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Software Engineer Level 1 Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

RiVidium Inc. is seeking an experienced Network Engineer ? Level 1 to support the Naval Criminal ... Install and upgrade network hardware and software to support operational requirements. * Develop ...

... Engineer - Level 1 to support the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) enterprise network ... Install and upgrade network hardware and software to support operational requirements. * Develop ...

Description Searching for a Software Engineer-Level II to support our Quantico, VA customer. Candidate will work closely with site partners to ensure data ingest, formatting, and transformation ...

Searching for a Software Engineer-Level II to support our Quantico, VA customer. Candidate will work closely with site partners to ensure data ingest, formatting, and transformation completed ...

Description Searching for a Software Engineer-Level II to support our Quantico, VA customer. Candidate will work closely with site partners to ensure data ingest, formatting, and transformation ...

The Software Engineer Level 4 will support advanced technical efforts to analyze, assess, develop ... Qualifications Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields from an accredited university or ...

The Software Engineer Level 4 will support advanced technical efforts to analyze, assess, develop ... Qualifications Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields from an accredited university or ...

Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$101K - $195K/yr

Software Engineer Level : Intermediate Software Engineer to Senior Software Engineer Education ... Minimum 1 year of software development experience including experience with Javascript (NodeJs) and ...

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Software Engineer Level 1 information

See Virginia salary details

$63K

$146.3K

$203.7K

How much do software engineer level 1 jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer level 1 in Virginia is $146,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Level 1 vs Software Engineer Level 2?

CriteriaSoftware Engineer Level 1Software Engineer Level 2
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; entry-level experienceSame as Level 1, often with 1-3 years of experience
Work EnvironmentJunior team member, supervised tasks, learning-focusedMore independent, handles complex tasks, mentorship roles
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and corporate IT teamsProgression within same environments, increased responsibilities

Software Engineer Level 1 typically involves entry-level tasks with supervision, while Software Engineer Level 2 requires more experience and independence, handling more complex projects and mentoring junior staff. The transition reflects increased skills and responsibilities within the same industry and work environment.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 engineer?

In software engineering, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of seniority and responsibility. L1 is usually an entry-level or junior engineer, focusing on basic tasks and learning, while L2 and L3 are mid-level and senior engineers with increasing expertise and project responsibilities. L4 often denotes a lead or principal engineer who oversees projects and mentors others, with expectations for advanced technical skills and leadership abilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or principal software engineer at large tech companies or in specialized fields such as machine learning, AI, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or executive-level roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer Level 1, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Level 1, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, version control systems such as Git, and basic software development tools is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help you collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges. These skills and qualities are essential for contributing to projects, growing professionally, and ensuring successful software delivery in a team environment.

What does a software engineer 1 do?

A Software Engineer Level 1 typically writes, tests, and maintains code under supervision, focusing on developing software features and fixing bugs. They often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or C++ and use tools such as version control systems. This entry-level role involves learning company coding standards and collaborating with more experienced engineers to gain skills and experience.

What is a level 1 software engineer?

A Level 1 Software Engineer is an entry-level position typically requiring limited professional experience, often involving basic coding, debugging, and learning company tools and processes. They usually work under supervision and focus on developing foundational skills while gaining industry knowledge.

What types of projects and technologies do Software Engineer Level 1s typically work on, and how are tasks assigned within the team?

As a Software Engineer Level 1, you will usually work on foundational components of larger projects, such as coding specific features, fixing bugs, or writing unit tests under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Tasks are often assigned by a team lead or project manager, with regular check-ins to ensure alignment and offer mentorship. The technologies you work with depend on the company's stack but commonly include languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, and tools such as Git for version control. Collaboration is key, and you'll regularly participate in code reviews, daily stand-ups, and pair programming sessions to build both your technical skills and teamwork abilities.

What are Software Engineer Level 1 jobs?

Software Engineer Level 1 jobs are entry-level positions in the software development field, typically for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These engineers work under the supervision of more experienced developers, assisting with coding, debugging, testing, and maintaining software applications. They are expected to have a foundational knowledge of programming languages, software development principles, and problem-solving skills. Level 1 software engineers often participate in team meetings, contribute to project documentation, and learn industry best practices. The role serves as a stepping stone to more advanced engineering positions.
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Level 1 jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Level 1 job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,258 per year, or $70.3 per hour.
Software Engineer Level 3 or 4

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 348 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Sector is seeking multipleSoftware Engineersto support an innovative program in their development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software.

This position is located onsite on ourAurora, CO, Linthicum, MD, or Morrisville, NC campus.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to take ownership of hard problems and drive to a solution, while working in a team environment and provide leadership for its implementation. It is critical that you understand the software development life cycle. The Software Engineer will participate in the full life cycle of software development, to include requirements development, modeling and design, application development, unit to CSCI testing, integration, formal system testing, release, installation, and maintenance. The Software Engineer will apply technical expertise in solving complex integrations problems.

This position requires interfaces between systems analysts/programmers and users located in a specialized area to ensure that information technology designs meet the needs of the end users within an organization. Documents product/service requirements and develop test procedures to ensure user requests are carried out. The Software Engineer will interact with Program Management, and/or government customers.Therefore, excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills are required.A solid experience in bash scripting, Python, or other OOP languages, in a Linux environment is required.

About our organization:Our Aurora Software & Digital Engineering department comprises 200+ engineers, DevOps specialists, system administrators, DBAs, and network engineers-from entrylevel talent to chief architects. Engineers often serve as informal subjectmatter experts and may assume formal technicalleadership roles. Career progression into higherlevel technical or leadership positions is strongly supported.

What You'll Have an Opportunity to Do:

  • Full stack development at the OS, platform, and mission unique software layer
  • Applications will span languages and toolsets including GO, Python, Postgres, Kubernetes/Docker, AWS cloud infrastructure provisioning, PKI, and static code analysis execution and finding remediation.
  • Developer will be expected to be a self-starter capable of making decisions with overall project budget and schedule in mind.
  • Develop software which provides command and control functionality of a hardware system (sending commands, receiving acknowledgements, working on and integrating across interfaces)
  • Develop software which enables activity planning and constraint checking to achieve mission outcomes.
  • Develop software which enables the visualization of a complex and dynamic environment in both two and 3 dimensions, complete with decisions tools, intelligent context, and user-centric interface design.

This position may be filled at the Principal Software Engineer (level 3) or Sr. Principal Software Engineer (level 4).

Basic Qualifications:

Principal Software Engineer Level 3:

  • Bachelor's Degree with 5 years of development experience (3 years with a Master's Degree, 1 years with a PhD). 4 additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • ActiveTop Secret clearancewithSCI eligibilityat time of application.
  • 2 Years Experience with Agile programs
  • 2 Years Experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products
  • 2 Years Experience in producing software architecture documentation
  • Experience with Python, GO, AWS, GitLab workflows, and Docker/Kubernetes

Sr. Principal Engineer Level 4:

  • Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of development experience (6 years with a Master's Degree, 4 years with a PhD).4 additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • ActiveTop Secret clearancewithSCIeligibility at time of application.
  • 4 years with Agile programs
  • 4 years of experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products
  • 4 years of experience in producing software architecture documentation
  • 5 years of experience with Python, GO, AWS, GitLab workflows, and Docker/Kubernetes
  • Prior experience with development of microservice software architecture

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing satellite ground software with any of the following applications for spacecraft missions is highly preferred: Command and Control, Mission Planning, Visualization, and/or Astrodynamics
  • Experience with the creation and use of planning software and constraint checking applications utilized in complex and dynamic space mission planning
  • Experience with the creation and implementation of visualization tools for space missions, including dynamic renderings of space vehicles, depiction of space vehicle missions, simulation of space vehicle sensor and mission outputs, and configuration displays of complex contextual and situational awareness information
  • Linux, Ansible, Docker, UI/UX experience
  • Active CI polygraph
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939