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Scientific Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor 's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.2-4 years of professional software development experience.Familiarity with DevSecOps environments and Agile practices.Knowledge ...

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. * 2-4 years of professional software development experience. * Familiarity with DevSecOps environments and Agile practices.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. * 2-4 years of professional software development experience. * Familiarity with DevSecOps environments and Agile practices.

... Scientific Programmer, Computational Software Developer, Performance Tuning Specialist, GPU Computing Engineer, Numerical Computing Engineer, HPC Architect, Scalable Systems Engineer, Data-Intensive ...

... Scientific Programmer, Computational Software Developer, Performance Tuning Specialist, GPU Computing Engineer, Numerical Computing Engineer, HPC Architect, Scalable Systems Engineer, Data-Intensive ...

HPC Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

... Scientific Programmer, Computational Software Developer, Performance Tuning Specialist, GPU Computing Engineer, Numerical Computing Engineer, HPC Architect, Scalable Systems Engineer, Data-Intensive ...

... Scientific Programmer, Computational Software Developer, Performance Tuning Specialist, GPU Computing Engineer, Numerical Computing Engineer, HPC Architect, Scalable Systems Engineer, Data-Intensive ...

HPC Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... Scientific Programmer, Computational Software Developer, Performance Tuning Specialist, GPU Computing Engineer, Numerical Computing Engineer, HPC Architect, Scalable Systems Engineer, Data-Intensive ...

Senior AI Engineer - SFL Scientific

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

SFL Scientific, a Deloitte Business, is looking to add a Senior AI Engineer to their vibrant environment. SFL Scientific is part of our broader Strategy Offering within the Strategy & Transactions ...

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Scientific Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$39

$71

How much do scientific programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific programmer in Virginia is $39.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $56.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scientific programmer?

Scientific programmers are professionals who develop, implement, and optimize software solutions for scientific research and data analysis. They work closely with scientists and researchers to translate complex scientific problems into computational algorithms, scripts, and tools. Their work often involves programming in languages like Python, C++, or R, and may include tasks such as data processing, simulation, modeling, and visualization. Scientific programmers play a crucial role in advancing research by making scientific computations more efficient and reproducible.

What does a scientific programmer do?

The duties of a scientific programmer are to design a variety of tools for researchers to perform statistical and mathematical modeling on large datasets. They often work within a specific framework or software, and their responsibilities are to script tools that make it easier for scientists to use the programs or models. Their duties may include designing a new user interface or creating shell scripts for the UNIX or Linux operating systems. A scientific programmer also conducts code review and quality assurance tasks to ensure that programs are ready to be used. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, bioinformatics, or computational biology. If you want to specialize in a particular discipline, you may need additional experience or advanced qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientific Programmer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, or a related field, along with strong programming skills in languages like Python, C++, or R. Familiarity with scientific computing libraries (such as NumPy, SciPy), data analysis tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required, and experience with high-performance computing or parallel processing is a plus. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing reliable, efficient code to support complex scientific research and for collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

How does a scientific programmer typically collaborate with researchers and other technical staff on projects?

Scientific Programmers often work closely with research scientists, data analysts, and IT teams to develop and optimize software tools for scientific studies. They participate in project meetings to understand research goals, translate scientific requirements into code, and troubleshoot issues that arise in computational workflows. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Scientific Programmers must ensure their solutions align with both technical standards and the scientific objectives of the research team.

What is the difference between Scientific Programmer vs Data Analyst?

AspectScientific ProgrammerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Physics, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or higher in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, scientific institutions, academia, industry R&DBusiness, finance, healthcare, marketing sectors
Employer & Industry UsageResearch organizations, universities, scientific companiesCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding technical roles in scientific computingAnalyzing data to inform decisions

Scientific Programmers focus on developing software and algorithms for scientific research, often working with complex simulations and data modeling. Data Analysts interpret data sets to generate insights and support decision-making. While both roles require strong programming skills and analytical thinking, Scientific Programmers are more involved in software development for scientific purposes, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and reporting.

Is programming a well paid job?

Programming jobs, including roles like scientific programmers, tend to offer competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Skilled programmers with expertise in specific tools or languages often earn higher wages, especially in industries like technology, finance, and research. Overall, programming can be a well-paid career compared to many other fields.

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Programmer jobs in Virginia?

For Scientific Programmer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scientific Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,207 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Programmer

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Developer/Programmer to be part of a development team using JAVA, JavaScript, Adobe CQ, and Linux. The team works in a collaborative and agile environment, following Scrum/Kanban methodologies. This is an environment which provides a lot of flexibility as it is a matrixed team of developers working to sunset multiple production applications while building a new single application with a significant scope. The teams are forming into a high-energy, high-performing mix of developers who frequently share thoughts and skills. Developers frequently use pairs programming and maintain a reputation of being forward thinking.
Position requires TS/SCI. clearance.
Requirements
Java, JavaScript, XML, CSS, -Shell Script, AJAX, Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Technical field.