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Associate Computer Science Jobs in Worcester, MA

Computer Science/Software Engineering to IEC 62304 software lifecycle and embedded systems ... We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having ...

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Associate Computer Science information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do associate computer science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate computer science in Worcester, MA is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate in Computer Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate in Computer Science, you need foundational knowledge in programming, algorithms, data structures, and typically a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, experience with version control systems such as Git, and understanding of databases are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure you can successfully contribute to software development projects, solve technical challenges, and support team goals in a dynamic technology environment.

Is a 2 year associate degree worth it?

For an associate computer science role, a two-year degree can provide foundational knowledge in programming, algorithms, and systems, which can help in entry-level positions. However, gaining practical experience, certifications, or skills in specific tools like Python or Java often enhances job prospects and salary potential compared to education alone.

What is the difference between Associate Computer Science vs Computer Programmer?

AspectAssociate Computer ScienceComputer Programmer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree in Computer Science or related fieldTypically a bachelor's degree or coding bootcamp certification
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in tech companies, startups, or IT departmentsWriting, testing, and debugging code in various programming languages
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech firms, government agencies, and educational institutionsWidely used across software companies, finance, and tech industries

The main difference is that an Associate Computer Science focuses on foundational knowledge and may involve broader IT tasks, while a Computer Programmer specializes in coding and software development. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds, but their daily tasks and career paths differ.

What types of projects and technologies can an Associate Computer Science professional expect to work on in their first year?

As an Associate Computer Science professional, you will often be assigned to entry-level projects such as developing or maintaining software applications, testing code, or assisting with database management. You'll likely work with common programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, and may be introduced to collaborative tools such as version control systems (e.g., Git). The team environment typically includes regular code reviews and mentorship from senior engineers, providing opportunities to learn best practices and develop your technical skills. Over time, you'll gain exposure to more complex tasks and technologies as you build your experience.

What is an Associate Computer Science professional?

An Associate Computer Science professional typically holds an associate degree in computer science or a related field and works in entry-level positions within the tech industry. They are responsible for assisting with software development, troubleshooting, maintaining computer systems, and supporting IT teams. These professionals often work under the supervision of more experienced engineers or developers and may contribute to coding, testing, and basic technical support. The role is a great starting point for those looking to build a career in technology and can lead to more advanced opportunities with experience and further education.

Is getting an Associate's in computer science worth it?

An Associate's in computer science can provide foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level roles such as support technician or junior developer. It often offers a quicker, less expensive pathway into the tech industry compared to a bachelor's degree, but career advancement may require further education or certifications. The value depends on individual goals and the specific job market.

What can you do with an Associate's degree in computer science?

An Associate's degree in computer science prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as computer support specialist, help desk technician, or network technician. It provides foundational skills in programming, troubleshooting, and basic networking, often enabling quick entry into the IT workforce or further education for advanced positions.

How to make $80,000 a year without a degree?

An Associate Computer Science role can pay around $80,000 annually with relevant skills, experience, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco. High-paying tech jobs often require strong problem-solving abilities, knowledge of programming languages, and familiarity with tools like Linux or cloud platforms, even without a formal degree.
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Science jobs in Worcester, MA? The most popular types of Computer Science jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Computer Science jobs in Worcester, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Computer Science jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Associate Computer Science jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Associate Computer Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Computer Science job openings in Worcester, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,463 per year, or $19 per hour.
Senior Manager Software Engineering

Senior Manager Software Engineering

Staples, Inc.

Framingham, MA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Staples rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 618 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

424th of 715 rated retailers


Job description

Job Description
Staples is the world's largest B2B office products company, serving millions of business customers through a diversified portfolio spanning contract sales, eCommerce, retail, and third-party marketplace channels. Staples Digital Solutions (SDS) is the technology organization powering that business - a team of passionate, collaborative, and agile engineers and architects committed to driving innovation and delivering customer-centric technology at scale.
This role sits within the Merchandising & Pricing Technology team, part of Staples' Enterprise Data, AI and Platforms organization - the teams responsible for the data, AI, and commerce platforms that govern how Staples selects, prices, and sells products across its own channels and across the external marketplaces where Staples competes every day.
Staples is building an in-house Marketplace Commerce Engine - a strategic alternative to third-party marketplace orchestration tools. The platform is how Staples grows its presence across major eMarketplace channels: real-time pricing that wins Buy Box at scale, automated listing syndication, and multi-marketplace inventory and availability management - all on a single platform spine. We're building it as a real platform: API-first, event-driven, multi-tenant, and designed to add new marketplaces and capabilities without re-platforming each time.
We're hiring a Senior Manager Software Engineering to own this platform end-to-end. You'll lead a team of engineers, set the technical direction, and stay close enough to the code to design, review, and contribute when it matters. This is a platform ownership role with real co-ownership of business outcomes - not a hands-off people management seat.
What You'll Own & Do:
Platform Leadership:
  • Set the platform direction - make the build/buy/extend calls, decide what is a primitive versus a feature, and own the technical roadmap.
  • Own a platform spanning real-time pricing engines that optimize Buy Box win rates, automated listing syndication, and inventory availability management across multiple marketplace storefronts.
  • Drive multi-marketplace expansion on a single platform spine - new channels without re-architecting.
  • Own delivery metrics, capacity planning, and engineering investment decisions for the pod.

Team Leadership:
  • Lead a team of 6+ engineers, including senior tech leads - design reviews, hiring, performance, growth conversations, and delivery health.
  • Shape the engineering culture of the pod: high agency, AI-augmented SDLC, fast iteration, strong code quality.
  • Partner closely with distributed teams, including our Global Capability Center in Chennai, India.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Outcomes:
  • Partner with Product, Merchandising, and Marketplace Operations to translate business goals into platform capability - co-own the outcomes, not just the outputs.
  • Drive AI-first engineering practices - Claude Code, Copilot, agentic workflows - as a default, not an experiment.

What You Bring to the Table:
  • Platform mindset: you think in primitives, contracts, and extensibility - not just in features and tickets.
  • A track record of building platforms, not just shipping features - multi-tenant, API-first, designed for extensibility.
  • High agency: you frame the problem, move it forward, and don't wait for direction when the path is clear.
  • Business co-ownership instinct: you care about the metrics the platform exists to move, not just the code that ships.
  • Clear, direct communicator across engineering, product, and business stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • 8+ years in software engineering with 3+ years leading engineering teams, including senior individual contributors and tech leads.
  • Hands-on background in object-oriented programming languages (Java) and modern open-source frameworks (such as Spring Boot and React), or comparable open-stack technologies.
  • Production experience on a major public cloud (Azure, AWS, or GCP), including container orchestration (Kubernetes or equivalent) and event-driven/messaging architectures (Kafka, Service Bus, Pub/Sub, or similar).
  • Retail or e-commerce background - genuine understanding of how catalog, pricing, and channel operations work end-to-end.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Direct experience integrating with major eMarketplace seller APIs or third-party orchestration tools (such as Rithum/ChannelAdvisor or Mirakl).
  • Experience applying ML/AI in production - pricing optimization, demand forecasting, recommendation systems, or LLM/agentic workflows in commerce contexts.
  • Experience working with globally distributed teams or Global Capability Centers.
  • Demonstrated use of AI coding tools in your own and your team's day-to-day workflow (Claude Code, Copilot, Cursor, or similar).

What We Offer:
  • Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups.
  • 22 days of PTO and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday).
  • Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more.

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.
About Us
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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