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Government Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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Government Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.7K

$166.5K

$231.9K

How much do government software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for government software engineer in Washington, DC is $166,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,400.00 and $195,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government software engineer?

Government Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain software systems used by government agencies. They work on projects that support public services, national security, data management, and various digital platforms for citizens and government operations. These engineers often address unique security, compliance, and scalability requirements due to the sensitive nature of government data. Their work is crucial in ensuring the efficient and secure functioning of government technology infrastructure.

What is the difference between Government Software Engineer vs Civil Software Developer?

AspectGovernment Software EngineerCivil Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, security clearances often requiredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or related
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, secure facilities, regulated environmentsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local government agenciesConstruction firms, civil engineering companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Government Software Engineers focus on developing software for government agencies, often requiring security clearances and working within regulated environments. Civil Software Developers work on infrastructure and civil projects, emphasizing software for construction and urban planning. While both roles involve software development, their industries, work settings, and credentials differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by government software engineers when working on public sector projects?

Government software engineers often encounter unique challenges such as navigating strict security protocols, complying with regulatory standards, and working with legacy systems that may require modernization. These projects typically involve extensive documentation and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including policy makers and end users, to ensure solutions meet public needs. Additionally, timelines can be influenced by procurement processes and budget constraints, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Government Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, knowledge of secure software development practices, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with government-approved frameworks, security clearance processes, and tools like Git, Java, Python, and cloud platforms is often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively while adhering to strict regulations are vital soft skills. These capabilities ensure that software solutions are reliable, secure, and compliant with government standards, supporting critical public sector missions.
Infographic showing various Government Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,999 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Sr. Principal Cyber Software Engineer (TG) (Annapolis)

Relha LLC

Annapolis, MD โ€ข On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Sr. Principal Cyber Software Engineer (TG)RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: PolygraphTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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 โ€” 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.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. Weโ€™re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, weโ€™ll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman youโ€™ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems would like you to join our team as a Sr. Principal Cyber Software Engineer. Places of performance for this position are Annapolis Junction MD, San Antonio TX, Aurora CO, and Carey, NC.

What Youโ€™ll Get to Do:

Provides custom software design and development of CNO tools and techniques. Designs and develops end-to-end data flow and tasking into CNO tools developed.

Provides/authors documentation, participate in design, code, and software readiness reviews in accordance with the Government's software development procedures and processes. The Level 2 CNO Analyst/Programmer shall possess the following capabilities: Program in Assembly, C, C++, Java, Perl, or Python.

Develop Windows applications using Visual Studio or .NET environments; UNIX applications using make files or comparable build environments; or, Embedded or mobile platform development using proprietary, GOTS, or open-source build environments. Provide/author documentation, participate in design, code, and software readiness reviews as prescribed by the Government's software development procedures and processes.

Design and develop end-to-end data flow and tasking for CNO tools developed.

Provide/author documentation, design, code, and software readiness reviews as prescribed by the Government's software development procedures and processes.

Provide/author and participate in technical presentations on assigned projects.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and experience must be in computer science, information systems, or network engineering with 8 years of experience, Masters degree with 6 years of experience, PhD with 4 years of experience.

Experience in programming with CNO Tools and techniques.

Experience using network sockets programming, including developing packet-level programs, expert packet-level understanding of IP, TCP, and application-level protocols.

Software development experience in one or more of the following: 1. Windows application using Visual Studio or.NET environments, or 2. Unix/Linux applications using make files or comparable build environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience analyzing user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements

Software analysis or reverse engineeringUnit testing frameworks and practices

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman

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