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Senior Software Developer Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Sr Software Developer

Herndon, VA · Remote

$55.75 - $73.75/hr

Salary: 125,000 Sr Software Developer Location: Remote Job: Sr Software Developer Schedule:Full-time Shift: Day Job Description AcisTek is seeking qualified professionals to support the Grants.gov ...

Senior Software Developer

Washington, DC

$61.75 - $81.50/hr

The MSRB is seeking a Senior Software Developer who designs and delivers distributed systems. Drives architecture decisions, builds cloud-native applications, and improves legacy platforms. Focuses ...

Senior Software Developer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$165K - $175K/yr

Performs advanced software development and engineering tasks, including designing, developing, testing, debugging, and maintaining software applications and systems. Works on complex technical ...

Senior Software Developer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$62.75 - $83/hr

To support this mission, we are seeking a Senior Software Developer to lead the evolution of the DOJ National Classified Services (NCS) application stack. In this role, you won't just write code; you ...

Senior Software Developer

Vienna, VA

$54.75 - $72.25/hr

Our team is seeking a talented Senior Software Developer to support the full lifecycle development (analyze, design, develop, deploy, maintain) of innovative and interactive web, video and multimedia ...

Senior Software Developer

Mclean, VA

$55 - $72.75/hr

Our team is seeking a talented Senior Software Developer to support the full lifecycle development (analyze, design, develop, deploy, maintain) of innovative and interactive web, video and multimedia ...

Senior Software Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$56 - $74/hr

Overview We are seeking a versatile Senior Software Developer with expertise in secure software engineering. The ideal candidate will combine technical proficiency in development tools and ...

Senior Software Developer

Arlington, VA

$62.75 - $82.75/hr

To support this mission, we are seeking a Senior Software Developer to lead the evolution of the DOJ National Classified Services (NCS) application stack. In this role, you won't just write code; you ...

We are seeking a Senior Software Developer who will be a member of a dynamic team Air Traffic Management program - SkyLine-X™ SkyLine-X™ provides an array of advanced air traffic management ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Software Developer Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$17

$69

$99

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

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior software developer engineer in Washington, DC is $69.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59.13 and $78.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Senior Software Developer Engineer requires advanced programming skills, deep understanding of software architecture, and several years of experience with a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with modern development frameworks, version control systems like Git, and certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate are often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills help in mentoring teams and collaborating on complex projects. These competencies ensure high-quality software delivery, efficient teamwork, and innovation within dynamic tech environments.

What are Senior Software Developer Engineers?

Senior Software Developer Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain complex software systems. They lead technical projects, mentor junior developers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions. Their responsibilities often include architecting software, reviewing code, ensuring best practices, and troubleshooting critical issues. Senior developers play a key role in shaping technical strategies and guiding the overall direction of software projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Software Developer Engineers when leading project teams?

Senior Software Developer Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing technical leadership with hands-on coding, managing cross-functional communication, and aligning team members with project goals. They may also need to mentor junior developers while ensuring code quality and timely delivery of features. Navigating competing priorities and rapidly changing requirements requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability, as well as effective collaboration with project managers, designers, and QA teams.

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

AspectSenior Software Developer EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; 3+ years experience; sometimes certifications like Microsoft or AWSBachelor's degree in CS or related field; 0-2 years experience; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentTeam lead roles, project planning, mentoringDevelopment tasks, coding, testing
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, startupsSame as Senior Software Developer Engineer

The main difference is experience level and responsibilities. Senior Software Developer Engineers typically have more experience, take on leadership roles, and mentor junior developers, while Software Developers focus on coding and implementing features. Both roles are essential in software development teams, but the senior position involves more strategic and supervisory duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Software Developer Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Developer Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,879 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Senior Software Developer

Joint Research and Development, LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

JRAD is seeking candidates for a Senior Software Developer position responsible for leading the design, development, and delivery of complex software solutions. This role involves providing technical guidance, mentoring junior developers, and ensuring the quality and performance of applications. The Senior Developer collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement solutions aligned with organizational goals and compliance standards. The position is a remote/telework position with frequent on-site meetings at the TSA HQs (Springfield, VA).


Roles/Responsibilities:

  • Lead full-stack development across the software lifecycle – from requirements gathering through design, development, testing, and deployment.
  • Architect and implement scalable, secure, and maintainable software applications using modern frameworks and technologies.
  • Write high-quality, efficient, reusable code in languages such as Java, C#, C++, ASP.Net, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or equivalent.
  • Experienced with SQL development.
  • Drive code reviews, enforce coding standards, and mentor mid-level and junior developers.
  • Collaborate with DevOps teams to streamline CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, and automated testing processes.
  • Interface with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
  • Ensure applications adhere to accessibility (e.g., Section 508), cybersecurity (e.g., OWASP Top 10, NIST), and performance standards.
  • Troubleshoot complex issues in production environments and lead root cause analysis.
  • Evaluate and integrate new tools, frameworks, and technologies to enhance system performance and development efficiency.
  • Provide support and mentoring to junior developers and database administrators.
  • Experienced in Agile Software Development and familiarity with Agile development tools such as GitHub, Jira, and familiarity with Agile SAFe


Required Skills and Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • 5–8+ years of professional software development experience, including leadership or technical lead responsibilities.
  • Java/Spring MVC and Spring Boot experience are highly preferred.
  • Single Sign On (SSO) / session management / complex permissions environments.
  • Deep understanding of object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms.
  • Scala/Http4s experience desired.
  • Data engineering skills are also desirable. Specifically “ETL” (extract, transform, load) experience.
  • Experience with frontend technologies (e.g., React, Angular, Vue) and backend platforms (e.g., Node.js, .NET, Spring Boot).
  • Strong experience with relational and NoSQL databases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
  • Familiarity with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP) and container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Proficiency in Git and modern development workflows (Agile/Scrum).
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make architectural decisions independently.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active Security Clearance (Secret or higher) or the ability to obtain one.
  • Experience working in government, defense, or regulated industries.
  • Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, or Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
  • Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and tools like Terraform, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, SonarQube.
  • Experience integrating with REST APIs, GraphQL, and/or message brokers (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka).
  • Preference for Tier III help desk experience.
  • Preferred experience working with IBM MQ messaging systems, specifically installation, configuration, and knowledge of cluster based messaging.


Security Clearance:

Candidate must:

  • Be able to pass DHS suitability screening or DHS financial responsibility standards.
  • Have or be eligible to receive a DHS Secret security clearance. Existing Secret Clearance is a plus.


When you work for JRAD you will never be just a number. We put people before profits!


JRAD is committed to the health and well-being of its employees. We offer more paid time off than the average company upon hire and the following benefits are available to all full-time employees:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement


JRAD is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.


The JRAD salary range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. There are many factors considered when determining the compensation provided in an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.


PLEASE NOTE: Once you apply, to ensure you continue to receive important updates on your application and status, please add JRAD to your approved email list and/or check your spam and junk mail often for updates.