Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Staff Software Engineer jobs in Maryland are concentrated in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, Bethesda, and Columbia, where federal contractors, cybersecurity firms, and enterprise technology companies drive consistent senior-level hiring. Employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and SAIC have deep engineering footprints in the state and regularly post staff-level openings across distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and security software. Maryland's proximity to federal agencies keeps demand especially strong for engineers with experience in cloud-native development, backend platform engineering, and systems software. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 23+ Staff Software Engineer jobs
Standard Job Description
WHAT WE’RE DOING
At Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, we're on a mission to drive innovation and uphold the highest standards of business ethics. We believe that by pushing the boundaries of visionary thinking, we can achieve exceptional results. As a Lockheed Martin employee, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in an environment that values integrity and excellence.
By leveraging your expertise in instructional design and technical training, you will play a critical role in enhancing the operational readiness of our Cyber & Intelligence teams and ensuring the success of high-stakes national security missions.
THE WORK
You will be the one to perform system administration, maintenance, upgrades, installation, test, integration, and configuration of VLP / LF / MF / HF / VHF / UHF / Radio Spectrum Frequencies, collection, and geo‑location systems and software – including prototypes, development builds, operational‑testing units, test rigs, and laboratory‑environment products. Provide Tier‑3 technical and engineering support, troubleshooting system failures or performance degradations and restoring equipment to full operational capability. Deliver 24 × 7 call‑in support for critical operational system discrepancies. Integrate, test, and optimize SIGINT systems with enterprise‑wide infrastructures, services, and databases. Develop, maintain, and disseminate technical documentation, procedures, and knowledge‑base articles. Assist government engineers in creating, updating, and managing system‑product‑line standards and associated databases.
WHY JOIN US
In this role you will have the opportunity to shape the future of technical proficiency within the Cyber & Intelligence domain, directly impacting the capabilities of those who protect our national security.
Our benefits are built to match the caliber of your work. Reliable, high performing, and mission ready. You’ll enjoy world class resources, mentorship, continuous learning, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work life balance—all within a culture that values innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
Know someone? The External Referral Program lets you submit a referral. If your referral is hired, you'll receive a $3000 payment!
PLUS you may be eligible for up to a $25K sign on bonus for you to join the team.
Additional program roles found by searching #RMSIL2026 and #LMCyberJobs #RMSROC #ONELMHOTJOBS
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Computer Science or
- Eight (8) years of relevant experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree, or
- Two (2) years of experience with an MS in Engineering or Computer Science (can substitute for the bachelor's).
- Four (4) years of experience with software and system deployments, Linux system administration, containerization, cloud deployments, and DevSecOps.
-
Recent (within the last 3 years) experience in:
- Kubernetes
- Cluster orchestration
- Containerization
- US Security Clearance with an Active Polygraph (updated within the last 7 years).
- Active IAT‑II CWIP / DoD 8570‑compliant certification (e.g., Security+)
- Availability for 24/7 call‑in support for operational system‑critical discrepancies.
- Willingness to travel for information‑system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Desired Skills
- Operating Systems & Administration: Linux system administration (RHEL/CentOS), scripting (Python, Bash).
- Containerization & Orchestration: Hands‑on Docker; Kubernetes cluster management; experience with cluster orchestration tools.
- Cloud & DevSecOps: Cloud deployment experience; DevSecOps practices.
- Networking: Familiarity with network concepts to support SIGINT system integration.
- Documentation: Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and knowledge‑base articles.
- Support: Tier‑3 troubleshooting and 24 × 7 operational support.
- Travel & Support: Willingness to travel for system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting; availability for 24/7 on‑call support.
- Security & Certifications: IAT‑II CWIP / DoD 8570 compliance (Security+), CCNA.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Standard Job Description
WHAT WE’RE DOING
At Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, we're on a mission to drive innovation and uphold the highest standards of business ethics. We believe that by pushing the boundaries of visionary thinking, we can achieve exceptional results. As a Lockheed Martin employee, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in an environment that values integrity and excellence.
By leveraging your expertise in instructional design and technical training, you will play a critical role in enhancing the operational readiness of our Cyber & Intelligence teams and ensuring the success of high-stakes national security missions.
THE WORK
You will be the one to perform system administration, maintenance, upgrades, installation, test, integration, and configuration of VLP / LF / MF / HF / VHF / UHF / Radio Spectrum Frequencies, collection, and geo‑location systems and software – including prototypes, development builds, operational‑testing units, test rigs, and laboratory‑environment products. Provide Tier‑3 technical and engineering support, troubleshooting system failures or performance degradations and restoring equipment to full operational capability. Deliver 24 × 7 call‑in support for critical operational system discrepancies. Integrate, test, and optimize SIGINT systems with enterprise‑wide infrastructures, services, and databases. Develop, maintain, and disseminate technical documentation, procedures, and knowledge‑base articles. Assist government engineers in creating, updating, and managing system‑product‑line standards and associated databases.
WHY JOIN US
In this role you will have the opportunity to shape the future of technical proficiency within the Cyber & Intelligence domain, directly impacting the capabilities of those who protect our national security.
Our benefits are built to match the caliber of your work. Reliable, high performing, and mission ready. You’ll enjoy world class resources, mentorship, continuous learning, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work life balance—all within a culture that values innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
Know someone? The External Referral Program lets you submit a referral. If your referral is hired, you'll receive a $3000 payment!
PLUS you may be eligible for up to a $25K sign on bonus for you to join the team.
Additional program roles found by searching #RMSIL2026 and #LMCyberJobs #RMSROC #ONELMHOTJOBS
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Computer Science or
- Eight (8) years of relevant experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree, or
- Two (2) years of experience with an MS in Engineering or Computer Science (can substitute for the bachelor's).
- Four (4) years of experience with software and system deployments, Linux system administration, containerization, cloud deployments, and DevSecOps.
-
Recent (within the last 3 years) experience in:
- Kubernetes
- Cluster orchestration
- Containerization
- US Security Clearance with an Active Polygraph (updated within the last 7 years).
- Active IAT‑II CWIP / DoD 8570‑compliant certification (e.g., Security+)
- Availability for 24/7 call‑in support for operational system‑critical discrepancies.
- Willingness to travel for information‑system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Desired Skills
- Operating Systems & Administration: Linux system administration (RHEL/CentOS), scripting (Python, Bash).
- Containerization & Orchestration: Hands‑on Docker; Kubernetes cluster management; experience with cluster orchestration tools.
- Cloud & DevSecOps: Cloud deployment experience; DevSecOps practices.
- Networking: Familiarity with network concepts to support SIGINT system integration.
- Documentation: Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and knowledge‑base articles.
- Support: Tier‑3 troubleshooting and 24 × 7 operational support.
- Travel & Support: Willingness to travel for system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting; availability for 24/7 on‑call support.
- Security & Certifications: IAT‑II CWIP / DoD 8570 compliance (Security+), CCNA.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
See All 23 Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Staff Software Engineer JobsStaff Software Engineer Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Staff Software Engineer Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Lockheed Martin10
- GEICO6
- Northrop Grumman4
- Xometry2
- CVS Health1
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Technology & Software
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in staff software engineer jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
- Seven or more years of professional software engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Proficiency in one or more of Java, Python, Go, or C++ in production environments
- Experience designing and owning large-scale distributed systems or cloud infrastructure on AWS or Azure
- Ability to obtain or active possession of a U.S. security clearance preferred by many Maryland employers
- Strong record of mentoring engineers and driving cross-team technical decisions and code quality standards
Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a staff software engineer in Maryland?
Reaching the staff software engineer level in Maryland typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or software engineering followed by several years of progressively senior engineering work. Maryland does not issue a state license for software engineers, so advancement is credential-driven through employer promotion and technical portfolio. Many Maryland employers, especially federal contractors in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, also weight candidates who can demonstrate experience leading architecture decisions across a team.
How much do staff software engineers make in Maryland?
Staff software 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 staff software engineers in Maryland?
Employers hiring staff software engineers in Maryland right now include Lockheed Martin, GEICO, and Northrop Grumman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Maryland's heavy concentration of federal defense and intelligence contractors means that large employers like these often hire staff-level engineers with systems, cloud, or cybersecurity backgrounds on a rolling basis.
Which Maryland cities have the most staff software engineer jobs?
The cities with the most staff software engineer openings in Maryland are Bethesda, Fort Meade, and Jessup. The distribution reflects the Baltimore-Washington corridor's density of federal contractors, defense agencies, and enterprise technology headquarters, which anchor demand even in suburban hubs like Columbia and Bethesda where many of these employers maintain major campuses.
Are there remote staff software engineer jobs in Maryland?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 100% of staff software engineer openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well senior software engineering work translates to distributed environments. The most remote-friendly sub-areas tend to be backend platform engineering, cloud infrastructure, and developer tooling, while roles tied to classified federal programs typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a staff software engineer in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic path for candidates without senior experience is to enter through an associate or mid-level software engineering role and build toward promotion. Maryland's large federal contractors, including Northrop Grumman and Leidos, run structured new-graduate hiring programs that place engineers into rotational or entry-level positions on government-facing product teams. Adjacent roles like software developer, systems engineer, or DevOps engineer at Maryland employers are common lateral starting points. Contributing to an open-source project or earning a cloud certification from AWS or Google strengthens an application considerably at the early career stage.
Where can I find and apply to staff software engineer jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to staff software engineer jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and preferences, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 23 Staff Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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