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Entry Level Associate Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Overview VTG is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to support our Navy customer in Manassas, VA . This role is mostly onsite. The Associate Software Engineer will support our Navy customer ...

The Associate Software Engineer will support our Navy customer's tactical system that is comprised of everything between legacy software installed on bare metal to micro-containers running in an on ...

The SAAM group is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to join high-performing teams transforming advanced concepts and algorithms into software implementations for prototypes and operational ...

Overview VTG is seeking a Senior Associate Software Engineer with specific skills to optimize our Python-based software for modeling sonar array performance and other tactical use cases. The primary ...

The SAAM group is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to join high-performing teams transforming advanced concepts and algorithms into software implementations for prototypes and operational ...

The SAAM group is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to join high-performing teams transforming advanced concepts and algorithms into software implementations for prototypes and operational ...

As a Software Engineer you will be responsible for writing backend infrastructure and frontend web applications for simulation and optimization software that incorporates probabilistic models of ...

As a Software Engineer you will be responsible for writing backend infrastructure and frontend web applications for simulation and optimization software that incorporates probabilistic models of ...

Senior Associate Software Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$122.50K - $161.50K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Senior Associate Software Engineer with specific skills to optimize our Python-based software for modeling sonar array performance and other tactical use cases. The primary ...

Overview VTG is seeking an Associate Software Test Engineer to support our Navy customer in Manassas, VA . This role is onsite. Dozens of Navy tactical systems ranging between legacy software ...

Overview VTG is seeking an Associate Software Test Engineer to support our Navy customer in Manassas, VA . This role is onsite. Dozens of Navy tactical systems ranging between legacy software ...

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Entry Level Associate Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$24.8K

$50.8K

$73.3K

How much do entry level associate software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level associate software engineer in Washington, DC is $50,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,700.00 and $56,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer job?

An Entry Level Associate Software Engineer is a junior role in software development where individuals assist in designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to develop solutions based on project requirements. Responsibilities may include debugging code, writing documentation, and participating in team meetings. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience looking to grow their technical skills. Strong problem-solving abilities and knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, or C++ are commonly required.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer, you need a solid grasp of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), computer science fundamentals, and typically a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic debugging tools, and IDEs, as well as any relevant internships or coding certifications, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, adaptability, and clear communication skills are essential to stand out. These qualifications enable you to effectively contribute code, learn in a team environment, and grow quickly in a fast-paced industry.

What does a typical day look like for an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer?

A typical day for an Entry Level Associate Software Engineer often starts with a team stand-up meeting to discuss progress and upcoming tasks. You'll spend much of your time writing and testing code, fixing bugs, and collaborating with more senior engineers or cross-functional teams on projects. Expect to participate in code reviews, attend learning sessions or trainings, and sometimes work on documentation or tickets assigned from agile sprints. The role usually offers a supportive environment where asking questions and learning from teammates is encouraged. This hands-on, interactive mix of responsibilities helps you quickly build both technical and soft skills essential for career advancement.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Associate Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Associate Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,828 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Associate Software Engineer

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

About The Role:
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 an Associate Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA and Mount Laurel, NJ location.
 
The Associate Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and integrating software solutions across IDT’s Warfare Systems business area. The primary role of the Associate Software Engineer is to build high-quality, innovative, and fully performing software which integrates with other system components. The Associate Software Engineer will be working with various Warfare Systems customers to gather user requirements, defining system functionality, and writing code in various languages, like JavaScript. You will work with other software engineers, systems engineers, integration engineers, and subject matter experts to deliver robust technical solutions. 
 
Clearance & Location Requirements:
  • All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
  • This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 5 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA and Mount Laurel, NJ location.
 
What You Will Do: 
  • Engineers Solutions: Design, develop, document, integrate, and test software code written in modern programming languages. Apply appropriate data structures, design patterns, and modular architectures to deliver secure, scalable, and maintainable solutions within complex DoD environments.
  • Scopes Requirements: Gather, review, and interpret system and software requirements to ensure clarity, feasibility, and traceability. Collaborate with stakeholders to flow high-level system requirements into functional software components and integrated solutions.
  • Integrates Systems: Integrate software components into complex development environments, ensuring interoperability across distributed systems, APIs, databases, networking layers, and user interfaces.
  • Assures Quality: Apply industry standards and best practices related to security, performance, and reliability. Participate in peer reviews of architecture designs, system requirements, and implemented code to ensure alignment with DoD standards and mission objectives.
  • Verification & Testing: Model, code, and test GUI applications and backend components using established testing methodologies, including unit and interface testing, to validate functionality and system behavior.
  • Manages Risk & Security: Ensure adherence to secure coding practices, identify potential vulnerabilities, and apply defensive programming techniques to harden systems against operational and cybersecurity risks.
  • Leverages AI Responsibly: Utilize AI coding assistants to support code generation, refactoring, debugging, and optimization while applying critical analysis to validate outputs, mitigate hallucinations, and improve overall code quality and performance.
  • Collaborates Across Teams: Work within small, cross-site teams of software and systems engineers. Communicate effectively with Program Managers, Chief Engineers, and technical peers to document, manage, and evolve software and system requirements.
  • Supports Delivery & Execution: Manage multiple concurrent assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and contribute to meeting program milestones while maintaining high standards of quality and technical excellence.
 
Who You Are (Required):
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
  • 0–2+ years of full-time professional experience in software development or related technical roles (internship experience applicable).
  • Ability to travel up to 15% of the time as needed.
  • Familiarity with the software development lifecycle (requirements through deployment).
  • Proficiency in at least one modern frontend language (e.g., TypeScript, JavaScript).
  • Ability to design, develop, and analyze software systems and GUI applications.
  • Understanding of Windows and Linux file systems.
  • Experience using version control systems (e.g., Git).
  • Understanding of APIs (REST/gRPC) and modular code design principles.
  • Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres).
  • Understanding of networking fundamentals and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS).
  • Ability to review, critique, and harden AI-generated code outputs.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations.
  • Strong organization, planning, and technical communication skills.
 
 
What Makes You Stand Out
  • Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies.
  • Familiarity with cloud infrastructure platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
  • Experience building user interfaces using modern frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.
  • Experience with Storybook or mock testing tools.
  • Experience using unit and interface testing frameworks.
  • Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) for code generation, optimization, debugging, and iterative improvement.
  • Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques.
  • Exposure to complex DoD or defense-related software systems.
 
If you see yourself reflected in this role and are excited about the impact you could make, we encourage you to apply! If you know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to share this opportunity with your network.
 
Pay Range*: $72,000 - $114,450
*Pursuant to New Jersey Senate Bill 2310 IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, 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. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 2310. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.
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. 
About Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)
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. We are dedicated to transforming defense systems through innovation, efficiency, and mission-critical results.
 
At IDT, our employees are developing advanced mission-critical outcomes by consistently delivering high-quality results, fostering innovation, applying rigorous problem-solving, and communicating effectively across multifaceted teams and stakeholders. Grounded in these competencies, IDT translates complex customer and product requirements into robust software solutions.
 
Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)
IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including:
  • Generous benefits package
  • Competitive PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching
  • 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)
  • Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program
  • Professional Development Resources
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
  • Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards
  • Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches
 
EEO Statement:
IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.