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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Jr. Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Computer Engineering or Computer Science * Proficient in modern software engineering practices for testability and readability * Proficient in C++ and Python ...

S. or PhD) in computer science, machine learning, AI, or a related field is preferred and may substitute for some years of experience * Demonstrable understanding of software engineering principles ...

We are hiring a Software Engineer, Applied AI to join our team located in Washington, DC. As the ... Master's degree or PhD in computer science, engineering, or related field * Professional work ...

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Work closely with PhD scientists and engineers to translate complex mathematical models and research into production-grade, scalable software. * Own Your Growth: Beyond your initial project, your ...

Showing results 41-60

Phd Software Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd software engineer in Washington is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 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 does a PhD software engineer do?

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.

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

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.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Phd Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Phd Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Software Engineer Level 2

Base-2 Solutions, LLC

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

  • Requisition ID: 4018
  • Standard Title: Principal Software Engineer
  • Required Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
  • Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
  • Work Type: On-Site
  • Shift: First
  • Referral Eligibility: Eligible
  • U.S. Citizenship Required? Yes

Position Summary
Base-2 Solutions is seeking a Software Engineer Level 2 to support the VISTA (MT&E Team). This position develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems, including processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large data sets, real-time systems, and business management information systems. The Software Engineer works independently or as part of a team to review, test, document, and improve software components and solutions based on documented requirements. Experience with Go, Python, Terraform, and AWS tooling is required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements.
  • Design and code new software or modify existing software to add new features.
  • Debug existing software and correct defects.
  • Integrate existing software into new or modified systems or operating environments.
  • Develop simple data queries for existing or proposed databases or data repositories.
  • Provide recommendations for improving documentation and software development process standards.
  • Develop or implement algorithms to meet or exceed system performance and functional standards.
  • Assist with developing and executing test procedures for software components.
  • Write or review software and system documentation.
  • Develop software solutions by analyzing system performance standards, conferring with users or system engineers, analyzing systems flow, data usage, and work processes, and investigating problem areas.
  • Serve as team lead at the level appropriate to the software development process being used on any particular project.
  • Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt to new hardware, or improve performance.
  • Design, develop, and modify software systems using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
  • Design or implement complex database or data repository interfaces and queries.
  • Oversee one or more software development teams and ensure work is completed in accordance with the constraints of the software development process being used on any particular project.
  • Design or implement complex algorithms requiring adherence to strict timing, system resource, or interface constraints, and perform quality control on team products.
  • Confer with system engineers and hardware engineers to derive software requirements and obtain information on project limitations, capabilities, performance requirements, and interfaces.
  • Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure operational specifications are met.
  • Implement recommendations for improving documentation and software development process standards.
Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph.
  • Fourteen (14) years of experience as a Software Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university is required.
  • Four (4) years of additional Software Engineer experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
  • Experience with Go, Python, Terraform, and AWS tooling.
Required Education and Experience Equivalency
  • High School Diploma/GED with 18 years of experience.
  • Associates Degree with 18 years of experience.
  • Bachelors' Degree with 14 years of experience.
  • Masters' Degree with 14 years of experience.
  • PhD with 14 years of experience.
Required Certifications
  • None specified.
Required Security Clearance
  • Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph.

Pay & Benefit Highlights
Compensation
  • Competitive fixed salary or hourly pay (based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity).
  • Employee referral bonuses up to $10,000 per hired referral.
  • Additional bonus opportunities for exceptional performance and contributions to business development and company growth (role-dependent).
Health
  • 100% company-paid medical premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Choose from multiple plan options with CareFirst, Kaiser, and UnitedHealthcare, including PPO, POS, HMO, and HSA-compatible plans.
  • 100% company-paid dental premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
  • 100% company-paid vision premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
Income Protection
  • 100% company-paid premiums for short-term disability.
  • 100% company-paid premiums for long-term disability.
  • 100% company-paid premiums for accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D).
  • 100% company-paid premiums for life insurance up to $200,000.
Retirement
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting: 4% company match plus a 4% non-elective company contribution (8% total).
  • 401(k) pre-tax and Roth options.
Leave
  • Up to 20 days of flexible paid time off (PTO).
  • 11 paid floating holidays.
Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible work schedules, including flex time and compressed work periods (contract and project-dependent).