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Software Engineer Level 1 Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 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 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 types of projects and technologies does a software engineer level 1 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 is a software engineer level 1?

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.
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Level 1 job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% 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.

Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As a Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 your role at Dulles, VA will be pivotal in supporting missions critical to national and global security.
Ready to join forces with our visionary team?
This Embedded Software Engineer will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.
This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Develop embedded software modules that can interact directly with hardware protocols and interfaces including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO.
  • Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing and verification plan.
  • Develop and configure board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers.
  • Performs trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.
  • Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform.
  • Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
  • Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
  • Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
  • Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
  • Other duties as assigned.

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 5 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 3 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 1 year of relevant professional experience. [completed Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field degree required]
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval/access within a reasonable amount of time [US citizenship required]
  • Must be willing and able to favorably succeed a Counterintelligence polygraph
  • Must have experience in Python/Linux/Git.
  • Must have excellent communication skills and be capable of presenting technical concepts to a diverse group of engineers.
  • Experience in collaborating within an integrated team of systems, software, and specialty engineers to develop solutions.
  • Experience working with Docker containers and Helm charts.
  • Experience with Kubernetes (K8s)/Docker.
  • Experience with AWS.
  • Experience with Gitlab workflows.
  • Experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 8 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 6 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 4 years of relevant professional experience. [completed Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field degree required]
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval/access within a reasonable amount of time [US citizenship required]
  • Must be willing and able to favorably succeed a Counterintelligence polygraph
  • Advanced programming proficiency with: C/C++, Python.
  • Advanced programming proficiency with MATLAB.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams.
  • Ability to debug hardware and software.
  • Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git.
  • Ability to clearly document and present technical and programmatic status to management.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active SAP
  • Favorably adjudicated CI or FS polygraph
  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization
  • Familiarity with static code analysis tools such as: Coverity, SonarQube, and Fortify.
  • Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience
  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices
  • Ability to integrate Flight-Software using simulation models of sensors, actuators and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft system performance, general integration and test of aerospace systems.
  • Understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
  • Experience developing software in a Linux OS environment
  • Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards.
  • Ability to read schematics, and work with components datasheets.
  • Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The 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