Entry-Level Software Engineer

Peraton; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton, a national security-focused company, is seeking an entry-level Software Engineering Associate for its Ignite Innovators Program in Herndon, VA or Blacksburg, VA. This two-year tech leadership track bridges college graduates to national security missions with hands-on training on modern stacks.

You’ll contribute in an Agile environment, working with Java, Python, C++, and related technologies, while growing core engineering skills and security-minded practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related field by December 2026.
• 0–2+ years of software engineering experience with a solid foundation in object-oriented development.
• Proficiency in Java, Python, C++, or similar languages; strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design leading-edge technology solutions in cybersecurity, satellite ground systems, information management, cloud computing, and AI/ML.
• Develop these solutions across the software lifecycle in an Agile environment.
• Test solutions in cybersecurity, satellite systems, information management, cloud computing, and AI/ML.
• Collaborate with team members to influence project direction in an Agile setting.
• Support requirements, software architecture/design, development, and unit testing.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Adaptability

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering or related field

Tools

Java

Python

C++

Web frameworks

Database technologies

Web services

Web application servers

Ansible

Docker

Rancher

Job description

Software Engineering (Ignite Innovator Pgm), Associate | Peraton

The Tone:

This is an entry-level software engineering role at Peraton, located in Herndon, VA or Blacksburg, VA. Peraton is a national security company that drives missions of consequence globally, serving as a mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider to protect our nation and allies. This role is part of the Ignite Innovators Program, a two-year technical leadership development initiative designed to bridge college graduates to an empowered career in national security, providing hands-on training and vital experience on critical missions.

The TL;DR

• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person Herndon, VA or Blacksburg, VA
• Pay: $66000-$106000 yearly
• Mission: Develop leading-edge technology solutions for national security programs in areas like communications, space, cybersecurity, defense, public safety, and health.
• Tech Stack: Java, Python, C++, web development frameworks, database technologies, web services, web application servers, integrated development environment, configuration/build management tools, Ansible, Docker, Rancher

What You’ll Actually Do

• Design: Design leading-edge technology solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, satellite ground systems, information management systems, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
• Develop: Develop leading-edge technology solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, satellite ground systems, information management systems, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
• Test: Test leading-edge technology solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, satellite ground systems, information management systems, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
• Collaborate: Work in a collaborative, team-oriented Agile software development environment to help shape the direction of the project.
• Support: Support the software engineering life cycle in areas such as requirements/story development, software architecture and design, software development, and unit/component testing.

The Must-Haves

• Background: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related field for December 2026 and May/June 2027 graduates. U.S. Citizenship is required, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Experience: 0-2+ years of experience working as a software engineer, with a solid foundation in object-oriented development.
• Skills: Programming in Java, Python, C++, or a similar language; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to quickly adapt and learn new technologies and concepts; self-motivated, independent, detail-oriented, responsible team-player; strong written and oral communication skills.
• Bonus: 3.0 and above GPA; prior work or educational experience in an Agile software development environment; experience with web development frameworks, database technologies, web services, and/or web application servers; experience with integrated development environment and configuration/build management tools and processes; experience with deploying software into cloud environments, particularly Amazon Web Services, using technologies such as Ansible, Docker, and Rancher.