Software Design Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Software Design Engineer jobs in Maryland are concentrated in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, Annapolis, and the I-270 technology corridor, where defense contractors, federal agencies, and commercial tech firms drive steady demand for embedded systems, firmware, and systems-level software specialists. Established employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Booz Allen Hamilton maintain deep engineering footprints across the state, hiring at levels from associate to principal engineer. The most active specialties are embedded software, real-time systems, and hardware-software integration, reflecting Maryland's heavy defense and aerospace industry base. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description
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.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.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is currently recruiting for an Engineer Design to join our team at the Annapolis, MD location.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in learning Model Based Definition (MBD) in NX and working knowledge of Teamcenter in the Design Services group.
Essential Functions:
- Review 2D drawings and 3D models for dimensional accuracy, completeness, and adherence to engineering and drafting standards (e.g., GD&T, company drawing practices).
- Verify correct application of materials, finishes, notes, part numbers, and revision status on engineering documents.
- Check designs for consistency with system and interface requirements, including fit, form, and function within assemblies.
- Confirm that tolerance schemes are appropriate and support producibility, inspection, and functional requirements.
- Ensure configuration control and traceability of engineering changes in accordance with established procedures.
- Collaborate with design engineers, stress/analysis, manufacturing, and quality to resolve discrepancies and clarify design intent.
- Support release of engineering documentation through the PLM/ERP systems, ensuring all required approvals and records are in place.
- Participate in continuous improvement of checking practices, tools, and checklists.
Basic Qualifications for Engineering Design:
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Mechanical, Aerospace, or related discipline) and 2 years work experience in a related field or MS degree with 0 years of experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience could be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Familiarity with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, Creo, or similar) and 2D drafting.
- Basic understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing standards (e.g., ASME Y14 series).
- Strong attention to detail and ability to systematically review technical documentation.
- Good communication and collaboration skills in a team environment.
- U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with engineering checking, drafting, or design support in an aerospace or highly regulated environment.
- Exposure to PLM/ERP systems for configuration management and release of engineering data.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and inspection
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See All 222+ Software Design Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Software Design Engineer JobsSoftware Design Engineer Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Design Engineer Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman18

- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory16

- Stanley Black & Decker8

- Williams-Sonoma6

- Johns Hopkins University5

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Science & Research
- Telecommunications
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software design engineer jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering required
- Proficiency in C, C++, or Ada for embedded and real-time systems development
- Experience with hardware-software integration and firmware development on embedded platforms
- Familiarity with DOORS, JIRA, or equivalent requirements and defect tracking tools
- Active or clearance-eligible security clearance preferred for defense and federal contractor roles
- Knowledge of systems engineering practices including design documentation and verification testing
Software Design Engineer Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software design engineer in Maryland?
A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering is the standard entry point for software design engineer roles in Maryland. The state does not require a specific license for software design engineers, though engineers who certify safety-critical systems may pursue Professional Engineer registration through the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers. Most employers in the Baltimore-Washington corridor prioritize degree credentials, relevant programming experience, and for defense roles, the ability to obtain a security clearance.
How much do software design engineers make in Maryland?
Software design engineers in Maryland earn a median of about $138,680 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $87,690 for the lowest 10% to over $222,610 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire software design engineers in Maryland?
Companies currently hiring software design engineers in Maryland include Northrop Grumman, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Stanley Black & Decker, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Maryland's concentration of defense contractors and federal IT services firms means the hiring pool includes a mix of large prime contractors and specialized engineering firms with long-term government programs based in the state.
Which Maryland cities have the most software design engineer jobs?
The cities with the most software design engineer openings in Maryland are Baltimore, Annapolis, and Laurel. Baltimore anchors the commercial and academic side of hiring through its hospital systems and technology firms, while the I-270 corridor between Rockville and Frederick concentrates defense and federal contract work, and areas near Annapolis and Linthicum benefit from proximity to NSA and other federal installations that anchor major engineering programs.
Are there remote software design engineer jobs in Maryland?
Yes, and more than most engineering disciplines. About 61% of software design engineer openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based and design-heavy nature of much of the work. The roles most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are those focused on application-layer software and systems architecture, while positions involving hardware bring-up, lab testing, or classified work typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a software design engineer in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate or associate engineer programs at large Maryland defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman or Leidos, which run structured rotational and development programs specifically designed for candidates fresh out of university. Adjacent roles in software quality assurance, systems integration and test, or hardware verification are common lateral entry points that build the embedded and systems knowledge employers want. A senior capstone project, GitHub portfolio showing firmware or low-level software work, or enrollment in a Professional Engineer development path through the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers can strengthen an application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to software design engineer jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to software design engineer jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Maryland employers. Search the listings to find roles that match your background in embedded systems, systems engineering, or applications development, and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location preferences.
See All 222+ Software Design Engineer Jobs in Maryland
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