1

Engineer Software Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer Software 3

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Redondo Beach, CA Salary: $100.00 USD Hourly - $140.00 USD Hourly Description: Position: Senior Software Engineer Location: Redondo Beach, CA About the Role We are seeking a highly skilled Senior ...

Principal Engineer Software

Bellevue, NE · On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Software Engineer in Bellevue, NE. In this role, you will ... Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00 The above salary range represents a general ...

Showing results 21-40

Engineer Software Salary information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do engineer software salary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer software salary in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineer?

To thrive as a Software Engineer, you need strong programming abilities, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with languages like Java, Python, or C++, and experience with version control systems (such as Git) and development frameworks are typically required. Excellent teamwork, communication, and adaptability help you stand out in collaborative and fast-changing environments. These skills are crucial for building reliable software solutions, working efficiently with teams, and adapting to evolving technology.

What is the average salary for a software engineer?

The average salary for a software engineer varies depending on experience, location, and company. In the United States, entry-level software engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 per year, while more experienced engineers can earn $120,000 or more. High-demand tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle often offer higher salaries, sometimes exceeding $150,000 annually for senior positions. Benefits, bonuses, and stock options can also significantly increase total compensation.

What are some common challenges software engineers face when negotiating salary offers?

Software engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding industry salary benchmarks, effectively communicating their value, and navigating company-specific compensation structures that may include stock options or bonuses. It can also be difficult to assess the full benefits package and long-term growth potential when comparing offers. Approaching negotiations with data and clear examples of your contributions can help ensure a successful outcome.

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

AspectEngineer Software SalarySoftware Developer Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, certificationsBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain software systemsDevelop and implement software applications
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, enterprise firmsTech companies, startups, software firms

Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, and they frequently work in similar environments within the tech industry. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities, with engineers often involved in system design and architecture, while developers focus more on coding and application development. Salary differences are typically minimal but can vary based on experience and specialization.

Is software engineer a well paying job?

Software engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and specialization. The role often offers opportunities for advancement, bonuses, and benefits, making it a financially rewarding career choice for many professionals in the tech industry.
More about Engineer Software Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Engineer Software Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Engineer Software Salary job openings:

What states have the most Engineer Software Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Engineer Software Salary jobs include:

Infographic showing various Engineer Software Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements development, design, implementation, testing, release, and maintenance.

  • Take ownership of complex problems, drive solutions, and provide technical leadership within the software team.

  • Collaborate with team members and external stakeholders to integrate software components and support system testing.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS), Global Surveillance division is looking for Principal Engineer Software to join our software team. This position will be located in Melbourne, Florida.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to take ownership of hard problems and drive to a solution, while working in a team environment and provide leadership for its implementation. It is critical that you understand the software development life cycle and have an in-depth knowledge of automated testing to facilitate and analyze large data sets. The Software Engineer will participate in the full life cycle of software development, to include requirements development, modeling and design, application development, unit to CSCI testing, integration, formal system testing, release, installation, and maintenance. The Software Engineer will apply technical expertise in solving complex integrations problems. The Software Engineer will interact with Program Management, external suppliers and/or government customers.


Essential Functions:

  • Full lifecycle design, implementation, and unit testing of software

  • Work with various team members to integrate functionality with other software components.

  • Supporting the gathering and reporting software metrics.

  • Follow program software best practices.

  • Develop software products within all phases of the software lifecycle.

Basic Qualifications:

  • (Principal Engineer Software) Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 5 years of experience in software engineering OR a Master's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 3 years of experience in software engineering.

  • Development experience developing software in a Linux and Windows environment.

  • Development experience with debugging software in both the desktop and target environments.

  • Development experience with software and system test

  • Experience with Agile software development

  • Development experience with C/C++ or other OOP languages.

  • US citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance and any program accesses needed. Interim clearance is required to start.

  • Willingness to work off-peak for short term surge support to meet program milestones

Preferred Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizen and and Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance with issue/reissue in the last 5 years and the ability to obtain and maintain a special program access clearance

  • Excellent customer interaction skills

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and Strong interpersonal skills.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939