Senior Software Developer Jobs in District of Columbia
Senior Software Developer jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in Washington D.C. itself, where the federal technology ecosystem, defense contracting corridor, and growing private-sector tech presence make this one of the most active markets on the East Coast. Employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and General Dynamics Information Technology maintain a consistent, large-scale presence here, hiring senior software developers across cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and full-stack development. Demand is especially strong for engineers with security clearances and experience in government systems modernization. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 70+ Senior Software Developer jobs











Unissant, Inc. delivers innovative capabilities to the agencies that keep our nation healthy and safe. We apply our domain expertise, data acumen, and technology know-how to achieve breakthrough results for our clients. Working collaboratively, we advance missions and careers through a focus on honesty, integrity, and dependability. We continuously look for talent, excited to join that effort. To learn more about our exciting organization, please visit us at www.unissant.com.
Unissant is seeking a Web Software Developer to support a newly awarded program for a federal health agency. Develop and maintain accessible web application interfaces and supporting components for agency customers and business users.
The ideal candidate brings practical delivery experience, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to maintaining Federal business applications while improving technical capability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implement approved web pages, application features, reusable components, and integration with backend services.
- Translate requirements and design guidance into responsive interfaces that work across supported browsers and devices.
- Apply accessible HTML structure, keyboard behavior, form validation, and other Section 508 design practices.
- Develop and maintain unit and interface tests; support regression, browser, and accessibility testing.
- Troubleshoot display, behavior, performance, and data integration issues with analysts and engineers.
- Maintain source code and configuration under review and address security and code-quality findings.
- Support controlled deployments, release documentation, user feedback, and ongoing maintenance of assigned sites.
- Support transition knowledge transfer and maintain current technical or process documentation for assigned responsibilities.
- Coordinate assigned work with program leadership, Government stakeholders, and related teams; report blockers and dependencies promptly.
- Use Government-approved tools and handle program data within authorized environments. Validate any AI-assisted output before it informs delivery decisions.
Work Experience and Job Skills:
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum 7 years of experience developing and maintaining web application interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or an assigned framework.
- Ability to integrate web interfaces with backend services and handle data validation and error states.
- Understanding of responsive design, browser compatibility, and accessible interaction patterns.
- Experience debugging browser behavior and application performance issues.
- Experience with version control, peer review, automated testing, and secure web development.
- Ability to collaborate with content owners, designers, analysts, and backend engineers.
- Ability to document work clearly, protect sensitive program information, and collaborate across Government and contractor teams.
- Ability to meet federal suitability and access requirements and provide on-site support in the Bethesda, Maryland area as directed.
Additional Qualifications:
- Experience with Drupal-based sites or the assigned Java/.NET web environment.
- Federal Section 508 remediation and accessible form development experience.
- Experience with reusable components, automated builds, and approved AI-assisted coding with human review.
- Experience supporting a Federal IT services environment, preferably within a federal health agency or comparable federal IT environment.
- Experience transferring knowledge from an incumbent team and maintaining reliable services during transition.
Education:
- A degree or relevant coursework in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:
- Relevant web development, CMS, or accessibility credentials are preferred.
Communication Skills:
- Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate professionally across Government, prime contractor, and subcontractor teams.
- Ability to explain role-specific findings, document decisions and procedures, and communicate risks and recommended actions to the appropriate audience.
Clearance Requirements:
- Must hold or be eligible for a Public Trust Moderate (Tier 2) background investigation and meet applicable federal suitability, badging, and system-access requirements.
Travel:
- Washington, DC.
Environmental Requirements:
- Mainly a routine office environment.
- May be required to lift up to ten (10) pounds
- Flexible in working extended hours
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Unissant management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.
Candidate(s) will be required to go through pre-employment screening.
Unissant, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! (EOE; M/F/Disability/Vets)
See All 70 Senior Software Developer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Software Developer Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Software Developer Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior software developer jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field required
- Five or more years of professional software development experience in production environments
- Proficiency in at least one major language such as Java, Python, C++, or Go
- Experience designing and deploying cloud-based solutions on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Active or adjudicable U.S. security clearance preferred for federal and defense contractor roles
- Strong background in agile development practices, CI/CD pipelines, and DevSecOps principles
Senior Software Developer Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior software developer in District of Columbia?
Software development is not a licensed profession in the District of Columbia, so no state-issued credential is required to work in the role. The typical path involves earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, building several years of hands-on engineering experience, and demonstrating leadership on complex projects. For the large share of D.C.-area roles tied to federal agencies and defense contractors, obtaining a security clearance is often the single most important career accelerator.
How much do senior software developers make in District of Columbia?
Senior software developers in District of Columbia earn a median of about $136,880 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,140 for the lowest 10% to over $197,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior software developers in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring senior software developers in District of Columbia include Anduril, CACI International, and The Amatriot, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The D.C. market skews heavily toward federal IT contractors and civilian agencies, so defense and intelligence-adjacent firms tend to drive a disproportionate share of senior engineering demand in the region.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most senior software developer jobs?
The cities with the most senior software developer openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington D.C. dominates because it is home to federal agencies, major defense contractors, and the regional headquarters of firms that serve the government market, while nearby suburban nodes in Northern Virginia and Maryland absorb significant overflow hiring from the same employers.
Are there remote senior software developer jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 92% of senior software developer openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well software engineering translates to distributed work. That said, roles requiring access to classified systems or sensitive government infrastructure tend to mandate an on-site or cleared-facility presence, so fully remote availability varies by employer type.
How can I get hired as a senior software developer in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in the D.C. market is through junior or associate developer roles at federal IT contractors, where firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, and Leidos run structured early-career programs and frequently convert entry-level hires into senior positions over time. Building a demonstrated portfolio in cloud infrastructure or cybersecurity, pursuing a CompTIA Security+ certification, and applying to software apprenticeship programs offered by local universities and community colleges can all strengthen a candidacy without prior professional experience.
Where can I find and apply to senior software developer jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to senior software developer jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current D.C.-area openings updated in real time. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and target employers, and apply directly through each listing. No account creation is needed to see the openings.
See All 70 Senior Software Developer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs