1

New Graduate Software Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This role is ideal for a recent Computer Science graduate eager to apply their programming skills ... Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn new technologies. * Excellent communication ...

Senior Software Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท Hybrid

$123K - $163K/yr

An undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science or equivalent experience. * 6+ Years ... and scaling) of new and existing systems * Experience working in an agile environment.

Experience: 2+ years (BS) or recent MS graduate with professional experience building maintainable ... You are a "trailblazer"-someone who is comfortable with ambiguity and loves learning new libraries ...

Junior Power Platform Developer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ... using an agile software development approach. * An understanding of GIS is beneficial but not ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

New Graduate Software information

See Washington salary details

$33.4K

$113.6K

$273.5K

How much do new graduate software jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for new graduate software in Washington is $113,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between New Graduate Software vs Software Engineer?

AspectNew Graduate SoftwareSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, internship experienceBachelor's or higher in CS, often with 1+ years of experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, team collaborationFull responsibilities, project ownership, team-based
Employer & Industry UsageCommon for recent grads entering tech companiesStandard role across tech, finance, healthcare, etc.
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for entry-level roles, internships, or training programsSeeking experienced roles, career growth, or specialization

In summary, New Graduate Software positions are designed for recent graduates starting their careers, focusing on training and learning. Software Engineer roles typically require more experience and involve full project responsibilities. Both roles are common in tech industries but differ mainly in experience level and scope of work.

What do New Graduate Software Engineers do?

New Graduate Software Engineers are entry-level professionals who have recently completed their degree in computer science or a related field. They work as part of a development team to design, code, test, and maintain software applications. These engineers often receive mentorship and training on company-specific technologies, tools, and best practices. Their responsibilities may include fixing bugs, writing new features, and collaborating with other engineers to solve technical challenges.

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

To thrive as a New Graduate Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), software development principles, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and sometimes foundational knowledge of cloud platforms or databases is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective communication skills help new graduates adapt quickly and collaborate with teams. These skills are crucial for building reliable software, keeping up with evolving technologies, and integrating smoothly into professional development environments.

What are some common challenges new graduate software engineers face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

New graduate software engineers often find the transition from academia to the workplace challenging due to unfamiliar codebases, fast-paced environments, and adapting to industry tools and processes. It's common to initially feel overwhelmed when collaborating with experienced teammates or working on large-scale projects. To overcome these challenges, proactive communication, seeking mentorship, and dedicating time to understanding documentation and code reviews are key. Embracing a growth mindset and asking questions will also help accelerate your learning and integration into the team.
What are popular job titles related to New Graduate Software jobs in Washington? For New Graduate Software jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching New Graduate Software jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for New Graduate Software jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for New Graduate Software jobs? Cities in Washington with the most New Graduate Software job openings:
Infographic showing various New Graduate Software job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,560 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
2026 Graduate - Software Developer - Tactical System Prototyping and Deployment

2026 Graduate - Software Developer - Tactical System Prototyping and Deployment

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

Do you have an interest in developing software for new warfighter capabilities. Are you passionate about using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or, Electrical Engineering and want to work as a software developer or software engineer, we'd love to have you join our close-knit prototyping team! We build capabilities that enable warfighters to harness different set of sensors and data sources to accomplish a variety of missions that are important to the defense of our nation.

Our team is committed to working directly with warfighters to craft solutions from concept to operational use. We strive to foster an environment that is highly collaborative and supportive, but also encourages autonomy. Our team values are putting the warfighter and their missions first, accepting that you might not get it right the first time, but being resolved to see it through, and being dedicated to making real impact.

As a Software Development Engineer, you will...

  • Research and develop concepts to solve unaddressed, critical military operational shortfalls as a member of an established team that has fielded numerous highly regarded capabilities. Subject areas differ widely over time, but our current projects focus on improving the exploitation of airborne and ground based sensor data through object tracking, multi-sensor correlation, data management, and operational data display as well as on intelligent networks, resilient autonomy, and non-kinetic warfare integration.
  • Perform system design and software implementation of proof-of-concept prototypes incorporating several engineering fields: software development, signal/video processing, artificial intelligence, real-time computing, applied mathematics, network/web services, and visualization.
  • Support prototype evaluation, experimental operations at military facilities, and transitions of capabilities to government or industry.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Have a BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Completed coursework or internships involving complex software development, particularly in the areas of object oriented programming, database design, signal processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualization, and user interfaces.
  • Can occasionally travel and work at government and military facilities, including underway on US Navy ships and aircraft requiring work outside of and in excess of normal working hours.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a final Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Knowledge of C++, Java, or Typescript in a Linux/Unix environment.
  • Desire to build computer science/software development expertise to address emerging challenges.
  • Interest and initiative to grow into a leadership position.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually