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Software Development Engineer Internship Jobs in Arlington, VA

... internship professional software development experience - 2+ years of non-internship design or ... engineer or related occupational experience - 3+ years of designing and developing large-scale ...

... internship professional software development experience - 2+ years of non-internship design or ... engineer or related occupational experience - 3+ years of designing and developing large-scale ...

... internship professional software development experience - 2+ years of non-internship design or ... engineer or related occupational experience - 3+ years of designing and developing large-scale ...

... internship professional software development experience - 2+ years of non-internship design or ... engineer or related occupational experience - 3+ years of designing and developing large-scale ...

... internship professional software development experience - 2+ years of non-internship design or ... engineer or related occupational experience - 3+ years of designing and developing large-scale ...

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Software Development Engineer Internship information

See Arlington, VA salary details

$15

$29

$44

How much do software development engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer internship in Arlington, VA is $29.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Software Development Engineer Internship vs Software Development Engineer?

AspectSoftware Development Engineer InternshipSoftware Development Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related fieldBachelor's or higher degree in computer science or related field, with relevant experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based, often in tech companies or startupsFull-time, ongoing employment in software development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by tech companies, startups, and large corporations for training and talent pipelineStandard full-time role across tech, finance, healthcare, and other industries

The main difference is that a Software Development Engineer Internship is a temporary, entry-level position aimed at gaining experience, while a Software Development Engineer is a full-time, permanent role focused on developing software products and systems.

What is a software development engineer internship?

A Software Development Engineer Internship is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in software engineering. Interns typically work on real-world projects alongside experienced engineers, learning how to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. These internships help individuals build technical skills, gain industry knowledge, and often serve as a pathway to full-time roles after graduation.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a software development engineer internship?

As a Software Development Engineer Intern, you'll typically work on real-world projects that contribute to your team's goals, such as developing new features, fixing bugs, or improving existing systems. You may be assigned to collaborate with full-time engineers on coding tasks, code reviews, or testing processes. Interns often participate in sprint planning meetings and are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and seek feedback. This hands-on experience helps you build technical skills, gain exposure to the software development lifecycle, and understand how engineering teams collaborate in a professional setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software development engineer intern?

To thrive as a Software Development Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), algorithms, and data structures, usually backed by ongoing computer science coursework. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and issue tracking tools is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help interns stand out and integrate smoothly into development teams. These abilities are crucial for quickly learning on the job, contributing to projects, and collaborating effectively in a fast-paced tech environment.

How can I get an internship as a software development engineer internship?

To secure a software development engineer internship, candidates should build strong programming skills in languages like Java, C++, or Python, and gain experience through personal projects or open-source contributions. Applying through company career portals, attending career fairs, and networking with professionals can increase opportunities, while some internships may require coursework in computer science or related fields. Preparing a well-crafted resume and practicing technical interviews are also essential steps.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Arlington, VA? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Arlington, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Development Engineer Internship jobs in Arlington, VA? For Software Development Engineer Internship jobs in Arlington, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Development Engineer Internship jobs in Arlington, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Development Engineer Internship jobs in Arlington, VA are:
What cities near Arlington, VA are hiring for Software Development Engineer Internship jobs? Cities near Arlington, VA with the most Software Development Engineer Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer Internship job openings in Arlington, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,821 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 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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