Staff Software Engineer - Federal

Santa Clara, CALIFORNIA, us February 24, 2026 Full Time Smartrecruiters

What you get to do in this role:

  • Build high-quality, clean, scalable and reusable code by enforcing best practices around software engineering architecture and processes (Code Reviews, Unit testing, etc.)
  • Work with the product owners to understand detailed requirements and own your code from design, implementation, test automation and delivery of high-quality product to our users.
  • Design software that is simple to use to allow customers to extend and customize the functionality to meet their specific needs
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of new products and features while also enhancing the existing product suite
  • Be a mentor for colleagues and help promote knowledge-sharing

To be successful in this role you have:

  • Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI's potential impact on the function or industry.
  • 6+ years of experience with Java or a similar OO language
  • Passion for JavaScript and the Web as a platform, reusability, and componentization
  • Experience with data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, design patterns, and performance/scale considerations
  • Experience with any of the modern UI frameworks like Angular, React or Vue
  • Analytical and design skills
  • Ability to manage projects with material technical risk at a team level

“This position requires passing a ServiceNow background screening, USFedPASS (US Federal Personnel Authorization Screening Standards). This includes a credit check, criminal/misdemeanor check and taking a drug test. Any employment is contingent upon passing the screening. Due to Federal requirements, only US citizens, US naturalized citizens or US Permanent Residents, holding a green card, will be considered.”

FD21

For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $163,600 - $286,300, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.

It all started in sunny San Diego, California in 2004 when a visionary engineer, Fred Luddy, saw the potential to transform how we work. Fast forward to today — ServiceNow stands as a global market leader, bringing innovative AI-enhanced technology to over 8,100 customers, including 85% of the Fortune 500®. Our intelligent cloud-based platform seamlessly connects people, systems, and processes to empower organizations to find smarter, faster, and better ways to work. But this is just the beginning of our journey. Join us as we pursue our purpose to make the world work better for everyone.

Apply on company site

How to Get Hired at ServiceNow

  • Tailor every application to the specific ServiceNow product workflow mentioned in the job posting (ITSM, CSM, SecOps, HRSD) — generic 'enterprise software' resumes get lost among many open roles
  • Obtain or pursue at least one ServiceNow platform certification before applying to technical roles; list it prominently and use exact certification acronyms (CSA, CIS-ITSM, CAD) to match SmartRecruiters keyword filters
Read the full guide

How well do you match this role?

Check My Resume