Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Software Systems Engineer jobs in Maryland concentrate heavily in defense contracting, federal IT services, and aerospace systems, with the state ranking among the most active markets in the country for this role at every level from mid-career to senior principal. Most openings are in the Baltimore, Annapolis, and Bethesda corridors, where large employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Booz Allen Hamilton maintain major engineering footprints. The most in-demand specialties are embedded systems, systems integration, and model-based systems engineering. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 36+ Software Systems Engineer jobs
Software Engineer (SWE), Level 3
An active TS//SCI clearance with polygraph is required for this role
Hey!
Bitwise is a leading provider of mission-focused intelligence solutions that advance national security for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. We're a small and growing company, so you can expect to hop in on the ground floor with us and be a consequential member of the team. You'll be more than a contract performer for us — you'll also be asked for ideas to improve our company and improve your career, and you'll contribute to our team culture. We value growth and community above almost all else, so we gather regularly for game nights, happy hours, tech talks, and plenty more. We think you'll like it here!
Remember, Bitwise is not a cult.
What We Look For
Bitwise hires talented engineers who are driven by purpose and who value a culture of technical excellence, growth, and overall wellness. We deliver new and innovative intelligence solutions to our customers at the very forefront of our country's national security missions. And we do it every single day. Our work matters, and so will you.
We ask that every new hire be able to:
- Contribute meaningful thought leadership — if not right away, over time
- Interact with our customers and earn their confidence in your abilities
- Be detailed, even if that means taking a little more time to get it right
- Contribute their ideas and ideals to improve all aspects of our company
- Allow us to invest in their education so we both grow together
- Know and live our core values every single day
About this Role
We're looking for a highly-motivated and creative Software Engineer with an AI focus to help modernize and transform operational workflows. In this role, you'll work hand-in-hand with organizational leadership and stakeholders to identify process bottlenecks and turn cumbersome, time-consuming tasks into streamlined, AI-assisted workflows. You'll apply systems engineering fundamentals from initial design through development and delivery, building AI agents, Skills, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations that expedite critical operational processes.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the organization's future by applying cutting-edge AI technologies to real operational challenges. You'll engage directly with training staff and leadership to conceptualize creative solutions, then bring them to life using modern software engineering practices. Your work will directly impact mission readiness and operational effectiveness.
What You'll Do:
- Engage with organizational leadership, training staff, and stakeholders to identify process bottlenecks and define requirements for AI-driven improvements
- Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative AI solutions that streamline and expedite operational workflows
- Integrate and configure AI harnesses, including developing custom Skills and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, to connect AI workflows with organizational data and tools
- Apply systems engineering fundamentals across the full lifecycle, from initial design and prototyping through development, testing, and delivery
- Utilize AI software engineering practices to rapidly build, iterate on, and maintain automation tools using Python, Bash, and C++
- Leverage AI to assist in the development, review, and maintenance of critical documentation
- Create technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support adoption of new AI tools by the team
- Provide systems engineering expertise and technical documentation support to stakeholders
Requirements
- 12+ years of relevant experience with a B.S. in a technical discipline, or 16+ years of relevant experience without a degree
- Knowledge of CNE/CNO operations and cyber mission tradecraft
- Experience with operating systems and networking concepts (security, design, and troubleshooting)
- Proficiency in scripting/programming languages (Bash, Python, C++)
- Experience applying AI/ML technologies to improve workload efficiency and automate routine tasks
- Familiarity with AI harnesses and agentic workflows, including implementing Skills and MCP servers
- Experience applying systems engineering fundamentals from initial design through development and delivery
- Experience with documentation generation and organization
Preferred Skills
- Experience or familiarity with formalized training pipelines and operational certification processes
- Experience developing or reviewing high-stakes course products or foundational training and certification documents
- Previous operational experience in cyber mission roles
- Experience building and deploying custom MCP servers or AI agents in a production or enterprise environment
- Experience with Large Language Model (LLM) prompt engineering, evaluation, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- Experience working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to gather and refine requirements
- Familiarity with web development frameworks (e.g., React, TypeScript) for building user-facing tools
️ Benefits at Bitwise
- Top salaries because we're top performers
- Pick your PTO — Everyone values time and money differently, so we give you the flexibility to choose between 3 and 5 weeks of PTO with a corresponding adjustment to your pay. Your choice, your balance.
- All 11 federal holidays, paid!
- Up to 2 snow days, paid! We'll quadruple (4x!) the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k), giving you up to a 24% company match. Contributing less than 6%? Unclaimed matches come right back to you as extra income, giving you a guaranteed 24% that goes to your retirement, to your paycheck, or both. C'mon now!
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances. That's a lot. Already covered on health insurance? No problem — we'll trade you this benefit for a boost to your salary instead.
- $5,250 annual education assistance for training, certifications, tuition, and even student loan repayments. Spot bonuses for obtained certifications, customer recognition, and just about anything else that makes us go "Hot damn!". We hope to say that many times about you.
Salary Range
$282,000 – $332,000
This range includes our flex income and depends upon your annual work hours.
Salary is determined on an individual basis following the interview process and considering various factors such as years of experience, skills, education, and certifications.
️ What to Expect After Applying
You'll get an email from us right away to acknowledge your application. After that, we'll:
- Send over additional company materials for you to review
- Schedule a video call to talk about you, our company, and your place in it
- Craft a delightful offer package for you and record a video walkthrough
- Work closely with you through onboarding. We'll keep it joyful and easy.
ℹ️ Disclaimers
Bitwise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Compensation for this position, including all compensation options, will be determined on an individual basis following the interview process.
If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please reach out to us.
Software Engineer (SWE), Level 3
An active TS//SCI clearance with polygraph is required for this role
Hey!
Bitwise is a leading provider of mission-focused intelligence solutions that advance national security for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. We're a small and growing company, so you can expect to hop in on the ground floor with us and be a consequential member of the team. You'll be more than a contract performer for us — you'll also be asked for ideas to improve our company and improve your career, and you'll contribute to our team culture. We value growth and community above almost all else, so we gather regularly for game nights, happy hours, tech talks, and plenty more. We think you'll like it here!
Remember, Bitwise is not a cult.
What We Look For
Bitwise hires talented engineers who are driven by purpose and who value a culture of technical excellence, growth, and overall wellness. We deliver new and innovative intelligence solutions to our customers at the very forefront of our country's national security missions. And we do it every single day. Our work matters, and so will you.
We ask that every new hire be able to:
- Contribute meaningful thought leadership — if not right away, over time
- Interact with our customers and earn their confidence in your abilities
- Be detailed, even if that means taking a little more time to get it right
- Contribute their ideas and ideals to improve all aspects of our company
- Allow us to invest in their education so we both grow together
- Know and live our core values every single day
About this Role
We're looking for a highly-motivated and creative Software Engineer with an AI focus to help modernize and transform operational workflows. In this role, you'll work hand-in-hand with organizational leadership and stakeholders to identify process bottlenecks and turn cumbersome, time-consuming tasks into streamlined, AI-assisted workflows. You'll apply systems engineering fundamentals from initial design through development and delivery, building AI agents, Skills, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations that expedite critical operational processes.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the organization's future by applying cutting-edge AI technologies to real operational challenges. You'll engage directly with training staff and leadership to conceptualize creative solutions, then bring them to life using modern software engineering practices. Your work will directly impact mission readiness and operational effectiveness.
What You'll Do:
- Engage with organizational leadership, training staff, and stakeholders to identify process bottlenecks and define requirements for AI-driven improvements
- Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative AI solutions that streamline and expedite operational workflows
- Integrate and configure AI harnesses, including developing custom Skills and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, to connect AI workflows with organizational data and tools
- Apply systems engineering fundamentals across the full lifecycle, from initial design and prototyping through development, testing, and delivery
- Utilize AI software engineering practices to rapidly build, iterate on, and maintain automation tools using Python, Bash, and C++
- Leverage AI to assist in the development, review, and maintenance of critical documentation
- Create technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support adoption of new AI tools by the team
- Provide systems engineering expertise and technical documentation support to stakeholders
Requirements
- 12+ years of relevant experience with a B.S. in a technical discipline, or 16+ years of relevant experience without a degree
- Knowledge of CNE/CNO operations and cyber mission tradecraft
- Experience with operating systems and networking concepts (security, design, and troubleshooting)
- Proficiency in scripting/programming languages (Bash, Python, C++)
- Experience applying AI/ML technologies to improve workload efficiency and automate routine tasks
- Familiarity with AI harnesses and agentic workflows, including implementing Skills and MCP servers
- Experience applying systems engineering fundamentals from initial design through development and delivery
- Experience with documentation generation and organization
Preferred Skills
- Experience or familiarity with formalized training pipelines and operational certification processes
- Experience developing or reviewing high-stakes course products or foundational training and certification documents
- Previous operational experience in cyber mission roles
- Experience building and deploying custom MCP servers or AI agents in a production or enterprise environment
- Experience with Large Language Model (LLM) prompt engineering, evaluation, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- Experience working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to gather and refine requirements
- Familiarity with web development frameworks (e.g., React, TypeScript) for building user-facing tools
️ Benefits at Bitwise
- Top salaries because we're top performers
- Pick your PTO — Everyone values time and money differently, so we give you the flexibility to choose between 3 and 5 weeks of PTO with a corresponding adjustment to your pay. Your choice, your balance.
- All 11 federal holidays, paid!
- Up to 2 snow days, paid! We'll quadruple (4x!) the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k), giving you up to a 24% company match. Contributing less than 6%? Unclaimed matches come right back to you as extra income, giving you a guaranteed 24% that goes to your retirement, to your paycheck, or both. C'mon now!
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances. That's a lot. Already covered on health insurance? No problem — we'll trade you this benefit for a boost to your salary instead.
- $5,250 annual education assistance for training, certifications, tuition, and even student loan repayments. Spot bonuses for obtained certifications, customer recognition, and just about anything else that makes us go "Hot damn!". We hope to say that many times about you.
Salary Range
$282,000 – $332,000
This range includes our flex income and depends upon your annual work hours.
Salary is determined on an individual basis following the interview process and considering various factors such as years of experience, skills, education, and certifications.
️ What to Expect After Applying
You'll get an email from us right away to acknowledge your application. After that, we'll:
- Send over additional company materials for you to review
- Schedule a video call to talk about you, our company, and your place in it
- Craft a delightful offer package for you and record a video walkthrough
- Work closely with you through onboarding. We'll keep it joyful and easy.
ℹ️ Disclaimers
Bitwise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Compensation for this position, including all compensation options, will be determined on an individual basis following the interview process.
If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please reach out to us.
See All 36 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSoftware Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Systems Engineer Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software systems engineer jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field
- Experience with systems engineering lifecycle processes including requirements analysis and verification
- Active or eligible DoD security clearance, often Secret or Top Secret, required by most Maryland employers
- Proficiency with systems modeling tools such as DOORS, MATLAB, or SysML
- Demonstrated experience integrating hardware and software components in complex system architectures
- Familiarity with Agile or SAFe development methodologies as applied to systems engineering programs
Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software systems engineer in Maryland?
Most software systems engineers in Maryland enter the field with a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline. Maryland does not require a state-issued license specific to software systems engineering, but many roles in the state's defense and federal contracting sectors require a DoD security clearance, which employers typically sponsor after hire. Professional Engineer licensure through the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers is valued for senior or lead roles, particularly on government programs.
How much do software systems engineers make in Maryland?
Software systems 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 systems engineers in Maryland?
Companies currently hiring software systems engineers in Maryland include Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Forterra, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Maryland's dense concentration of defense prime contractors and federal civilian agency support firms makes it one of the most consistent states in the country for sustained software systems engineering hiring.
Which Maryland cities have the most software systems engineer jobs?
Laurel, Columbia, and Annapolis Junction lead Maryland in software systems engineer openings. The Baltimore and Bethesda areas anchor most of the demand, driven by proximity to federal agencies like NSA, DISA, and NIH and the large defense and IT contractors that support them, while smaller suburban corridors like Annapolis Junction and Linthicum host significant campuses from prime contractors.
Are there remote software systems engineer jobs in Maryland?
Yes, and more than many engineering disciplines, though fully remote positions remain selective for this role. About 67% of software systems engineer openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the mix of lab-based integration work and office-based systems analysis. Model-based systems engineering, requirements analysis, and documentation-heavy roles tend to be the most remote-eligible, while hardware integration and clearance-sensitive programs are nearly always on-site.
How can I get hired as a software systems engineer in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate or associate systems engineer programs at Maryland's major defense contractors, including Northrop Grumman and Leidos, both of which run structured early-career rotational programs in the state. Strong candidates typically hold a bachelor's in a technical field and are able to obtain a security clearance. Adjacent roles like systems analyst, integration technician, or software quality assurance engineer at smaller Maryland government contractors are common stepping stones, and pursuing INCOSE membership or a Certified Systems Engineering Professional credential in progress signals seriousness to hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, clearance status, and technical background, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 36 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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