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Automation Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Tysons Corner, VA

$135.90K - $182.20K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and real-world systems? Have you automated your own home, built integrations across smart devices, or ...

Booz Allen Hamilton is looking for a Software Engineer who is driven by purpose and ready to build ... automation optimization • Experience with C#, C, C++, JavaScript, React, or Node.JS • Ability ...

AI Software Engineer - Remote

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

The AI Software Engineer is responsible for building, integrating, and maintaining AI-driven ... AI and Automation Implementation * Develop and fine-tune AI models, prompts, and automation ...

We are building a GenAI-powered, agentic automation platform designed to reduce manual, repetitive ... We are looking for a curious and motivated early-career Software Engineer who is excited to work at ...

Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$88K/yr

We are building a GenAI-powered, agentic automation platform designed to reduce manual, repetitive ... We are looking for a curious and motivated early-career Software Engineer who is excited to work at ...

Software Engineer Location: Herndon, VA *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply ... Experience with build automation technologies like Maven, Jenkins, etc. Experience with with ...

Test Automation Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$48 - $63.25/hr

Validate software behavior, data outputs, and workflows against requirements and acceptance ... test automation, software quality engineering, or automated validation support * Experience ...

Test Automation Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$48 - $63.25/hr

Validate software behavior, data outputs, and workflows against requirements and acceptance ... test automation, software quality engineering, or automated validation support * Experience ...

Software Engineer - JAVA

Richmond, VA · On-site

$47.75 - $65.75/hr

... automation. That ecosystem has successfully deployed over 1,000,000 instances of Niagara worldwide. Tridium's Product team is looking for an energetic and innovative Software Engineer. We want highly ...

Software Engineer - JAVA

Richmond, VA

$51.25 - $70.25/hr

... automation, and industrial automation. That ecosystem has successfully deployed over 1,000,000 ... We are adding top notch engineers with a passion for software development and disrupting the ...

Software Engineer - JAVA

Richmond, VA

$51.25 - $70.25/hr

... automation, and industrial automation. That ecosystem has successfully deployed over 1,000,000 ... We are adding top notch engineers with a passion for software development and disrupting the ...

Overview Software Engineer Chantilly, VA TS/SCI with Poly At Bcore, our strength comes from how we ... Experience with automation methodologies like selenium * Experience with containerization and ...

Software Engineer Chantilly, VA TS/SCI with Poly At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver ... Experience with automation methodologies like selenium * Experience with containerization and ...

... Automation Engineer, Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science ...

... Automation Engineer, Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automation Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$64.9K

$98.7K

$136.8K

How much do automation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation software engineer in Virginia is $98,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $109,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Automation Software Engineer do?

An Automation Software Engineer designs, develops, and implements software solutions to automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and reduce human intervention in various processes. They work with programming languages, testing frameworks, and automation tools to streamline workflows in industries like software development, manufacturing, and IT operations. Their responsibilities often include writing scripts, creating test automation frameworks, and integrating automation solutions with existing systems. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of automation technologies are crucial for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automation Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as Python, Java, or C#), expertise in automation frameworks, and a solid understanding of software testing principles, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and experience with CI/CD pipelines or relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB) are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication enhance performance in this collaborative role. These skills ensure the engineer can design, implement, and maintain robust automated solutions that increase efficiency and reliability in software delivery.

What are the main challenges Automation Software Engineers face in their day-to-day work?

Automation Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving testing technologies, integrating automation frameworks with complex or legacy systems, and ensuring consistent test coverage across diverse platforms. They also need to troubleshoot flaky tests and maintain or scale automated solutions as software products grow in complexity. Collaborating closely with development, QA, and DevOps teams can add additional layers of coordination, requiring strong communication and planning. Successfully navigating these challenges helps ensure high-quality, efficient software delivery and provides valuable learning and growth opportunities in the field.
What are popular job titles related to Automation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Automation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Automation Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,670 per year, or $47.4 per hour.
Software Engineer

$135K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

Background information:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), provider of cutting-edge cloud-based integration, automated testing and data analysis for complex, mission-critical systems in the US Department of Defense (DOD), is seeking a Software Engineer to be based in our Arlington, VA office. Leveraging advanced software automation, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and AI-driven capabilities, IDT accelerates capability development, enhances operational readiness, and reduces lifecycle costs for the Department of Defense. The company is dedicated to transforming defense systems through innovation, efficiency, and mission-critical results. 
 
Overview:
This position is based in our Arlington, VA office with support to Government customer meetings and installations throughout the United States. You will join a team of dynamic, leading edge software engineers, system integrators and system engineers. You must have experience with complex systems and fluency with contemporary programming languages, development environments, and architectures. You will be a key contributor to the development and execution of fielded DoD systems, inclusive of primarily software, but also infrastructure, security, and operational design. The environment is challenging, and you will work within a to solve complex problems for this growing business. 
Software Engineer responsibilities include gathering user requirements, defining system functionality, writing code in various languages (C++, Java), and verifying software functionality through testing. The ideal candidate is familiar with the software development life cycle (SDLC) from preliminary system analysis to tests and deployment. This role requires full-time presence on-site at our Arlington, VA office.
 
All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance.
 
Responsibilities Include:
  • Design, implement, and test software using multiple languages and technology stacks 
  • Explore and prototype next-generation solutions for DoD customers
  • Integrate software components into complex DoD software environments 
  • Support test and integration activities in IDT labs, as well as on-site customer labs 
  • Develop software interfaces to communicate across network protocols such as TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ
  • Take leadership in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for software systems
  • Participating in and providing feedback in design reviews and code reviews
 
Minimum Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in software development
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field or equivalent full-time professional experience.
 
Required skills:
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ or Java
  • Experience using Confluence and Jira in a software development environment
  • Experience with tactical DoD systems and tactical data networks 
  • Ability to decompose and document requirements and specifications 
  • Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures and software design patterns
  • Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle 
  • Understanding of object-oriented programming 
  • Proficiency working with version control software like Git, SVN and software development environments 
  • Experience with software testing and configuration management 
  • Ability to convert vague customer requirements into a refined software solution
  • Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity 
  • Ability to work on-site with potential hybrid flexibility 
  • Ability to travel approximately 20%
 
Preferred skills:
  • Active DOD Clearance.
  • Proficiency in containerization (Docker, Podman, etc.) and orchestration frameworks (Swarm, Kubernetes, etc.)
  • Development, system integration, and test experience with complex DoD systems
  • Experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment
  • Familiarity with US Navy and US Army tactical C2 or sensors such as Aegis, CEC, CAC2S, IBCS, SPY-1, etc system design is desired
  • Experience with virtualization and containerization deployment technologies
  • Experience with deployment automation tools (SALT, Ansible, Terraform etc.)
  • Proficiency working with different SW development tools such as Jenkins, JFrog Artifactory, and Gitlab
  • Experience with creating and configuring Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.)
  • Experience with basic network concepts like VLANs, IP addressing schemes, and static routing
 
Competencies:
  • Solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive 
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations 
  • Excellence in oral, written, and technical communication with peers and non-technical cohorts 
  • Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork 
  • Strong organization and planning skills 
  • Attention to detail 
Pay Range*: $114,000 - $184,000 or $135,000 - $231,000
This amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience. 
EEO Statement:
IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.