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Government Software Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ECS

Junior Software Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

This is an entry-level role offering meaningful hands-on exposure to full-lifecycle, mission-critical government software engineering within a high-tempo DevSecOps delivery environment where code ...

Nava

Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The government also imposes a level of bureaucracy that is typically not present in a company of ... Whether or not you have a CS or engineering degree (or any degree). * Whether or not you have ...

Nava

Software Engineer

Washington, DC

Company Description Nava partners with government to deliver mission-critical software that helps ... Whether or not you have a CS or engineering degree (or any degree). * Whether or not you have ...

Nava

Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Company Description Nava partners with government to deliver mission-critical software that helps ... Whether or not you have a CS or engineering degree (or any degree). * Whether or not you have ...

Nava

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Company Description Nava partners with government to deliver mission-critical software that helps ... Whether or not you have a CS or engineering degree (or any degree). * Whether or not you have ...

Nava

Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY

The government also imposes a level of bureaucracy that is typically not present in a company of ... Whether or not you have a CS or engineering degree (or any degree). * Whether or not you have ...

Nava

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Company Description Nava partners with government to deliver mission-critical software that helps ... Whether or not you have a CS or engineering degree (or any degree). * Whether or not you have ...

Saab

Director, Software Engineering

East Syracuse, NY · On-site

$189K - $255K/yr

Lead, develop, and scale the Software Engineering organization, focusing on meeting technical ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

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All JobsGovernment Software Engineering Jobs

Government Software Engineering information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do government software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for government software engineering 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 Government Jobs in Software Engineering?

Government software engineering jobs involve working at the local, state, or federal levels to provide assistance to an area or government agency. In this role, you may set up a network or system, develop customized software, or use testing techniques to see whether or not existing software and hardware are performing as expected. Some government software engineering jobs are directly with the government, while contractors who specialize in specific areas fill other roles. Many government software engineering jobs are geographically centralized. In other words, the more government offices there are in an area, the more software engineering jobs you can expect to find.

What are some unique challenges faced by software engineers working in government agencies?

Software engineers in government agencies often work within strict regulatory and security frameworks, which can mean longer approval cycles and more documentation compared to private sector roles. Collaboration across multiple departments is common, as systems must integrate with legacy infrastructure and comply with public sector standards. While these constraints can be challenging, they also offer opportunities to contribute to projects that have a significant impact on public services and society. Engineers typically work in multidisciplinary teams and gain exposure to large-scale, mission-critical applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Government Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Software Engineer, you typically need a solid background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like Java or Python, and a relevant degree or security clearance. Familiarity with government-specific systems, secure coding practices, and tools such as Git, CI/CD pipelines, and project management software is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail help you navigate complex regulations and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are vital for building secure, reliable software solutions that support government operations and protect sensitive data.

What is government software engineering?

Government software engineering involves designing, developing, and maintaining software systems for government agencies and public sector organizations. These professionals work on projects that support public services, such as healthcare, transportation, security, and administration. Their work often requires adherence to strict security and privacy standards, as well as compliance with government regulations. Government software engineers may collaborate with other IT professionals and stakeholders to create reliable, efficient, and user-friendly solutions that serve citizens and government employees. This field offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on society through technology.
More about Government Software Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Software Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Government Software Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Software Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Government Software Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Government Software Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Software Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Software Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Software Engineering jobs are:
Government Software Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Software Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
AI and Software Engineering Research Scientist

AI and Software Engineering Research Scientist

Software Engineering Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$199K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

What We Do:
The SEI's Tactical Edge and AI-Enabled Systems (TAS) initiative advances and transitions AI and edge software capabilities with a focus on production-readiness of AI and edge systems and components. Examples include supporting small units operating in difficult edge environments that are often disconnected from enterprise computing infrastructure, such as tactical autonomy, first responders, space, and avionics systems. A natural outcome of our work is the advancement and transition of software engineering tools, methods, and approaches to enable production-readiness of AI systems and components.
Position Summary:
As an AI and Software Engineering Research Scientist in the TAS Initiative you will develop, mature, and prototype technologies, and transition these technologies to government and industry organizations. You will directly develop and apply work with customers, balancing short-term customer needs with long-term goals of solving complex technical challenges within the development of `tactical edge and AI-enabled systems. You will represent technical work with customers, stakeholders, and the academic community, while advancing the TAS research agenda in edge software systems, in areas such as:
  • Edge AI in DDIL (degraded, disconnected, intermittent, limited) environments
  • Edge Intelligence
  • Edge-to-Cloud continuum
  • UaX-Edge collaboration
  • Software engineering for AI-enabled systems, including agentic AI systems

As part of the AI-native Software Engineering (AISE) directorate you will also be a part of the AISE Lab, advancing and learning about the state-of-the-art in AI-assisted tools and processes that are changing the practice of software engineering.
Requirements:
  • PhD in computer science, software engineering, machine learning, or related discipline with two (2) or more years of experience in engineering of edge software systems, or equivalent, such as 8 years of demonstrated experience leading development and transition of innovative software engineering techniques to practice
  • Strong empirical research skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Development and deployment of edge software systems, or systems with similar technical challenges, into operational environments
  • Ability to communicate research outcomes, demonstrated by a publication record which includes relevant top-tier venues in software engineering and AI
  • Development of successful research proposals
  • Excellent analytical, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in teams with a variety of technical and organizational skills

Other Requirements:
  • Flexible to travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings (~10% travel).
  • Able and willing to work onsite at the SEI office in Pittsburgh, 5 days per week.
  • You will be subject to a background investigation and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of War) security clearance.

Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance

Apply