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Professional Software Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Lead Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

With an MS: 3+ years of professional software engineering experience. * Architectural Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Java and the Spring ecosystem, with a deep mastery of design patterns ...

Lead Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

With an MS: 3+ years of professional software engineering experience. * Architectural Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Java and the Spring ecosystem, with a deep mastery of design patterns ...

Lead Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

With an MS: 3+ years of professional software engineering experience. * Architectural Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Java and the Spring ecosystem, with a deep mastery of design patterns ...

Help shape technical direction as the platform continues to evolve WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR * 8+ years of professional software engineering experience * Strong computer science fundamentals; CS or ...

Senior Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$104.50 - $155.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field (or equivalent practical experience). * 5-7 years of professional software engineering experience. * Strong proficiency in Python and ...

Senior Software Engineer - Cloud Applications Design and build core cloud software that integrates ... Minimum 5 years of professional software development experience building scalable ...

Typically 8+ years of professional software engineering experience (or equivalent experience). * Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end outcomes for significant features or systems, including ...

Software Engineer

Lowell, MA · On-site +1

$96K - $154K/yr

As a Software Engineer, your main focus will be on designing, developing, testing and collaborating ... Java / Rust programming experience; professional or academic experience is required * Knowledge of ...

Software Engineer Boston/NYC OnCorps AI is the leading enterprise Agentic AI solution for middle ... What We're Looking For * 3+ years of professional software development experience with deep ...

Software Engineer Boston/NYC OnCorps AI is the leading enterprise Agentic AI solution for middle ... What We're Looking For * 3+ years of professional software development experience with deep ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Software Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$69.3K

$161.1K

$224.4K

How much do professional software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional software engineer in Massachusetts is $161,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,100.00 and $188,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional software engineer?

Professional software engineers are trained experts who design, develop, test, and maintain software applications or systems to solve problems or meet user needs. They use programming languages, tools, and engineering principles to create reliable and efficient software. In addition to coding, software engineers often collaborate with other team members, participate in code reviews, and follow industry best practices to ensure high-quality software delivery.

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

To thrive as a Professional Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), software development frameworks, and cloud platforms is typically required, and certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate can be beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are soft skills that help you collaborate effectively and navigate changing project requirements. These skills ensure you can build robust, scalable solutions while working efficiently within diverse technical teams.

What are some common challenges faced by professional software engineers when working on large-scale projects?

Professional software engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing complex codebases, ensuring effective communication across multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining high code quality under tight deadlines. Coordinating with other engineers, testers, and product managers can be demanding, especially when handling dependencies or integrating new features. Staying updated with evolving technologies and adhering to best practices in version control and documentation are also crucial for successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Professional Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectProfessional Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, certifications optionalSimilar educational background, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentOften in teams, involved in full project lifecycle, may work in corporate or enterprise settingsTypically focused on coding, testing, and implementation, in various settings including startups and freelance
Industry UsageWidely used in corporate, enterprise, and government sectorsCommon in startups, freelance, and smaller companies

The main difference lies in scope and responsibilities. Professional Software Engineers often have a broader role, including design, architecture, and project management, while Software Developers primarily focus on coding and implementation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Professional Software Engineer may be expected to handle more complex projects and collaborate across teams.

What do professional software engineers do?

Professional software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and systems. They analyze user requirements, write code using programming languages, and collaborate with teams to ensure functionality, performance, and security. They often use tools like version control systems and follow industry best practices to deliver reliable software solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:

Lead Software Engineer

STR

Woburn, MA • On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Lead Software Engineer
The Mission:
Do you want to build software that solves the world's most complex national security problems? At STR, we don't just write code; we bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world mission success. You will join a multidisciplinary powerhouse of software engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and data scientists dedicated to taking innovative ideas from a whiteboard concept to a mature, deployed implementation.
The Technical Frontier As part of the Knowledge Exploitation & Decisions Systems Group, you will work at the intersection of AI and human decision-making. Our portfolio is diverse and high-impact, including Command & Control (C2) via intuitive human-machine interfaces that help operators make the best possible decisions in high-pressure environments, Trusted AI & Autonomy via simulation platforms to test AI autonomy and evaluating the reliability and responsibility of autonomous systems, and Advanced Reasoning via graph-based reasoning and evolutionary algorithms for resilient workflow optimization, andenhancing language models to assess the feasibility of scientific claims.
What You'll Do:
  • Architect & Lead: Define the technical vision and architectural roadmap for flexible microservices within a robust DevSecOps ecosystem.
  • Steer Deployment: Lead the critical transition of mature mission planning solutions from R&D prototypes into production-grade systems deployed within active user communities.
  • Bridge the Gap: Act as the primary technical liaison between PhD scientists and the engineering team, translating complex mathematical models into scalable, maintainable software architectures.
  • Mentor & Elevate: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of code excellence, rigorous peer review, and continuous learning.
  • Drive Strategy: Beyond a single project, you will help shape the technical direction of the portfolio, identifying new technologies and methodologies to keep STR at the cutting edge.

Who You Are:
  • Education: BS or MS in Computer Science or a related technical field.
  • Experience:
    • With a BS: 6+ years of professional software engineering experience.
    • With an MS: 3+ years of professional software engineering experience.
  • Architectural Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Java and the Spring ecosystem, with a deep mastery of design patterns, distributed systems, and the ability to design for scalability and resilience.
  • Leadership Provenance: A track record of leading technical projects, mentoring other engineers, and making high-stakes architectural decisions that stand the test of time.
  • Strategic Mindset: You are a "trailblazer" who can navigate extreme ambiguity, define requirements where none exist, and lead a team through the uncertainty of R&D.

Our Tech Stack:
  • Primary: Java 17+, Spring Boot
  • Infrastructure: Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Kafka/NATS, GitLab
  • Secondary: Python (for AI/Data integration)

Logistics:
  • Location: Hybrid at one of STR's offices in Woburn, MA, Arlington, VA, Carlsbad, CA or Aurora, CO
  • Travel: Periodic travel (up to 20%).
  • Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Why STR? STR is a growing defense technology company. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though-we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at ;/strong> for more info.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $175,000.00 to $215,000.00
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.