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Director Software Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Software Development Manager, OMHS SCS

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142.10K - $187.50K/yr

We are looking for a Software Development Manager with a passion for creating a step function change in an established domain by leveraging software development skills. You will guide a team of ...

Principal Software Development Engineer

Reston, VA

$140.40K - $188.30K/yr

Software Engineering & Development: Demonstrable proficiency in Python, Go, or Java with a strong ... data scientists without direct reporting authority (e.g., Lead, Principal, or Staff level ...

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Director Software Development information

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$103.6K

$176.5K

$238.9K

How much do director software development jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software development in Virginia is $176,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $151,700.00 and $204,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Software Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Software Development, you need extensive experience in software engineering, leadership, project management, and a relevant technical degree. Familiarity with development frameworks, cloud platforms, Agile methodologies, and certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are highly valuable. Strong communication, strategic thinking, and team-building skills help drive cross-functional alignment and motivate high-performing teams. These skills are essential for delivering successful software products, managing complex projects, and fostering innovation within the organization.

How does a Director of Software Development typically balance technical leadership with people management responsibilities?

As a Director of Software Development, you are expected to provide both technical direction and effective team leadership. This often means splitting your time between high-level architecture decisions, code reviews, and staying updated on emerging technologies, while also focusing on coaching managers, developing talent, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Balancing these areas requires strong delegation skills, setting clear goals and expectations, and maintaining open communication channels. Many directors find success by empowering technical leads to own day-to-day technical decisions, allowing them to focus on strategic planning, cross-functional alignment, and organizational growth.

What does a Director of Software Development do?

A Director of Software Development leads and manages software engineering teams to deliver high-quality software products and solutions. They are responsible for setting technical direction, establishing development processes, and aligning projects with business goals. This role involves overseeing project timelines, mentoring engineering managers, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring teams have the resources needed for success. The Director also plays a key role in recruiting talent, evaluating team performance, and implementing best practices to drive innovation and efficiency.

What is the difference between Director Software Development vs Software Engineering Manager?

AspectDirector Software DevelopmentSoftware Engineering Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams, strategic planning, and long-term goalsManages day-to-day team operations, project delivery, and technical guidance
FocusHigh-level leadership, cross-team coordination, and business alignmentTeam management, technical mentorship, and project execution
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in CS or related, extensive experience, leadership skillsBachelor’s or Master’s in CS or related, strong technical background, leadership experience

The main difference is that the Director Software Development focuses on strategic leadership and overseeing multiple teams, while the Software Engineering Manager concentrates on managing individual teams and project execution. Both roles require technical expertise and leadership skills, but the director role involves broader organizational responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Software Development jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Director Software Development jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Director Software Development job openings:
Software Development & Data Scientist Clearance Sponsorship

Software Development & Data Scientist Clearance Sponsorship

GDIT

Mclean, VA • On-site, Remote

$169.60K - $229.46K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Pipeline

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

Software Engineering

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Application Development, Data Science, Software Development Process, Software Development Tools

Certifications:

None

Experience:

8 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

This is an exciting opportunity to obtain a TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph and open a whole new world of exciting career opportunities. We are seeking candidates in the following labor categories:

  • Software Developer / Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Once successfully cleared, you would interview for specific positions at that time.
  • The work will be located at one of the Sponsor's facilities in the Washington Metro Area.
  • Estimated time to complete the clearance sponsorship process is approximately 24 months (+/-).
  • Interested candidates should be local to the Washington DC Metro Area.


Transform technology into opportunity as a Software Developer, Software Engineer or Data Scientist at GDIT. Shape what's next for mission-critical government projects while shaping what's next for your engineering career.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications or training, or work experience.
  • Experience: 8+ years related as a Software Developer, Software Engineer or Data Scientist
  • Skills required in one or more of the following areas:
  • Experience in design and develop tools.
  • Experience in providing operations and maintenance of operational systems.
  • Experience modifying existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware or software, or to improve its performance.
  • Experience in analyzing user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost restraints.
  • Experience consulting with customers about software system design and maintenance.
  • Experience developing and directing software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
  • Experience conferring with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
  • Experience in compiling and writing documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instruction so others can understand the program.
  • Experience in writing, updating, and maintaining computer programs or software packages for receiving, transmitting, processing and storing mission data.
  • Experience consulting with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program requirements.
  • Experience identifying complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement new ones.
  • Experience in testing, debugging, and refining the computer software to produce the required product.
  • Demonstrated experience with Java and Python programming languages.
  • Demonstrated experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS), and cloud computing platforms.
  • Demonstrated experience exhibiting analytical skills to assess customer requirements and create innovative solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience exhibiting problem solving skills to include debugging and testing web applications.
  • Demonstrated experience with current database technology.
  • Demonstrated experience with SQL, MYSQL, Postgres.
  • Demonstrated experience working in an Agile environment, utilizing agile methodologies.
  • Demonstrated experience working with AI/ML technologies, platforms, or processes.

WHAT GDIT CAN OFFER YOU

  • Alignment to a mission-critical role that directly impacts the customer's ability to effectively execute its mission.
  • Direct engagement with contractor leadership that centers upon career development/mobility, enhanced performance evaluation, and corporate information sharing & networking opportunities.
  • Placement on a dynamic team of talented professionals that organically fosters an environment of innovation, collaboration, and trust.

#GDITCareers

The likely salary range for this position is $169,604 - $229,464. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

Less than 10%

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA VA McLean

Additional Work Locations:

USA VA Chantilly

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers consulting, technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, Cloud, Cyber and application development. Together with our clients, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US