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Software Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Translate systems engineering and reference architecture designs into software designs. * Implement and maintain source code, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), and Configuration-as-Code (CaC). * Harden ...

Senior Software Developer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$58.25 - $77/hr

Translate systems engineering and reference architecture designs into software designs. * Participate in code reviews and contribute to development standards and best practices. * Participate in SAFe ...

Senior Software Developer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$58.25 - $77/hr

Translate systems engineering and reference architecture designs into software designs. * Participate in code reviews and contribute to development standards and best practices. * Participate in SAFe ...

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Showing results 1-20

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.

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:
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.
Software Development Engineer

Software Development Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton

Mclean, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Number: R0238526
Software Development Engineer
The Opportunity:
We're looking for a Software Development Engineer to join our chief technology office engineering team-a dynamic group of innovators passionate about redefining the market through cutting-edge technology. You'll focus on building Booz Allen's Software-Defined Everything (SDE) platform to enable Physical AI, Edge, Trusted Environments, and other applications across mission domains to autonomously discover, provision, simulate and deploy these systems. You'll be a self-starter, visionary, "10x-type" engineer who thrives in high-impact environments and is eager to build and operate always-on, secure, and scalable software services.
As a seasoned software engineer at Booz Allen, you'll leverage the latest architectural approaches, open-source frameworks, and advanced tools to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions. You'll impart your skills to the team as they utilize industry-leading tools and techniques to create impactful software designs. Your role involves shaping a new product from the ground up with genuine autonomy and ownership. You will design, develop, deploy, and operate high-availability software products with robust monitoring, alerting, and fault-tolerant capabilities, integrating agentic AI at their core. You will also implement best practices for CI/CD deployments, telemetry, canaries, and automated testing to ensure the quality and reliability of our systems.
What You'll Work On:
  • Design and develop software products that meet user needs and market demands.
  • Apply engineering principles to construct and maintain efficient, bug-free software systems.
  • Collaborate with designers, product managers, and other engineers to bring products from concept to launch.
  • Architect secure, scalable, and high-performance back-end applications.
  • Work on both front-end and back-end development using languages such as Go, Node.js, Java, or C#.
  • Integrate back-end services with relational and NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and DynamoDB.
  • Write clean, efficient, testable code following best practices for performance, maintainability, and security.
  • Integrate generative AI tools to accelerate development and enhance product design.
  • Communicate design decisions and technical trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Contribute to a culture of innovation and technical excellence by keeping abreast of industry trends.
  • Embed security checks and compliance requirements into the development process to meet relevant standards.

Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 2+ years of experience building and operating production-grade full-stack applications in cloud environments, such as AWS
  • 2+ years of experience with Go, Java, Node.js, or C# development
  • 1+ years of experience in distributed architectures using microservices or serverless in AWS, Google, or Azure Cloud
  • 1+ years of experience with SQL and NoSQL databases
  • Experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and microservices
  • Experience in CI/CD pipeline setup and maintenance
  • Experience using generative AI tools to accelerate development, automate coding tasks, and review AI-generated code
  • Knowledge of authentication, authorization, and security best practices
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience in software engineering, or 5+ years of experience in software engineering in lieu of a degree

Nice If You Have:
  • Experience writing source code for new applications or generating and enhancing code samples for existing applications
  • Experience acquiring client requirements and resolving workflow problems through automation optimization
  • Ability to work with automated testing tools to perform testing and maintenance
  • TS/SCI clearance
  • Master's degree
  • AWS Certifications such as Cloud Practitioner, Developer Associate, or Solutions Architect Associate Certification

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $69,400.00 to $158,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914