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Software Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

ServiceNow Senior Software Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$132K - $180K/yr

The NMS IT Software Designer will provide expert knowledge of network management systems, operating systems, commercial software, government software, and full integration of toolsets and servers.

NewGen

ServiceNow Software Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The NMS IT Software Designer will provide expert knowledge of network management systems, operating systems, commercial software, government software, and full integration of toolsets and servers.

Leidos

ServiceNow Senior Software Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$132K - $180K/yr

The NMS IT Software Designer will provide expert knowledge of network management systems, operating systems, commercial software, government software, and full integration of toolsets and servers.

VTG

Back-End Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

As a Back-End Software Developer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software applications. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ...

VTG

Back-End Software Developer

Herndon, VA

As a Back-End Software Developer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software applications. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ...

VTG

Back-End Software Developer

Chantilly, VA

As a Back-End Software Developer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software applications. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ...

VTG

Front-End Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $125K/yr

As a Front-End Software Developer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software applications for the User interface (UI) and User experience (UX). You will ...

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Software Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$92.7K

$139.3K

How much do software designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for software designer in Virginia is $92,717.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Software Designers?

Software Designers are professionals who plan, create, and refine the structure and appearance of software applications. They focus on the user experience, system architecture, and how different components of a program interact. Their responsibilities often include creating design specifications, wireframes, and prototypes, collaborating with developers and stakeholders, and ensuring that the final product meets user and business requirements. Software Designers play a critical role in making software functional, usable, and aesthetically pleasing.

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

To thrive as a Software Designer, you need strong proficiency in software development principles, user experience (UX) design, and an educational background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with design tools like Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, as well as knowledge of programming languages and version control systems, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for creating functional, user-friendly software solutions that meet both technical and user requirements.

How does a Software Designer typically collaborate with other team members during the development process?

A Software Designer works closely with developers, product managers, and UX/UI designers to ensure that software solutions are both functional and user-friendly. Regular meetings, design reviews, and feedback sessions are common, allowing the designer to communicate requirements, clarify design intentions, and incorporate suggestions from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration often involves using shared tools such as design systems, version control, and project management platforms. This team-oriented approach helps streamline development and ensures that the final product aligns with user needs and business goals.

What Does a Software Designer Do?

As a software designer, your role is to create and test software solutions to a set of problems during the early stages of software development. As the designer, your duties are to consider the requirements of the software, which can be done by performing a software requirements analysis, to identify the specific conditions your product needs to meet for a new piece of software to be developed. Once you have completed an SRA, you then design the framework of the application, which developers code into an actual piece of software. You may work closely with software analysts whose job it is to understand problems from the clients or user’s end and convey that to developers with efficiency.

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

Software engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or locations. Senior roles, expertise in areas like AI or cloud computing, and working at large tech companies or startups can contribute to reaching this salary level.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

Software designers and engineers develop and maintain software systems, and while AI tools can automate certain coding tasks, they are unlikely to fully replace human developers. AI can assist with code generation and testing, but complex problem-solving, creativity, and understanding user needs remain essential skills for software engineers.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Software engineers in senior or specialized roles, such as principal engineers or engineering directors at large tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often include bonuses, stock options, or other compensation components.

What does a software designer do?

A software designer develops and plans the architecture, user interface, and overall structure of software applications. They analyze requirements, create design specifications, and collaborate with developers to ensure the software meets user needs and technical standards. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of design tools are essential in this role.

What is the difference between Software Designer vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware DesignerSoftware Developer
Primary RoleFocuses on designing software architecture, user experience, and overall system structureImplements, codes, and tests the software based on designs
Required SkillsDesign principles, system architecture, UX/UI understandingProgramming languages, coding, debugging
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, product managers, and developersWorks mainly on coding and testing
Common CertificationsNone specific, but knowledge of design tools and methodologiesProgramming certifications, such as Microsoft Certified, Java certifications

While both roles are integral to software development, a Software Designer primarily focuses on planning and designing the system, whereas a Software Developer implements and codes the software based on those designs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the tech industry.

More about Software Designer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Software Designer jobs in VA? For Software Designer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Software Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Designer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,717 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
ServiceNow Senior Software Designer

ServiceNow Senior Software Designer

Leidos

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$132K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 437 rated business services

Job description

AT&T has an opening for an NMS ServiceNow Senior Software Designer: To support a key program in AT&T's National Security business segment. The NMS IT Software Designer will provide expert knowledge of network management systems, operating systems, commercial software, government software, and full integration of toolsets and servers. This position requires office presence a minimum of 5 days per week and is only located in the location(s) posted.
  • Ensure compliance with DoD 8140.03 (8570) IAT Level 2 requirements in the design and operation of mission systems.
  • Lead systems engineering efforts for the ServiceNow ecosystem on RHEL and Windows, including requirements analysis, solution architecture, design, implementation, and integration with MariaDB and related data services.
  • Architect and evolve end-to-end platform capabilities, translating mission and stakeholder requirements into technical roadmaps, system designs, and implementation plans for ServiceNow-based solutions.
  • Define and evolve the program's technical architecture and roadmap for ServiceNow and integrated systems, advising program leadership on trade-offs, risks, and investment priorities.
  • Apply Agile, Scrum, and SDLC systems engineering practices to plan, decompose, and track work; ensure engineered solutions are traceable to requirements and verified against acceptance criteria.
  • Collaborate with Project Managers and Technical Leads to define technical baselines, manage engineering risks and dependencies, and communicate system impacts, issues, and decision points.
  • Engineer and integrate solutions with Cisco NSO, GOTS, and other enterprise systems in alignment with program and enterprise strategies, making recommendations on standards, reuse, and modernization priorities.
  • Define and enforce systems engineering standards for documentation, including architectures, interface control documents (ICDs), design specifications, and operations guides; ensure artifacts support sustainment and future enhancements.
  • Design and implement monitoring and observability strategies to ensure performance, availability, and reliability of mission services; use metrics and analytics to drive system improvements.
  • Engineer secure solutions by design, incorporating security requirements, secure configuration baselines, and control implementations that support RMF A&A and ongoing compliance.
  • Lead automation and infrastructure-as-code efforts (Ansible, Python, Terraform, PowerShell) to engineer repeatable, scalable deployment patterns and environment builds across development, test, and production.
  • Direct the diagnosis and resolution of complex system-of-systems issues, leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA), driving corrective actions, and updating designs and standards to prevent recurrence.
  • Perform and oversee system performance analysis, capacity planning, and tuning, ensuring architecture and implementations meet throughput, latency, and scalability objectives.
  • Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, ensuring solutions directly support program technical strategy, mission outcomes, and cost/schedule baselines.
  • Engineer deployable, production-ready solution packages with automated build, test, and deployment pipelines, enabling Operations teams to promote capabilities with minimal manual intervention and high reliability.
  • Partner with program leadership, product owners, and stakeholders to translate program strategy and requirements into technical roadmaps, release plans, and system capabilities

Requirements
  • Must have an active TS/SCI CI with specific Poly
  • Candidate must have 16 years of experience that can be a combination of work history and education. This equates to a doctorate and 8 years of experience OR a master's and 10 years OR a bachelor's and 12 years OR an associate's and 14 years OR HS and 16 years.
  • Must meet Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level 2 certification requirements.
  • Additional requirements include:
    • Must have at least 5 years of relevant ServiceNow experience that can be a combination of work history, education, and training.
    • Must have Certification: ServiceNow Certified System Administrator.
    • Must have at least one other advanced ServiceNow certification.
    • Team Leadership experience.
    • The candidate must be highly motivated. Able to work independently with both local and geographically diverse team members. Using effective time management skills to meet deliverable timelines.
    • The candidate must also have experience working within concept, design, engineering, production, and sustainment phases of ServiceNow system development lifecycle.
    • Experience with at least one of (Agile, Scrum, SDLC).
    • Must be able to work with minimal supervision to perform complex technical tasks and lead others effectively.
    • Must be able to process and analyze information and trouble calls submitted by a customer (e.g., system administrator, developer, security specialist), make determinations, and provide and implement solutions.
    • Proven experience automating the implementation and configuration of ServiceNow technologies to support large scale enterprise solution deployments and configuration management efforts.
    • Hands-on experience with developing, evaluating, assessing, and refining automated testing, validation, and verifications methods.
    • Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills.
    • Exceptional organizational skills, including attention to detail, multitasking and critical thinking skills.
    • Skilled in working within a team environment within a professional office setting.
    • Skilled in the ability to focus study and research to rapidly solve specific problems.
    • Excellent and clear written documentation skills.
    • Excellent self-study to achieve advanced training as required by the team and the program.
    • Thrive within a highly dynamic and changing environment while adapting and managing shifting customer priorities.
    • Excellent verbal communication skills.
    • Working knowledge of Service Now or other ITSM.
    • Experience working with Microsoft Office products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
    • Experience innovating in a collaborative environment.
    • Advanced system architecture, design, and integration.
    • Experience with databases. Ideally including MariaDB.
    • Required Cross platform and integration experience including Windows, Linux, Juniper, and Cisco.
    • Demonstrated experience developing and scripting within ServiceNow using languages such as JavaScript, as well as integrating ServiceNow with external systems using Java, Python, Perl, or PowerShell.

DESIRED:
  • ISC^2 CISSP or equivalent is strongly preferred and exceeds the minimum requirement for this role.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
March 11, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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