Introduction: A New Era of Polish IT in the Service of Security
The year 2026 has brought a fundamental shift to the Polish IT job market. The DefenseTech sector, once niche and primarily associated with state-owned plants, has become one of the most dynamically developing technological areas. Poland, allocating nearly 5% of its GDP to defense, has emerged as a European hub for military innovation. For developers, this means not only stability and prestige but also the opportunity to work on projects that are truly changing the face of the modern battlefield.
What are Polish Engineers Building? From Drones to Satellites
The Polish defense industry today is much more than just heavy equipment production. It is, above all, advanced software. Key players such as WB Group, Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), or the space startup ICEYE, employ hundreds of specialists building C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) class systems. Polish developers are creating, among others:
- Unmanned Systems: Software for FlyEye drones or Warmate loitering munitions, which uses AI for automatic target recognition.
- Satellite Technologies: SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) solutions allowing for terrain monitoring regardless of weather conditions.
- Cybersecurity: Critical infrastructure protection systems and platforms for conducting operations in cyberspace based on Zero Trust architecture.
- Agentic AI: Autonomous decision support systems that analyze data from thousands of battlefield sensors in real-time.
Earnings in DefenseTech 2026 – How Much Can You Earn?
In 2026, salaries in the defense sector have equalized with, and in many cases exceeded, the rates offered by commercial software houses. The defense industry pays a so-called "security premium" and for unique niche competencies.
According to data aggregated by ITcompare, estimated earnings in the Polish DefenseTech sector are as follows:
- Software Engineer (C++/Embedded): 18,000 – 28,000 PLN gross (Employment Contract) or up to 35,000 PLN net (B2B).
- AI/ML Specialist: 22,000 – 32,000 PLN gross (Employment Contract), with top Agentic AI experts on B2B contracts reaching rates of 45,000 – 60,000 PLN net.
- Cybersecurity Architect: 25,000 – 40,000 PLN gross (Employment Contract) or up to 50,000 PLN net (B2B).
- Cloud Security Engineer: 20,000 – 30,000 PLN net (B2B).
It is worth noting that in State Treasury companies and large defense conglomerates, seniority bonuses, thirteenth salaries, and extensive social packages have become standard, which increases the real value of the annual remuneration.
How to Enter the Industry? Requirements and Recruitment
A career in DefenseTech differs from working at a typical startup. A key element is the security clearance issued by the ABW (Internal Security Agency) or SKW (Military Counterintelligence Service). This process checks criminal records, financial ties, and the candidate's loyalty. Polish citizenship is often required, especially for projects with "Secret" or "Top Secret" classifications.
Technologically, the most sought-after competencies are in the following areas:
- Low-level languages: C, C++, Rust – essential in embedded systems.
- Niches: Scala and Go – used in high-availability data processing systems.
- DevSecOps: Integrating security into the continuous software delivery process.
Summary: Is It Worth Choosing DefenseTech?
Working in the defense industry in 2026 is an option for those seeking engineering challenges at the highest level. Although the recruitment process can be longer due to security verification, job stability and the strategic importance of projects are strong arguments. If you want to build technologies that have a real impact on national security and can count on a salary at the very top of the IT market, the DefenseTech sector is the place for you. You can find current job offers from this sector in the ITcompare aggregator.