1

Graduate Software Developer Jobs in Washington, DC

Lead, Software Engineer Job Code: 35516 Job Location: Herndon, VA (on-site) Schedule: 9/80 Regular ... Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree ...

Senior Software Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$123.80K - $163.30K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer at Exiger, you will be responsible for designing and developing ... An undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science or equivalent experience. * 6+ Years ...

Sr. Specialist, Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$126K - $166.10K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Specialist Software Engineer Job Code: 37908 Job Location: Herndon, VA (on-site ... Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Software Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$54.4K

$126.7K

$188K

How much do graduate software developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate software developer in Washington, DC is $126,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $147,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Graduate Software Developer job?

A Graduate Software Developer is an entry-level role for recent graduates in computer science or related fields. They work as part of a development team to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. Typical responsibilities include writing code, debugging, collaborating with senior developers, and learning best practices. This role provides hands-on experience and helps graduates build technical and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Software Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Software Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, as well as a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with version control systems like Git, software development frameworks, and familiarity with operating systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and eagerness to learn make candidates stand out. These competencies are crucial for contributing to projects, adapting to fast-changing technologies, and working efficiently within collaborative development teams.

What are typical career progression opportunities for a Graduate Software Developer?

Graduate Software Developers often start by working closely with experienced team members on code development, bug fixing, and testing. As you gain experience and demonstrate your abilities, you can move into roles such as Software Developer, Senior Developer, or even into specialized areas like DevOps, QA, or front-end/back-end development. Many companies offer mentorship, training, and clear advancement paths, allowing motivated graduates to progress quickly. Additionally, early exposure to collaborative projects and agile methodologies will help build the foundation for leadership or technical expert positions over time.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Software Developer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Graduate Software Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Scientist, Software Engineer

$161.50K - $300.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Scientist, Software Engineer

Job Code: 36491

Job Location: Chantilly, VA or Colorado Springs, CO

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

L3Harris Technologies invites applications for a Chief Software Engineer (L6) within our Space Domain portfolio at the forefront of national defense and satellite command & control. In this role, you will set the technical vision and drive enterprise-grade software and systems solutions for next-generation space operations. You will mentor teams, influence program direction, lead technology decisions, and ensure excellence in the delivery of secure, reliable, and scalable software that impacts critical missions.

Essential Functions:

  • Technical Leadership: Serve as the primary technical authority, architect, and decision-maker for large-scale space domain software programs. Shape the strategy and direction for software development spanning web, desktop, and distributed solutions.
  • Enterprise Integration: Engineer and integrate cutting-edge capabilities, seamlessly merging legacy and emerging technologies to deliver robust mission solutions across complex government and DoD environments.
  • Agile & DevSecOps Mastery: Establish best-in-class Agile development and DevSecOps practices at the organizational level. Set technical standards for continuous integration, automated testing, deployment, and site reliability.
  • Mentorship & Talent Development: Champion a culture of technical excellence. Lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams-including principal engineers and junior staff-building future leaders and subject matter experts.
  • Innovation & Evolution: Guide the adoption of new architectures, frameworks, and industry advancements. Lead root cause analysis and drive system advancements aligned with security, compliance, and business needs.
  • Mission Assurance: Oversee full life cycle development, rigorous software testing, troubleshooting, deploying updates, and sustaining high-availability satellite C2 environments.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with internal and external stakeholders, from customers to program management, effectively communicating complex solutions and advocating for customer mission success.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
  • Active Top Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Demonstrated technical leadership and software architecture experience in mission-critical or large-scale government systems.
  • Proficiency in Java, Python, and C# across the entire software development lifecycle in secure, distributed environments.
  • Deep expertise in Agile and DevSecOps methodologies with proven experience leading Scrum-driven teams and implementing CI/CD pipelines.
  • Expertise in software integration, testing, and deployment, including use of Docker for containerization.
  • Extensive experience in software quality assurance, configuration management, and platform security.
  • History of successful technical mentorship and cross-functional, multi-site team leadership.
  • Experience with space domain systems
  • Active SCI clearance.
  • Expertise in Space Domain Systems (Space situational awareness, OpsC2, satellite ground segment technologies, etc.).
  • Expertise in Spring Boot, ActiveMQ, Astro UXDS, and modern messaging/data frameworks.
  • Advanced algorithm development and data management experience.
  • Proven capability in multi-development baseline management and integration across diverse partners.
  • Deep experience collaborating with stakeholders in multi-company, geographically distributed environments.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $161,500 - $300,500. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, Cleveland Ohio, and Vermont is $140,500 - $261,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time