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Algorithms Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Role: As an Autonomy Algorithms Lead Software Engineer, you will work as part of a tightly knit team to design, develop, implement, integrate, test, and demonstrate advanced algorithms and ...

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Algorithms information

See Virginia salary details

$64.7K

$131.5K

$187.7K

How much do algorithms jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for algorithms in Virginia is $131,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,464.00 and $155,605.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs use algorithms?

Algorithms are fundamental to many jobs in technology, data science, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Professionals in these roles develop, analyze, and implement algorithms to solve problems, optimize processes, and build systems, often using programming languages like Python, Java, or C++. Knowledge of data structures, mathematical concepts, and computational theory is essential in these fields.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those working in high-demand fields like algorithms, machine learning, or data science at large tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in competitive markets or leadership roles.

What is the job of an algorithm?

The job of an algorithm is to provide a step-by-step procedure for solving a specific problem or performing a task efficiently. In programming and data analysis, algorithms are used to process data, make decisions, and optimize outcomes, often requiring knowledge of programming languages and logical thinking.

What is the difference between Algorithms vs Data Analysts?

AspectAlgorithmsData Analysts
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields; programming skillsDegree in Statistics, Mathematics, or related fields; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentTech companies, research labs, software developmentBusiness, finance, marketing, healthcare sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed to develop models, optimize processes, and automate tasksUsed to interpret data, generate reports, and support decision-making

Algorithms focus on designing step-by-step procedures for problem-solving and are essential in software development and AI. Data Analysts interpret and visualize data to help organizations make informed decisions. While both roles work with data, algorithms are more technical and programming-intensive, whereas data analysts focus on data interpretation and reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Algorithms Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Algorithms Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and data structures, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, version control systems, and algorithm analysis tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient solutions, optimizing performance, and collaborating effectively within technical teams.

What are algorithms in the context of computer science jobs?

Algorithms are step-by-step procedures or sets of rules designed to solve specific problems or perform tasks, commonly used in computer science for data processing, calculation, and automated reasoning. Professionals who work with algorithms develop, analyze, and optimize these procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of software and systems. Understanding algorithms is crucial for roles like software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, as it enables them to create solutions that are both correct and efficient.

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Senior roles in algorithms, such as Principal Algorithm Engineer or Lead Data Scientist, can reach or exceed $400,000 annually, especially in high-cost living areas or top tech companies. These positions typically require advanced skills in machine learning, data analysis, and programming, along with extensive experience and often stock options or bonuses.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in algorithm development roles?

Professionals in algorithm development often encounter challenges such as balancing computational efficiency with accuracy, ensuring scalability for large datasets, and adapting algorithms to evolving requirements. Collaborating closely with data scientists, engineers, and product teams is essential to align solutions with real-world constraints and business goals. Staying current with the latest research and technologies is also important, as the field evolves rapidly and new methods frequently emerge.
Infographic showing various Algorithms job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,468 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Autonomy Algorithms Lead Software Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$173K - $216K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About the Team:ย 

STR's Analyticsย & C2ย Division develops novel technologies to solve challenging national security problems through advanced analytics. Our team consists of passionate and motivated individuals with degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and data science. We use ourย expertiseย and creativity to take innovative ideas from conception to mature implementationย in order toย improve mission success.ย 

Theย Collaborative Autonomy and Controlย (CAC) Group in the AC2ย Division works toย build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration, resource management, and control. Byย leveragingย expertiseย inย machine learning, algorithms,ย model-predictive control,ย and software development, we build tools thatย supportย tacticalย mission planningย and execution, autonomous reasoning, and more.ย 

The Role:ย 

As an Autonomy Algorithmsย Leadย Software Engineer,ย you will work as part of a tightly knit team to design, develop, implement, integrate, test, andย demonstrateย advanced algorithms and software systems for autonomous platforms. You will provide technical leadership and mentoring on programs working throughout the software and system development lifecycle, from early prototypes to integrated systems. Your work will develop a diverse set of software tools and applications for mission planning systems, automated control processes, unmanned platforms,ย DevSecOps, and CI/CD pipelines. This position is based in Woburn, MAย orย Arlington, VA,ย and will take advantage of STR's flexible, hybrid environment - when the work does not require use of STR's facilities, you are welcome to work remotely.ย ย 

Who You Are:ย 

  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government
  • BS in Computer Science or related technical field withย 7+ yearsย ofย experience
  • 5+ years of experience with C++ or Java
  • Full stack development experience with a heavy focus on backend algorithmic development
  • Proven understanding of data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimization of backend executables
  • Proven ability to develop, implement, integrate, and test autonomy algorithms and software
  • Not interested in Front end UI/UX or database management/interaction
  • Proven ability to work with research scientists to transition complex mathematical algorithmic concepts to software application
  • Proven ability to proactively lead and manage modest size engineering teams (5+ engineers) through complete Agile development lifecycle including task definition, delegation, and maintenance
  • Demonstrated success driving industry best practices in areas such as code review, unit testing, test coverage, static analysis, etc., to ensure mature, high quality software products
  • Experience in leading system/software architecture design ย 
  • Comfortable working both with internal leadership and external customers in the development and execution of software product plans
  • Experience utilizing the following:ย 
    • Object-Oriented Programming principles for large scale systems
    • Agile software lifecycle methodologies and tools, such as JIRA, Confluence, Gitlab, static analysis, etc
    • Test-driven development methodologiesย 
  • A demonstrated ability to adopt new languages, libraries, and technologiesย 

Even Better:ย 

  • MS or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field
  • Experience with the following: ย 
    • Collection Orchestration
    • Satellite Constellation Management
    • Containerization and service-based architectures
    • Coordinating Electronic Warfare resources
    • Reinforcement learning
    • Agentic AI
    • Programming for embedded and physical devices
    • Multi-agent coordination of UxVs
    • MAVLINK or other C2 protocols
    • ROS
    • TAK
    • DevSecOps and CI/CD tool chains
    • Constraint satisfaction algorithms
    • Knowledge representation/ontologies
    • Pythonย 

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $173,000 - $216,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.