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Senior Application Software Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

Software Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... closely with senior engineering leadership and partnering with colleagues across the firm ... This individual will have strong software engineering fundamentals, experience with relational ...

Software Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site +1

$115K - $125K/yr

... closely with senior engineering leadership and partnering with colleagues across the firm ... This individual will have strong software engineering fundamentals, experience with relational ...

Software Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

... closely with senior engineering leadership and partnering with colleagues across the firm ... This individual will have strong software engineering fundamentals, experience with relational ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Application Software Engineer information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$43

$70

$108

How much do senior application software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior application software engineer in Charlottesville, VA is $70.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.21 and $78.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior application software engineer do?

A Senior Application Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex software applications. They often lead technical projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions. Their role includes analyzing user needs, writing code, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring software scalability and security. Senior engineers are also involved in architectural decisions and may help define software development standards within their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior application software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Application Software Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C#), software architecture, and a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with development frameworks, cloud platforms, version control systems (like Git), and often certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate are highly valued. Strong problem-solving ability, leadership, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing robust software solutions, mentoring teams, and ensuring successful project delivery in complex technical environments.

How does a senior application software engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development lifecycle?

Senior Application Software Engineers frequently work alongside product managers, UX/UI designers, QA specialists, and other engineers to ensure software solutions meet business objectives and user needs. They often lead technical discussions, clarify requirements, and provide mentorship to junior developers. Effective communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are crucial, as these engineers serve as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders throughout the development, testing, and deployment phases.

What is the difference between Senior Application Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectSenior Application Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; experience often 5+ yearsBachelor's in CS or related field; experience varies, often less than 5 years
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and maintaining complex applications; often involved in architecture decisionsWriting, testing, and debugging code; focused on specific features or modules
Industry UsageCommon in tech, finance, healthcare, and enterprise sectorsWidespread across all industries requiring software solutions

Senior Application Software Engineers typically have more experience and responsibilities, including system design and mentorship, compared to Software Developers who focus more on coding and implementation. Both roles require strong programming skills, but the senior role involves broader project oversight and strategic input.

What are the most commonly searched types of Application Software Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA?

The most popular types of Application Software Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:

What cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Senior Application Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Senior Application Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Application Software Engineer job openings in Charlottesville, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,221 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Principal/Senior Principal Engineer Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Charlottesville, VA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security.

Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission.

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer/Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation.

The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations.

The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the Multidomain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability division. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel.

The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration. This position will be full-time, on-site at our Charlottesville, VA. location.

This position can be filled at the Principal Embedded Software or Senior Principal Embedded Software level based on requirements below. Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any related STEM degree with a minimum of 5+ years of relevant engineering experience; or 3+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering; or 1+year with PhD. Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C/C++.

Familiarity with Java a plus. Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.) Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or (VxWorks) Real Time Operating Systems Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design) Familiarity in CI/CD Pipeline development (DevOps) Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc) Familiarity with Modeling Tools ie: CAMEO, Rational US Citizenship Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start

Occasional travel required to support program and customer needs Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any related STEM degree with a minimum of 8+ years of engineering experience; or 6+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering; or 4+years with PhD. Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C/C++. Familiarity with Java a plus.

Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.) Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or (VxWorks) Real Time Operating Systems Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design) Familiarity in CI/CD Pipeline development (DevOps) Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc) Familiarity with Modeling Tools ie: CAMEO, Rational US Citizenship Required Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start. Occasional travel required to support program and customer needs Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile

Experience with CI/CD Pipeline Development (Dev/Ops) Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware. Active Secret Clearance Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities. Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939