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Creative Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · Hybrid

$138K - $179K/yr

If you are a self-motivated, creative, and detail-oriented software engineer who is passionate about developing innovative software solutions, we would love to hear from you. Requirements Essential ...

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · Hybrid

$188K - $245K/yr

If you are a self-motivated, creative, and detail-oriented software engineer who is passionate about developing innovative software solutions, we would love to hear from you. Requirements Essential ...

For over 40 years, our principled approach to problem-solving has yielded creative solutions at the ... As a Software Engineer you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex ...

For over 40 years, our principled approach to problem-solving has yielded creative solutions at the ... Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ...

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

This position is for a software engineer to join a small development team. This engineer will be ... This includes being experienced in recommending creative and sound technical solutions as well as ...

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

This position is for a software engineer to join a small development team. This engineer will be ... This includes being experienced in recommending creative and sound technical solutions as well as ...

Senior Software Engineer

Reston, VA

$127K - $168K/yr

... creative design approaches to represent systems and/or to develop system prototypes, assets, or ... software engineering roles Minimum 8 years of experience with Unix internals; Java or .NET; XML ...

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Creative Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do creative software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative software engineer in Washington, DC is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Creative Software Engineers typically collaborate with designers and other team members during a project?

Creative Software Engineers often work closely with designers, product managers, and other developers to bring innovative digital experiences to life. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, translating design concepts into functional code, and providing technical feedback to ensure feasibility. Regular communication through stand-ups, design reviews, and prototyping helps align everyone’s vision and ensures a seamless workflow. This cross-disciplinary approach not only enhances project outcomes but also allows engineers to expand their skill set and gain insights from other fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of software development principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like version control systems (e.g., Git), creative coding frameworks (e.g., Processing, OpenFrameworks), and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is typically required. Outstanding creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing innovative solutions that merge technical expertise with artistic vision, driving impactful and engaging software projects.

What are Creative Software Engineers?

Creative Software Engineers are professionals who blend technical programming skills with creative problem-solving abilities to design and develop innovative software solutions. They often work on projects that require both technical expertise and artistic vision, such as digital media, interactive applications, games, or user experience design. Their role typically involves collaborating with designers, artists, and other developers to bring ideas to life using code and technology. Creative Software Engineers are valued for their ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what software can do.

What is the difference between Creative Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectCreative Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field; sometimes additional design or multimedia skillsBachelor's in CS or related field; coding certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused teams, multimedia projects, interactive mediaGeneral coding projects, applications, backend or frontend development
Industry UsageMedia, entertainment, advertising, gamingTech, finance, healthcare, various industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles blending creativity and codingGeneral software development roles

The Creative Software Engineer combines programming skills with creative design, often working on multimedia, gaming, or interactive projects. In contrast, a Software Developer focuses on building applications or systems across various industries. While both roles require strong coding skills, Creative Software Engineers emphasize creativity and multimedia integration, making their roles distinct in the tech and entertainment sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Creative Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Creative Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Creative Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.
Software Engineer for Autonomous Systems

Software Engineer for Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you a hands-on engineer that enjoys rapidly developing and fielding groundbreaking solutions for unattended sensors?
In the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's (APL) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, we use applied engineering to field tomorrow's groundbreaking solutions for a set of government organizations. Dedicated, passionate, and self-driven multidisciplinary staff work side-by-side in the lab and in the field to build solutions to critically important challenges. The people who work here embrace challenges, adapt to dynamic changing environments, and are continually looking to advance their technical and leadership skills. We employ the groundbreaking research done at APL to field mission ready systems. Our passion for engineering innovative solutions also applies to mentoring and coaching junior staff to continue to strengthen our impactful teams. Are you interested in being a member of our group? Join us at APL, a national leader in scientific research and development, and an employer that prioritizes innovation, impact, and personal development!
We are seeking a motivated and creative Software Engineer to apply technical expertise across a broad range of software development skillsets to contribute to the rapid development and fielding of autonomous sensor solutions in some of the most challenging environments around the globe to help our sponsors complete their mission!
As a Software Engineer you will...
  • Apply your skills in developing system requirements and architectures for sophisticated sensor systems and lead your designs through integration and test
  • Take ownership of the full stack development of software that interfaces with innovative sensor systems to execute autonomous mission operations and display data products to the end user in meaningful ways
  • Design and deploy hand-crafted algorithms on low size, weight and power hardware platforms designed to operate in challenging environments
  • Perform analysis of deployed systems' performance
  • Conduct design reviews, bench testing, and field testing to evaluate and improve system performance
  • Document system development, engineering analysis, and testing consistent with quality requirements and present information to review teams
  • Maintain configuration management in accordance with project standards

Qualifications
You meet our minimum requirements for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field of study
  • Have 2+ years of relevant experience with software development, to include design, development, integration, and/or test of hardware/software systems
  • Have demonstrated an ability and willingness to multi-task across several projects and work independently in small teams while meeting quick turnaround demands
  • Are willing to work in classified laboratories and can travel to conduct field testing (approximately 15% of your time)
  • Interact effectively with team members of different experience levels and backgrounds, including leadership of teams and projects
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a M.S. Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field of study
  • Have more than 3 years of relevant experience in the defense or aerospace
  • Have relevant software development experience in the following subject areas: Java, C/C++, Linux, MATLAB, Pixhawk autopilot (PX4/Ardupilot), UI design, and Git
  • Possess an active DoD Secret clearance

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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