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Software Engineer Level 3 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Synergy ECP

Software Engineer Level 3

Columbia, MD · On-site

Citizenship 1 Fulltime Software Engineer Level 3- develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems (e.g., processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development ...

Synergy ECP

Software Engineer Level 3

Columbia, MD · On-site

Citizenship 1 Fulltime Software Engineer Level 3 - develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems (e.g., processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development ...

Synergy ECP

Software Engineer Level 3

Columbia, MD · On-site

Citizenship 1 Fulltime Software Engineer Level 3- * Create, draft, modify, and issue final documents to support office policies, procedures, mission capabilities, security, training, and visual ...

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Software Engineer Level 3 information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do software engineer level 3 jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer level 3 in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer Level 3, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Level 3, you need advanced programming skills, a solid understanding of software architecture, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with development frameworks, version control systems like Git, and familiarity with cloud platforms or CI/CD tools are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate and mentor junior engineers. These competencies are crucial for delivering robust software solutions, driving technical projects, and supporting team growth.

How does a Software Engineer Level 3 typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Software Engineer Level 3, you will frequently work alongside product managers, designers, quality assurance specialists, and other engineers. Your role often involves clarifying technical requirements, participating in design and code reviews, and ensuring that your solutions align with the team's goals. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are key, as you'll need to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. This collaborative environment not only enhances project outcomes but also provides opportunities to develop leadership and mentorship skills.

What are Software Engineer Level 3 positions?

A Software Engineer Level 3 is typically a mid-to-senior level role responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex software systems. They often work independently or as part of a team, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to architectural decisions. Level 3 engineers are expected to demonstrate strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication. They may also participate in code reviews, project planning, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Level 3 vs Software Engineer Level 2?

AspectSoftware Engineer Level 3Software Engineer Level 2
Experience3-5 years1-3 years
ResponsibilitiesDesigns complex features, mentors junior staffDevelops features, fixes bugs
SkillsAdvanced coding, system designProficient coding, basic system understanding
CertificationsOptional, but often includes relevant certificationsOptional, entry-level certifications

Software Engineer Level 3 typically has more experience and handles complex tasks and mentorship compared to Level 2. Level 3 engineers are expected to design larger features and contribute to system architecture, whereas Level 2 focuses on developing and maintaining features under supervision.

More about Software Engineer Level 3 jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Level 3 jobs? The most popular types of Software Engineer Level 3 jobs are:
What states have the most Software Engineer Level 3 jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Engineer Level 3 jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Level 3 jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Level 3 jobs are:
Software Engineer Level 3 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Level 3 job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 514 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 supporting an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) project to join our team of qualified, diverse, and innovative individuals located in Boulder, CO.
Position Overview:
As a Software Engineer - Level 3 or Level 4, on an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) team, you will work in a collaborative environment to understand system requirements and create and implement new capabilities and algorithms. Many of the algorithms and capabilities implemented by the team will be mathematics and physics intensive complex solutions that will be highly critical to the system performance. In addition to software development you will also be expected to support reviews of requirements and test cases that are developed for software capability. This IRAD effort is looking to staff over 100 new engineers and will be leveraging new and existing technologies to build fire control systems from the ground up.
Essential Functions:
  • Write and test high performing code in an agile environment to support new features and products to support a Fire Control Mission.
  • Ensure the performance, security, and scalability of the application.
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams including frontend developers, Subject Matter Experts, and Systems Engineering teams.
  • Write well-documented, testable code following best practices.
  • Lead and perform code reviews.
  • Contribute to architectural decisions and the overall design of the system.

Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.
This requisition may be filled at a higher level based on qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications:
This requisition may be filled at either a Software Engineer - Level 3 or a Software Engineer - Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Software Engineer Level 3 or Level 4:
  • Software Engineer - Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree and 3 years of related work experience, or 1 year of related work experience with a PhD.
  • Software Engineer - Level 4: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 8 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree and 6 years of related work experience, or 4 years of related work experience with a PhD.
  • Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% to support business needs
  • Recent and extensive experience developing software in C++
  • Quick to learn and absorb new concepts and information
  • Unix/Linux Operating System Experience
  • Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, Code Quality, Static Analysis, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian tool suite, Jira, GitHub, GitLab, SonarQube, Coverity, and Jenkins.
  • Must be able to support an in-person / closed-area work environment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Highly experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations
  • Very experienced implementing complex mathematical algorithms in code
  • Experience with Python
  • Experience with Google Protocol Buffers
  • Experience with Kubernetes or other container technologies
  • Experience with automated software requirements, testing and analysis
  • Experience with Behavior Driven Development (BDD) using tools like Gherkin and Cucumber for automated acceptance testing
  • Experience with battle management and/or fire control systems
  • Experience developing software in a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment.
  • Solid background in math and physics
  • Advanced degree in Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science

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

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