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Senior Software Engineer Level 3 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DUIT

Software Engineer Level 3

Washington, DC · On-site

We are looking for the best and brightest senior level software engineers having 20 or more years of experience to join our winning and innovative information technology team! **100% onsite, but some ...

Synergy ECP

Software Engineer Level 3

Columbia, MD · On-site

Citizenship 1 Fulltime Software Engineer Level 3- * Create, draft, modify, and issue final documents to support office policies, procedures, mission capabilities, security, training, and visual ...

JASINT

Software Engineer Level 3

Annapolis Junction, MD

$173K - $193K/yr

Software Engineer Level 3 Location(s) : Annapolis Junction, MD Hours : Regular Full-Time Salary Range : $173k - $193k/yr Clearance Requirements This position requires a current and active TS/SCI with ...

Markon

Software Engineer Level 3

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$225K - $240K/yr

Description Markon is seeking a Software Engineer Level 3 to develop, maintain, and enhance complex software systems in support of mission-critical programs for the Fort Meade Customer. This role ...

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How much do senior software engineer level 3 jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer level 3 in the United States is $143,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a level 3 software engineer?

A Level 3 Software Engineer is a mid-to-senior position that typically involves designing, developing, and maintaining software systems with increased responsibility and independence. They often have several years of experience, proficiency in programming languages, and may mentor junior engineers while contributing to project planning and code reviews.

What is the difference between Senior Software Engineer Level 3 vs Senior Software Engineer Level 2?

CriteriaSenior Software Engineer Level 3Senior Software Engineer Level 2
ExperienceTypically 5+ years of experienceUsually 3-5 years of experience
ResponsibilitiesLeads complex projects, mentors juniors, influences architectureHandles moderate projects, provides guidance to juniors
SkillsAdvanced technical skills, system design, problem-solvingProficient technical skills, coding, debugging
CertificationsOptional, but often includes specialized certificationsOften includes foundational certifications

The main difference between Senior Software Engineer Level 3 and Level 2 lies in experience, scope of responsibilities, and technical expertise. Level 3 engineers typically lead complex projects and mentor others, reflecting a higher level of proficiency and leadership within the team.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Software Engineers at top tech companies or those in specialized roles such as machine learning or infrastructure engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses, stock options, and other compensation. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand environments with competitive pay structures.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Software Engineers at large tech companies or those with specialized skills 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, especially in competitive markets or executive-level roles.

How much do L3 software engineers make?

Senior Software Engineer Level 3 positions typically have a salary range between $110,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on location, company size, and experience. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and benefits, especially in competitive tech markets.
More about Senior Software Engineer Level 3 jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Software Engineer Level 3 jobs? Cities with the most Senior Software Engineer Level 3 job openings:
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Senior Software Engineer Level 3 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer Level 3 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,292 per year, or $68.9 per hour.
Software Engineer (Level 3/4)

Software Engineer (Level 3/4)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA • On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Do you want to work at an international company with endless opportunities for growth and advancement? Are you eager to join a trust-based, globally-connected team, where your contributions will define what's possible?

We are looking for team members who want to solve interesting, complex problems, which protect our nation. Your talents and passion are most important to us. If you don't know a language, program, or platform, we will teach you! Become a part of our enthusiastic team where we have fun working together and take pride in our contributions to the nation's safety.

We are recruiting for mid-level and senior engineers with a background in Software Development Engineering.

In these role, the focus will be on development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software. These positions are located onsite on our Dulles, VA campus, and requires a Top Secret clearance at the time of application.

What you'll get to do:

  • Full stack development at the OS, platform, and mission unique software layer

  • Developing client and server applications and services using service or object-oriented architectures, message bus-based data exchange that include first-of-a-kind capabilities

  • Applications will span languages and toolsets including Python, C++, Postgres, Ansible, cloud infrastructure provisioning, PKI, and static code analysis execution and finding remediation

  • Developer will be expected to be a self-starter capable of making decisions with overall project budget and schedule in mind

  • Support Operations ground software and associated configurations. This will involve troubleshooting both software errors and hardware affecting the operation of ground software

  • Support Acceptance Test events, including running tests

  • Test Automation

  • Configuration of ground segment software

  • Resolution and remediation of software defects

  • Software Enhancements as directed by customer change requests or mission needs

  • Ground software support during launch and launch rehearsal events

  • Support the installation of new ground segment software in operational, development and test environments

What does success look like?

As a successful employee, you will:

  • Be an active and integral member of your team

  • Channel your enthusiasm to innovate

  • Be part of a supportive team that develops and deploys technologies that matter to our national security

  • Work with agility, flexibility, and collaboration to explore creative ideas

*This position can be filled at either the Software Engineer 3 or 4 level .

Basic Qualifications:

Software Engineer Level 3

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (ideally Computer Science or Engineering) and 5 years of experience; OR a master's degree and 3 years: OR a PhD (outside of internships, research projects, etc.) Experience can be considered in lieu of degree (Additional 4 years)

  • Demonstrated software development experience

  • Python application development, C++, Bash Scripting experience

  • U.S. Citizenship

  • A current or active Top-Secret clearance is required at the time of application

Software Engineer Level 4

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (ideally Computer Science or Engineering) and 8 years of experience; OR a master's degree and 6 years: OR a PhD and 3 years. Experience can be considered in lieu of degree (Additional 4 years)

  • Demonstrated software development experience

  • Python application development, C++, Bash Scripting experience

  • U.S. Citizenship

  • A current or active Top-Secret clearance is required at the time of application

Preferred Qualification:

  • Strong preference given to Top Secret with SCI

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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

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