Entry Level Software Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Overview
In this position, you will build software leveraging Esri's products and APIs to build core backend services that solve complex problems at a global scale. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical skills while contributing to projects that matter. You'll work alongside engineers and mentors in a collaborative, cross-functional environment that values learning, innovation, and purpose. From building intuitive AI web interfaces to writing Python for geoprocessing tools and AI agents, you'll be exposed to the full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions.
This team supports Defense and Intel clients. You will be part of a talented cross-functional team of dynamic and passionate engineers to deliver capabilities that enable our customers to make a difference in communities around the world. You will be part of a team that influences lasting contributions for communities with the web and mobile applications you create.
The Professional Services division is the consulting and implementation arm of Esri. We break ground in new markets, push the technology envelope and ultimately deliver transformational solutions to high profile clients worldwide. The Professional Services organization is comprised of nearly 1,000 talented business and technical professionals who strive every day to help our users be successful.
Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Vienna, VA area for this position.
Responsibilities

• Build backend services that power geospatial processing, automation, and user-facing capabilities
• Develop APIs, proxies, and integration services using Node.js and Python
• Create and maintain backend tooling that extends ArcGIS Enterprise in containerized environments
• Develop and maintain geoprocessing services, automation scripts, and operational workflows
• Build connectors and ingestion pipelines across diverse enterprise data sources
• Support deployments across cloud-native and on-prem environments
• Improve reliability and performance through API design, testing, monitoring, and observability
• Collaborate with platform, DevOps, and GIS teams to translate requirements into production solutions

Requirements

• 2+ years of professional backend software engineering experience
• Professional experience developing backend services using Python, JavaScript/Node,js and Java
• Experience designing and building REST APIs and service-based architectures
• Experience extending or integrating with ArcGIS Enterprise or similar enterprise geospatial platforms
• Familiarity with geoprocessing workflows, proxies and middleware services and automation of GIS or data processing tasks
• Experience working in containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes, or similar)
• Solid fundamentals in API design, software/system design, and testing and debugging distributed services
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
• US citizenship with Active or Current (within 2 years of active) Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or STEM related field

Recommended Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or Stem related field
• Esri certification
• CompTIA Security + certification
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
• Experience with monitoring, logging, and observability tools
• Exposure to DevSecOps practices and secure development pipelines
• Experience with ArcGIS Enterprise SDKs, automation frameworks, or platform extensions
• Experience building services for geospatial analysis, data pipelines, or map services
• Familiarity with enterprise authentication, proxies, and secure service architectures
• Experience with relational and spatial databases (PostgreSQL,PostGIS, SQL Server, and more)
• Exposure to event-driven architecture, batch processing, or distributed data workflows

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Total Rewards
Esri's competitive total rewards strategy includes industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families), 401(k) and profit-sharing programs, minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Base salary is one component of our total rewards strategy. Compensation decisions and the base range for this role take into account many factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
A reasonable estimate of the base salary range is
$97,240-$162,240 USD
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri's Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
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