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Junior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Junior Software Engineer Your Main Objective: Work in a variety of environments to develop ... Experience with analytic development in a Linux environment. You Might Also Have: Experience with ...

Junior Software Developer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

... design, development, and standard developer testing of the developed software • writes ... junior developers • performing code reviews • interface with other developers as well as ...

Junior Software Developer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

They are seeking a Junior Software Developer to design and implement custom software tools ... design, development, and standard developer testing of the developed software • Write ...

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Junior Software Development Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$52.7K

$107.1K

$160.8K

How much do junior software development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior software development engineer in Washington, DC is $107,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior software development engineer do?

A Junior Software Development Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to coding tasks, debugging, and documentation. Their responsibilities may also include collaborating with other team members to solve technical problems and learn best practices in software engineering. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited experience who are looking to build their skills and advance in the software development field.

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

To thrive as a Junior Software Development Engineer, a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, algorithms, and data structures is essential, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript, as well as experience using version control systems such as Git, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective teamwork and communication skills help individuals excel in collaborative and dynamic environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering quality code, adapting to new technologies, and contributing meaningfully to software development projects.

What are some common challenges faced by junior software development engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior Software Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to a new codebase, understanding team workflows, and learning best practices for writing clean, maintainable code. They may also find it challenging to accurately estimate task complexity and communicate progress with senior team members. However, most teams provide mentorship and code reviews to help juniors grow, and active collaboration is encouraged to facilitate learning and integration into the team.

What is the difference between Junior Software Development Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectJunior Software Development EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in CS or related field; some certificationsSimilar educational background; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, team-based projectsCan be entry or mid-level, often more independent
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and IT firmsWidespread across industries, including tech, finance, and healthcare
Comparison Search IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Junior Software Development Engineer and a Software Developer lies in experience level and responsibilities. Junior Software Development Engineers are typically entry-level, working under supervision on basic tasks, while Software Developers may have more experience and handle more complex projects independently. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in tech industries, but the Junior role emphasizes learning and growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Software Engineer (Junior) - TS/SCI with Polygraph Required

Catalyst Operations & Analytics

Vienna, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Junior Software Engineers support the design, development, and delivery of software systems in support of the customer's requirements, working as members of an Agile development team under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Junior Software Engineers participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementing user stories, writing and unit testing code, and contributing to documentation. Junior Software Engineers are expected to build foundational technical depth while contributing reliable, well-tested code to a larger complex system.


Requirements

US Citizenships and TS/SCI with Polygraph (no exceptions)


Education/Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 0-2 years of relevant professional software engineering experience; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered


Required Skills:

  • Working knowledge of one or more modern programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C/C++, JavaScript)
  • Familiarity with the software development lifecycle (SDLC), including coding, unit testing, and integration
  • Exposure to Agile/Scrum development teams and ceremonies, through coursework, internships, or professional experience
  • Familiarity with version control tools
  • Comfort developing on Windows and/or Linux operating systems
  • Basic understanding of software design patterns and secure coding standards
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a development team