a combination of formal education and progressive engineering experience. There is no state-issued license required to work as a lead software engineer in Indiana. Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field, followed by several years of individual-contributor engineering work before a move into a lead capacity. Indiana's large enterprise employers, including those in life sciences, manufacturing technology, and financial services, consistently promote from within their engineering organizations.
How much do lead software engineers make in Indiana?
Lead software engineers in Indiana earn a median of about $105,920 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,850 for the lowest 10% to over $164,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire lead software engineers in Indiana?
Indiana lead software engineer roles are posted by SEP, SAIC, and E Logic and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Indianapolis anchors most of the hiring, with significant activity from technology arms of Indiana-headquartered companies in life sciences, insurance, and advanced manufacturing.
Which Indiana cities have the most lead software engineer jobs?
Indianapolis, Carmel, and Indiana account for the largest share of lead software engineer openings in Indiana. Indianapolis dominates because it is home to major corporate headquarters and a growing downtown tech district, while secondary markets like Bloomington benefit from Indiana University's research and startup ecosystem and Fort Wayne draws from its established manufacturing-technology base.
Are there remote lead software engineer jobs in Indiana?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 15% of lead software engineer openings tied to Indiana are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how naturally the work translates to distributed teams. The portions of the role most suited to remote arrangements are architecture reviews, async code collaboration, and cross-team technical planning, while in-person expectations tend to show up at companies with on-site infrastructure or regulated environments.
How can I get hired as a lead software engineer in Indiana with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is securing a mid-level software engineer role at an Indiana employer that promotes into lead positions, then building a record of technical ownership. Companies like Salesforce's Indianapolis office, Cummins, and Indiana University Health's technology division run associate and junior engineer programs that develop engineers toward senior and lead tracks. Building a public portfolio, contributing to open-source projects, and earning a cloud certification such as AWS or Azure gives Indiana candidates a concrete edge when competing for roles that require demonstrated initiative over formal lead experience.
Where can I find and apply to lead software engineer jobs in Indiana?
You can find and apply to lead software engineer jobs in Indiana on Migrate Mate, which lists current Indiana openings updated in real time. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and preferences, and apply directly through each posting. No account is required to see or apply to the roles.
See All 31 Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Indiana
Find roles in Indiana that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lead Software Engineer Jobs