Software Applications Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Software Applications Engineer jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in defense contracting, federal IT services, cybersecurity, and commercial technology sectors, with openings from entry-level junior engineers through senior architects and technical leads. The largest hiring metros are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads, where major employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and General Dynamics Information Technology maintain deep engineering workforces. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia include embedded systems development, cloud-native application engineering, and defense software integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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STR is seeking a motivated and versatile Software Developer to join our Strategic Projects, Analytics & Applications (SPAA) team within the Operations Division. SPAA is responsible for developing and sustaining enterprise business capabilities through cross-functional project execution, business analytics, and business applications management.
This position will support the design, development, integration, and maintenance of software tools and applications that improve business processes, automate workflows, and enable data-driven decision-making across STR.
Working closely with the Business Analytics and Business Applications functional leads, the Software Developer will develop and maintain solutions that support enterprise reporting, data integration, business system administration, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will be a technically capable, creative problem-solver who enjoys collaborating with business stakeholders to translate operational needs into reliable, scalable software solutions.
Description & Responsibilities / What you will do:
- Collaborate with Business Analytics, Business Applications, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, identify opportunities for automation and process improvement, and translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Develop product roadmaps, prioritize and maintain feature backlogs, and communicate progress to project stakeholders.
- Design, develop, and test software applications, tools, integrations, APIs, and automated workflows that support enterprise business operations, including STR's enterprise data warehouse and associated data processing capabilities.
- Leverage AI-assisted development tools and coding agents to accelerate software development, testing, and maintenance.
- Deploy and maintain containerized applications (e.g., Docker, Podman) using CI/CD pipelines, source control, and automated testing to ensure reliable software delivery.
- Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure solutions meet STR's technical, infrastructure, and security requirements.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and enhance existing applications, scripts, integrations, and automation tools, providing ongoing operational support and technical documentation.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to software development practices, system reliability, and enterprise capabilities.
Experience & Qualifications / Who you are:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
- Minimum of 2 years of professional software development experience
- Proficiency in Python and experience with one or more additional programming languages, such as C++ or Java
- Experience using AI-assisted software development tools and coding agents, such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, or similar technologies
- Experience developing, testing, and maintaining software solutions intended for reliable enterprise use
- Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and Podman
- Experience with Git-based source control, CI/CD tools such as GitLab, and automated build and deployment pipelines
- Working knowledge of Linux environments and basic system administration
- Understanding of IT cybersecurity fundamentals and secure software development practices
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to independently investigate and resolve technical challenges
- Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple development and support priorities
- Demonstrated communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Nice to have:
- Experience developing software tools and integrations supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP), financial, HR, or other business applications
- Experience with SQL, relational databases, data engineering, ETL/ELT pipelines, or data warehouse technologies
- Experience developing REST APIs, web applications, or internal business tools
- Familiarity with Power BI, business intelligence platforms, or analytical data environments
- Experience developing AI-enabled applications, including large language model integrations, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or agent-based workflows
- Experience with infrastructure automation, application monitoring, logging, and operational support
- Familiarity with software development practices in regulated or security-conscious environments
- Experience working in cross-functional teams supporting enterprise business transformation or process improvement initiatives
- Experience supporting U.S. Government contracting organizations
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $111,000 - $145,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
STR is seeking a motivated and versatile Software Developer to join our Strategic Projects, Analytics & Applications (SPAA) team within the Operations Division. SPAA is responsible for developing and sustaining enterprise business capabilities through cross-functional project execution, business analytics, and business applications management.
This position will support the design, development, integration, and maintenance of software tools and applications that improve business processes, automate workflows, and enable data-driven decision-making across STR.
Working closely with the Business Analytics and Business Applications functional leads, the Software Developer will develop and maintain solutions that support enterprise reporting, data integration, business system administration, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will be a technically capable, creative problem-solver who enjoys collaborating with business stakeholders to translate operational needs into reliable, scalable software solutions.
Description & Responsibilities / What you will do:
- Collaborate with Business Analytics, Business Applications, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, identify opportunities for automation and process improvement, and translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Develop product roadmaps, prioritize and maintain feature backlogs, and communicate progress to project stakeholders.
- Design, develop, and test software applications, tools, integrations, APIs, and automated workflows that support enterprise business operations, including STR's enterprise data warehouse and associated data processing capabilities.
- Leverage AI-assisted development tools and coding agents to accelerate software development, testing, and maintenance.
- Deploy and maintain containerized applications (e.g., Docker, Podman) using CI/CD pipelines, source control, and automated testing to ensure reliable software delivery.
- Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure solutions meet STR's technical, infrastructure, and security requirements.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and enhance existing applications, scripts, integrations, and automation tools, providing ongoing operational support and technical documentation.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to software development practices, system reliability, and enterprise capabilities.
Experience & Qualifications / Who you are:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
- Minimum of 2 years of professional software development experience
- Proficiency in Python and experience with one or more additional programming languages, such as C++ or Java
- Experience using AI-assisted software development tools and coding agents, such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, or similar technologies
- Experience developing, testing, and maintaining software solutions intended for reliable enterprise use
- Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and Podman
- Experience with Git-based source control, CI/CD tools such as GitLab, and automated build and deployment pipelines
- Working knowledge of Linux environments and basic system administration
- Understanding of IT cybersecurity fundamentals and secure software development practices
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to independently investigate and resolve technical challenges
- Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple development and support priorities
- Demonstrated communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Nice to have:
- Experience developing software tools and integrations supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP), financial, HR, or other business applications
- Experience with SQL, relational databases, data engineering, ETL/ELT pipelines, or data warehouse technologies
- Experience developing REST APIs, web applications, or internal business tools
- Familiarity with Power BI, business intelligence platforms, or analytical data environments
- Experience developing AI-enabled applications, including large language model integrations, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or agent-based workflows
- Experience with infrastructure automation, application monitoring, logging, and operational support
- Familiarity with software development practices in regulated or security-conscious environments
- Experience working in cross-functional teams supporting enterprise business transformation or process improvement initiatives
- Experience supporting U.S. Government contracting organizations
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $111,000 - $145,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
See All 8 Software Applications Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSoftware Applications Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Applications Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software applications engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Proficiency in one or more languages such as Java, Python, C++, or C#
- Experience designing, developing, and testing software applications in an agile environment
- Active DoD security clearance or eligibility to obtain one for defense-sector roles
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Strong skills in version control, CI/CD pipelines, and collaborative development practices
Software Applications Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software applications engineer in Virginia?
Most software applications engineer roles in Virginia require at minimum a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or an adjacent field from an accredited institution. Virginia does not issue a state-specific license for this role, so hiring focuses on education, demonstrated coding skills, and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Azure credentials. Candidates targeting defense or federal contractors in Northern Virginia should expect to pursue a security clearance as part of the hiring process.
How much do software applications engineers make in Virginia?
Software applications engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $136,460 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,350 for the lowest 10% to over $211,930 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire software applications engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring software applications engineers in Virginia right now include STR, IDME, and L3Harris, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's defense contracting corridor in Northern Virginia and its growing commercial tech scene in Richmond and Charlottesville mean engineering talent is in demand across both government-adjacent and private-sector employers.
Which Virginia cities have the most software applications engineer jobs?
Quantico, Arlington, and McLean have the highest concentration of software applications engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia dominates due to its density of federal agencies, defense contractors, and cloud infrastructure firms, while Richmond attracts commercial software and fintech employers, and Hampton Roads supports a mix of military systems integrators and private technology companies.
Are there remote software applications engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 40% of software applications engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well this role lends itself to distributed work. The most commonly remote sub-areas are web application development, cloud backend engineering, and DevOps, while roles tied to classified systems or on-site lab environments typically require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a software applications engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior or associate software engineer role at a mid-size Virginia technology services firm or federal contractor, where new graduates are regularly onboarded. Large Northern Virginia employers like Leidos and SAIC run associate engineer and recent-graduate programs that pair entry-level hires with senior mentors. Building a portfolio of personal or open-source projects and earning a cloud certification, such as AWS Cloud Practitioner, gives candidates a concrete edge when applying without professional experience.
Where can I find and apply to software applications engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to software applications engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and the surrounding areas. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly.
See All 8 Software Applications Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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