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Software Dev Manager Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Minimum of 7+ years of experience in software development and related engineering experience ... Design and develop backend services and APIs in Rust for a cloud-based platform that manages fleet ...

Description SAIC is seeking a Software Development Team Lead with to lead a development team ... This role combines hands-on technical leadership with team management responsibilities. This ...

Minimum of 7+ years of experience in software development and related engineering experience ... Design and develop backend services and APIs in Rust for a cloud-based platform that manages fleet ...

Minimum of 7+ years of experience in software development and related engineering experience ... Design and develop backend services and APIs in Rust for a cloud-based platform that manages fleet ...

Follows software process management and control throughout the coding portion of the software development process. * Supports documentation, design, and process improvement activities. * Works with ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Dev Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$89.7K

$160.3K

$201.4K

How much do software dev manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for software dev manager in Washington, DC is $160,340.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,400.00 and $183,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Software Dev Manager vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware Dev ManagerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, leadership experienceBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project management, cross-department collaborationDesign, develop, test software applications
Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, software firms, IT departmentsUsed across tech, finance, healthcare, and more

The main difference is that a Software Dev Manager oversees teams and projects, focusing on leadership and strategy, while a Software Engineer primarily focuses on coding and developing software. Both roles require technical skills, but the manager role adds leadership and project management responsibilities.

What is a software dev manager?

Software Dev Managers are professionals who lead and oversee software development teams within an organization. They are responsible for managing projects, guiding developers, setting technical direction, and ensuring that software products are delivered on time and meet quality standards. In addition to technical expertise, they also handle team management tasks such as hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between business goals and technical implementation.

How does a software dev manager balance technical leadership with people management responsibilities?

A Software Dev Manager is often responsible for both guiding the technical direction of projects and supporting the professional growth of their team members. This balance requires clear communication, regular one-on-one meetings, and staying up-to-date with technical trends while also handling performance reviews, hiring, and team development. Effective managers delegate technical tasks appropriately, foster a collaborative team culture, and act as a bridge between developers and other departments. This dual focus can be challenging but is essential for driving both project success and employee satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software dev manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Development Manager, you need a strong background in software engineering, leadership experience, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira), version control systems (such as Git), and agile methodologies is essential, and certifications like PMP or Scrum Master can be advantageous. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities help you effectively lead diverse teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering high-quality software on schedule, fostering team growth, and achieving organizational goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Dev jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Software Dev jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Software Dev Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,944 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research


Job description

Description
Do you have an interest in developing software for new warfighter capabilities. Are you passionate about using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges?
We are looking for a Software Development Engineer to join our close-knit prototyping team. We build capabilities that enable warfighters to harness multiple sets of sensors and data sources to accomplish a variety of missions that are important to the defense of our nation.
Our team is committed to working directly with warfighters to craft solutions from concept to operational use. We strive to foster an inviting environment that is highly collaborative and supportive, but also encourages autonomy. Our team values are putting the warfighter and their missions first, accepting that you might not get it right the first time, but being resolved to see it through, and being dedicated to making real impact.
As a Software Development Engineer, you will...
  • Research and develop concepts to solve unaddressed, critical military operational shortfalls as a member of an established team that has fielded numerous highly regarded capabilities. Subject areas differ widely over time, but our current projects focus on improving the exploitation of airborne and ground based sensor data through object tracking, multi-sensor correlation, data management, and operational data display as well as on intelligent networks, resilient autonomy, and non-kinetic warfare integration.
  • Perform system design and software implementation of proof-of-concept prototypes incorporating several engineering fields: software development, signal/video processing, artificial intelligence, real-time computing, applied mathematics, network/web services, and visualization.
  • Support prototype evaluation, experimental operations at military facilities, and transitions of capabilities to government or industry.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Have at least 2+ years of experience in complex software development particularly in the areas of object-oriented programming, database design, signal processing, sensor/system interfaces, artificial intelligence, data visualization, and user interfaces. Significant knowledge of C++ or Java in a Linux/Unix environment is also needed.
  • Are able to work collaboratively in a close team environment.
  • Can occasionally travel and work at government and military facilities, including underway on US Navy ships and aircraft requiring work outside of and in excess of normal working hours.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Possess and MS in EE, CS or related field.
  • Have 5 years of experience with complex software development.
  • Have a strong ability to successfully apply educational background to real-world engineering problems
  • Desire to build computer science/software development expertise to address emerging challenges.
  • Have interest and initiative to grow into a leadership position

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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