ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

ECS

Senior Software Developer

Washington, DC · On-site

$60.25 - $79.50/hr

This role provides senior-level application development support for mission systems operating in secure federal environments. The Senior Software Developer will design, code, test, debug, integrate ...

Amazon

Senior SDE, S3 Request Processing

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$140K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Software Development Engineer in S3, you get to deliver these capabilities and delight our customers through teams of talented engineers and leaders. Key job responsibilities S3 Request ...

Amazon

Senior SDE, S3 Request Processing

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$140K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Software Development Engineer in S3, you get to deliver these capabilities and delight our customers through teams of talented engineers and leaders. Key job responsibilities S3 Request ...

Leidos

Software Development Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD

$57K - $104K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Software Development Engineer who will be a member of a dynamic team working on the Federal Aviation Administration's En-Route Automation Modernization ERAM) system, which is the ...

Wrenchio LLC

Senior Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Additionally, the Sr. Software Engineer addresses and resolves software issues reports, employing suitable software development and design methodologies tailored to the development environment.

Leidos

Software Development Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Software Development Engineer who will be a member of a dynamic team working on the Federal Aviation Administration's En-Route Automation Modernization ERAM) system, which is the ...

Leidos

Software Development Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD

$69K - $125K/yr

Leidos is seeking an Software Development Engineer who will be a member of a dynamic team working on the Federal Aviation Administration's En-Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) technology, which ...

TAP Engineering

Senior Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

Senior-level Compensation Range: $191,000 - $254,000 (based on experience) Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support the design and development of software for next ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Development Engineer JobsSenior Software Development Engineer JobsSenior Software Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Software Development Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$85.5K

$162.3K

$217.5K

How much do senior software development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software development engineer in Washington is $162,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,700.00 and $182,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Development Engineer, you need deep expertise in software engineering principles, advanced programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, or C++, and a bachelor's or higher degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, and experience with CI/CD pipelines are typically required, and certifications in these technologies can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you mentor junior engineers and collaborate effectively across teams. These competencies are critical for delivering robust solutions, driving technical innovation, and ensuring project success in complex engineering environments.

What are some common challenges Senior Software Development Engineers face when leading cross-functional projects?

Senior Software Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse teams, managing technical debt while delivering new features, and ensuring effective communication among stakeholders. Balancing hands-on coding with mentorship responsibilities and architectural decision-making can also be demanding. Success in this role typically requires strong interpersonal skills, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to shifting project requirements while maintaining high code quality.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Software Development Engineers in high-demand industries or companies, especially those with expertise in areas like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large tech firms or startups with significant funding.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Senior Software Development Engineers in many regions can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living areas. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and reaching this level typically requires advanced technical expertise and a strong track record.

What are Senior Software Development Engineers?

Senior Software Development Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain complex software systems. They often lead technical projects, mentor junior developers, and ensure software quality and best practices within a team. Their responsibilities include writing code, conducting code reviews, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and solving challenging technical problems. Senior Software Development Engineers typically have several years of industry experience and a deep understanding of software engineering principles.

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

AspectSenior Software Development EngineerSoftware Development Engineer
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, with leadership responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level, 1-3 years of experience
ResponsibilitiesDesigning complex systems, mentoring juniors, leading projectsImplementing features, fixing bugs, collaborating on code
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in multiple programming languages, system design, often with certificationsStrong coding skills, foundational knowledge, less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentOften leads teams, involved in architecture decisionsFocused on individual contributions, team collaboration

The main difference between a Senior Software Development Engineer and a Software Development Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Seniors typically lead projects and mentor others, while juniors focus on coding and task completion. Both roles are vital in software development teams, with seniors bringing more strategic input and mentorship.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Software Development Engineers at top tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like distributed systems or machine learning, and a track record of significant contributions or leadership roles.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Senior software development engineers at large tech companies or with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced expertise, leadership roles, or working in high-paying industries or regions with competitive compensation packages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Software Development Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Software Development Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Development Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,292 per year, or $78 per hour.
Senior Software Developer

Senior Software Developer

ECS

Washington, DC • On-site

$60.25 - $79.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Everforth ECS Federal is seeking a Senior Software Developer to support a mission-focused federal IT program in Washington DC.
Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.
Join Everforth ECS Federal to build and modernize applications that support key federal law enforcement and national security missions. You will work in a collaborative environment where secure software delivery has direct mission impact and where modern development practices help strengthen mission performance, usability, and operational effectiveness.
The Senior Software Developer will develop, test, secure, integrate, and maintain enterprise applications using modern programming languages, frameworks, APIs, and CI/CD practices. This role provides senior-level application development support for mission systems operating in secure federal environments.
The Senior Software Developer will design, code, test, debug, integrate APIs, support CI/CD pipelines, perform code reviews, resolve production issues, and apply secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle. This position will work closely with product owners, business analysts, QA engineers, cybersecurity teams, DevSecOps personnel, and customer stakeholders to deliver reliable, secure, and mission-aligned software solutions.
This role requires a hands-on senior technical professional with experience developing enterprise applications, supporting Agile or DevSecOps delivery, troubleshooting application issues, and maintaining secure, high-quality code. The ideal candidate will bring strong problem-solving skills, technical judgment, documentation discipline, and the ability to collaborate across technical and mission teams in a classified or sensitive federal IT environment.
  • Minimum 7 years software development experience
  • Java, .NET, Python, JavaScript, or similar experience
  • Experience with source control and software lifecycle practices.

Apply