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Software Developer Jobs in Altoona, PA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Johnstown, PA · Hybrid

$112K - $150K/yr

Job Summary As a Principal Software Engineer focused on software architecture for the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics Business Unit, you will apply your technical, development and architecture ...

Working knowledge of CAD software, engineering design principles, and project management best practices.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence ...

Controls Engineer

Duncansville, PA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Manage system performance, software deployments, upgrades, and technology lifecycle planning ... Controls Engineer Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in either: Electrical Engineering, Controls ...

Controls Engineer

Duncansville, PA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Manage system performance, software deployments, upgrades, and technology lifecycle planning ... Controls Engineer Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in either: Electrical Engineering, Controls ...

At Corle Building Systems, we're more than just a manufacturer; we're innovators in pre-engineered ... Experience with using MBS software preferred * Must be legally authorized to work in the United ...

Manage system performance, software deployments, upgrades, and technology lifecycle planning ... Controls Engineer Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in either: Electrical Engineering, Controls ...

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Software Developer information

See Altoona, PA salary details

$47.2K

$110.1K

$163.4K

How much do software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer in Altoona, PA is $110,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $127,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Software Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript, as well as a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with development tools such as Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and frameworks like React or .NET is typically required, along with knowledge of agile methodologies or certifications. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help you excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure you can build reliable, maintainable software and adapt to evolving project requirements and technologies.

Is a software developer still in demand?

Yes, software developers are in high demand due to ongoing digital transformation across industries. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and experience with cloud platforms increase employability, and the role is expected to grow as technology continues to advance.

What are some common challenges software developers face when working on team-based projects?

Software developers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with team members across different time zones, managing code integration from multiple contributors, and maintaining clear communication about project requirements. Effective use of version control systems like Git and regular participation in code reviews can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, adapting to evolving project goals and balancing technical debt with feature development are common hurdles that require strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.

What do software developers do?

Software developers design and create computer software programs and systems for their employer or client. Their job is to apply the principles of engineering, analytics, and computer science toward the development and testing of all kinds of software and applications. On a day-to-day basis, a software developer helps create and test software from start to finish. They discuss and analyze user requests and requirements, then research and brainstorm practical solutions to meet those needs, and determine the best course of action to create the application. As a software developer, you may develop an entirely new program or improve an existing one; you are responsible for a program’s overall framework and must design precise workflow charts that explain to programmers what code is needed for different aspects of the program.

What is the difference between Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; coding certificationsBachelor's or higher in CS or Software Engineering; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentDevelops, tests, and maintains software applicationsDesigns and develops software systems; often involved in architecture
Industry UsageCommonly used in tech companies, startups, and IT firmsUsed interchangeably with Software Developer in many organizations

While the roles often overlap, Software Developers focus on coding and building applications, whereas Software Engineers typically work on designing and architecting complex systems. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to software creation, but their scope and responsibilities can differ based on project size and company structure.

What is a software developer?

A Software Developer is a professional who designs, builds, tests, and maintains computer programs or applications. They use programming languages to create software solutions that meet user needs, whether for desktop, mobile, or web platforms. Software Developers work closely with other team members such as designers, analysts, and testers to ensure the final product is functional, reliable, and user-friendly. Their responsibilities can range from writing code and fixing bugs to collaborating on system architecture and deploying updates.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Altoona, PA? The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Altoona, PA are:
What cities near Altoona, PA are hiring for Software Developer jobs? Cities near Altoona, PA with the most Software Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Developer job openings in Altoona, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $110,077 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Johnstown, PA • Hybrid

$112K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 113883 

The Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business provides leading naval computing infrastructure, network and data distribution and middleware enterprise services, as well as world-class manufacturing and support capabilities.

Job Summary

As a Principal Software Engineer focused on software architecture for the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics Business Unit, you will apply your technical, development and architecture experience to lead the execution of software architecture and design-related development of tactical components and subsystems in our portfolio of US Navy electronics infrastructure solutions. The subject matter focus is software integration of sensor and combat systems on small or medium surface vessels. 

In this software architect role, you will provide subject matter expertise for Front End of the Business (FEOTB), Internal Research & Development (IRAD), to Development Programs in various areas, including camera function and video, stabilized gimbal, sensors, network, navigation, Radiofrequency, Radar, Edge AI and other combat system integration.

This role includes software task leadership to solve software issues during design, test, transition to production, and formal deliveries. Job focus areas include leading software engineering activities in software architecture applied to software design, development, testing, and modification of sub-systems or systems and the sustainment of these systems through the product life cycle.

Location / Schedule

This hybrid position is eligible to worked out of one of the following Naval Electronics locations:

  • Computing and Networks Center of Excellence in Johnstown, PA
  • Submarine Combat Systems Center of Excellence in Eagan, MN

Standard working hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30am - 5pm, and every other Friday from 7:30am - 4pm. Work is expected to be performed 2-3 days per week onsite, with the remaining work days each week eligible to be worked remotely in the state of Minnesota or Pennsylvania.

Job Responsibilities
  • In this role, you will be responsible for driving technology and completion of assigned technical solutions, efficient execution, and task completion on time and within budget. Job focus areas include leading software engineering activities in software architecture applied to software design, development, testing, and modification of sub-systems or systems and the sustainment of these systems through the product life cycle. Primary and essential accountabilities include, but not limited to, the following:

    • Serve as Software Architect for combat systems software on small or medium surface vessels
      • Create and maintain software architecture with UML diagrams using modeling tools using the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) or other technical standards
      • Author, derive, allocate and trace requirements for new or improved software products or services
      • Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them, including cost as a key design variable
      • Provide technical knowledge, assistance, and mentoring to other engineers and support personnel
      • Architect, maintain and support software development environments using virtual machines, containers, hypervisors (e.g. OpenShift, ESXi), and test equipment.
    • Participate on teams authoring technical sections and Basis-of-Estimates on responses to government Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposals (RFP)
      • Apply parametric software estimation models to support labor bids
      • Author technical proposal language that satisfy requirements
    • Serve as lead software engineer on development projects
      • Design, development, analysis, testing, integration (on hardware) and debugging of computer software applications and/or system
        • Software applications and sytems may include Image and Signal Processing, Real-time, Firmware, Database Design, Operating Systems, Operator/Machine Interface, networking and communications, or others
        • This includes working with previously written code to make bug fixes and improvements
        • Development and deployment performed on Red Hat Linux OS with Red Hawk real-time extensions
        • Architect/Design, maintain and support software development environments using Virtual Machines (VM), containers, hypervisors (e.g. Kubernetes, OpenShift, ESXi), and test equipment
      • Perform unit and system-level analysis to measure performance, cost, schedule, and risk trade-offs
      • Support software qualification efforts, development of test software and qualification plans, test activities, and failure analysis efforts
    • Support and/or lead Internal Research and Development (IR&D) projects, which may include prototype design and development to retire key development risks.
Qualifications
  • Technical degree (Master or Bachelor of Science) in relevant field (Computer Science, or related field of study) with at least 8 years of direct experience related to Software Engineering and must have demonstrated success in solving technical problems.

    The following skills are expected, though applicants are not required to have every skill listed:

    • Background in Software Engineering, including participation in multi-discipline, cross-functional Agile Scrum teams on significant software development efforts.
    • Proficiency in Software Architecture Modeling using tools such as Enterprise Architect (Sparx Systems)
    • Experience with Agile SCRUM and DevSecOps practices
    • Familiarity with requirements management processes and tools (e.g. DOORS)
    • Familiarity with software lifecycle processes such as requirements, design, implementation, version control, testing and maintenance
    • Familiarity with legacy, new and emerging distributed software architectures (e.g., client/server, thin client, Peer-to-Peer, Cloud, Web Services, Service-Oriented Architecture, Microservices, hardware virtualization, Saas, PaaS, IaaS, mobile computing)
    • Proficiency in Architecture and Design Patterns (e.g. MVC, Pub-Sub, Strangler)
    • Fluency in multiple software programming languages (e.g., Java, C, C++)
    • Fluency in virtualization platforms for VMs and containers such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, ESXi in a linux development/deployment environment
    • Fluency in developing in and for Linux operating systems (e.g., Red Hat, Ubuntu)
    • Experience in multiple software domains (e.g., algorithm development, middleware services, operating systems, hardware integration, combat systems, human interfaces, test harnesses, formal methods)
    • Ability to develop software APIs using technologies such as OMG DDS, AMQP, ZMTP, etc.
    • Experience gathering and interpreting data, generating summaries and presentations, and presenting to technical and management leaders and peers
    • Professional demeanor, good interpersonal skills, and ability to excel in a high-paced multi-tasked environment
    • Ability to author engineering responses to government RFI, RFP, etc.
    • Ability to understand and integrate Edge AI APIs into software system designs

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is ($130,000/year - $195,000.00/year). This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

#NEL  #LI-AS1


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