Silicon Valley and Silicon Alley aren’t the only destinations for people who want to work in tech. The Washington, DC, area is also a great place to start your job search—and many companies making tech hires here are in sectors that may surprise you.
Of course, you can make an impact at a company that works closely with government agencies, such as BAE Systems or Northrop Grumman. And Esri’s geographic information system (GIS) software takes mapping to the next level in ways that impact communities locally and globally. But there’s also a chance to make an impact in media at the Washington Post or support clients with technical and digital solutions at a consulting firm like CapTech.
Want to learn more? Check out these companies to see how you can make your mark on the DC tech scene.
1. CapTech
CapTech is a national technology and management consulting firm that partners with some of the world's most successful companies to design, develop, and manage technical and digital solutions that delight customers, drive insights, and meet strategic objectives. CapTech has a passion for driving innovation and growth for its clients. Its collaborative approach delivers custom solutions that maximize the impact of client investments.
2. Esri
Esri is the market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping. Its technology combines the science of geography with the power of GIS—think high-tech maps—to make the world work better. By enabling customers to design more efficient cities, deliver clean water and electricity, fight crime, slow climate change, and stamp out disease, Esri is helping create the maps that run the world and shape the future.
3. FINRA
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority—FINRA—is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. The company’s highly trained team of professionals protect investors by writing and enforcing the critical rules and regulations that govern about 3,600 firms and 630,000 brokers across the country. FINRA’s ultimate goal is to foster robust, but fair and orderly, markets in which investors can feel confident.
4. Appian
Appian provides a low-code development platform that accelerates the creation of high-impact business applications. Many of the world’s largest organizations use Appian applications to improve customer experience, achieve operational excellence, and simplify global risk management and compliance.
5. BAE Systems
BAE Systems turns defense, aerospace, and security blueprints into tangible realities by partnering with government agencies and other forces in the industry. BAE Systems employees’ dedication and commitment show in everything they create and deliver, including advanced electronic systems, cyber operations and intelligence analysis, combat vehicles, naval weapons, ship maintenance and modernization, and vehicle upgrades and services. They push the edge with the technologies they create and the services they deliver, to provide a critical advantage to BAE Systems’ customers where it counts.
6. Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense, and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Their 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology, and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products, and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as candidates’ interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow them to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions, and disciplines.
7. Siemens
At Siemens, people are on a mission to change the world and are guided by their belief that “we make real what matters.” Siemens has more than 300,000 of the greatest minds coming together from around the world to work in the areas of smart infrastructure, digital industries, mobility, and healthcare. They know that diversity creates more opportunities for success which is why they are proud to be a global and diverse company designing and implementing over 7,600 different inventions around the world each year.
8. The Washington Post
In addition to being one of the top employers in Washington, D.C. by Forbes, The Washington Post was named one of the Most Innovative Media Companies and the eighth Most Innovative Company in the world by Fast Company—awards reflective of its dedication to transformation, integrity, and quality. Combining its agile, high-performing teams with over 140 years of world-class journalism, The Post delivers quality content and innovative experiences all over the world. The company offers a wide array of products and services, including The Washington Post newspaper, mobile app, washingtonpost.com, Arc Publishing, and Post TV, yet their approach is always the same: shape ideas, redefine speed, and take ownership.
9. GEICO
Standing for Government Employees Insurance Company, GEICO was originally founded in 1936 to provide quality insurance for government employees and military personnel. Today, GEICO has kept its tradition of exceptional service alive, but has expanded its coverage. GEICO serves over 14 million people across the U.S. and offers a diverse array of policies from auto to homeowners to identity theft insurance.
10. UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group, the parent organization of UnitedHealthcare and Optum, is one of the world’s leading diversified health care companies. Their goal is to improve the lives and health of others by helping to drive affordability, accessibility, and quality of care while also helping shape the way the health system works in the future. As a part of a global team, the people at UnitedHealth Group are passionate and motivated to tackle some of the toughest problems the industry is facing while building a meaningful career.
Here at The Muse, we partner with a lot of great companies to bring you insider looks at their offices and awesome job listings. These employers pay us to be featured on the site, but these Muse-worthy brands made this list not just because they want to be included, but because their culture, policies, and employee feedback showed us that they deserve to be.
Think your company should be on a list like this? Learn more and get in touch!