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How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd software engineer in Tennessee is $133,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,900.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD Software Engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer is a professional who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree specializing in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and works in designing, developing, and optimizing software systems. They often engage in advanced research, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex technical problems. Their expertise is typically utilized in roles that require deep technical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to push the boundaries of current technology. PhD Software Engineers are commonly found in academia, research institutions, and leading technology companies.

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

A PhD Software Engineer requires advanced programming expertise, strong analytical and research skills, and typically a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized programming languages, version control systems like Git, and experience with research-oriented software tools are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help bridge the gap between research and practical application. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, translating complex theories into scalable solutions, and contributing to cutting-edge technology projects.

How does having a PhD impact the daily responsibilities and project involvement of a Software Engineer?

As a PhD Software Engineer, you are often entrusted with tackling complex problems and leading research-driven projects that require advanced analytical and technical skills. Your daily work may involve designing novel algorithms, conducting experiments, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists and product managers. Additionally, you might mentor junior engineers and help shape the technical direction of your team. This role leverages your research background to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical software solutions.
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Phd Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,895 per year, or $64.4 per hour.
Research Software Engineer III (Hybrid Eligible)

Research Software Engineer III (Hybrid Eligible)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 105 rated laboratories

Job description

Requisition Id 16694
Overview:
The Geoinformatics Engineering Group, within the Human Dynamics Section of the Geospatial Science and Engineering Division at ORNL is seeking a Software Engineer. We are looking for candidates to assist and lead developers in creating next-generation technologies supporting operational situational awareness products. These candidates will bring fresh ideas from areas including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, artificial intelligence, and data processing workflows. Our staff need to be flexible and enthusiastic to take on problems across the software stack as we continue to solve complex national scale security problems in the areas of spatial computing.
As part of our outstanding organization, you will focus on leading teams that implement geospatial systems and data solutions for high-volume and high-velocity data applications. The proposed solutions will include high-performance computing that can be applicable for several geospatially focused research and development projects in the domains of energy, transportation, and other cross-disciplinary geospatial applications. The software engineer works with research scientists across the lab with the primary goal of researching and developing cutting edge software solutions to complex problems while leveraging the lab's world-class resources.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Develop software to support project-specific applications of spatial computing, real-time data platforms, and machine intelligence systems.
  • Lead and contribute to diverse teams of developers and software development efforts to support new and ongoing research.
  • Develop geospatial software and digital map layers as services.
  • Work with researchers and project sponsors to capture, understand, integrate, and implement project requirements in developed services and software.
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS with 8 years of experience or MS with 7 years of experience or a PhD with 2 years of experience in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, natural sciences, or related field.
  • Experience with programming languages (Java, Python, C++, etc.) or frontend web application frameworks (Angular, React, Vue, etc.).
  • Leadership experience for development teams as either a technical lead or scrum master.
  • Experience with spatial enabled databases (Postgresql with PostGIS) or NoSQL Database or frontend use of data APIs to support data exchange.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Understanding of the full software development lifecycle from planning to operations.
  • Understanding of cloud and cloud-native technologies and infrastructure-as-code for automated deployment for distributed systems.
  • Experience in software systems, data systems, ETL, analytics, visualization, computer driven distributed data processing, or similar geospatial research projects.
  • Experience with open-source tools and system, OGC web services, and web development frameworks.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated leadership ability and a solid commitment to a teaming environment.
  • Understanding of spatial data structures and formats and mechanisms for developing web services.
  • Exposure to microservices concepts and understanding of container environments including Docker, Docker-Compose, and Kubernetes.
  • Experience in one compiled language as well as one interpreted language a plus.

Special Requirements:
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

About ORNL:
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
In addition, we offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position.
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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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