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Entry Level Competitive Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Voltai

Software Engineer (Palo Alto)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$160K - $300K/yr

Background in competitive programming. * Experience as an early engineer at a hyper-growth startup ... Seniority level Entry level Employment type Full-time Job function Engineering and Information ...

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Entry Level Competitive Programming information

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$14

$26

$79

How much do entry level competitive programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level competitive programming in the United States is $26.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level competitive programming?

Entry level competitive programming refers to the practice of solving coding problems and algorithmic challenges, typically in online contests, by individuals who are new to the field. It involves learning basic data structures, algorithms, and programming concepts, and participating in beginner-friendly competitions. These activities help you develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and coding efficiency, which are valuable for both academic growth and technical job interviews.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level competitive programmer?

As an entry-level competitive programming professional, you will typically work on algorithmic problem-solving tasks, code optimization challenges, and sometimes contribute to designing practice problems for coding platforms. Your daily responsibilities may involve participating in internal contests, analyzing and debugging code, and collaborating with peers to review solutions and improve efficiency. This role often requires close teamwork with other programmers and mentors, providing a supportive environment to enhance your coding and analytical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level competitive programmer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Competitive Programmer, you need a solid grasp of algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving skills, often supported by coursework or a computer science degree. Familiarity with programming languages like C++, Java, or Python, and experience with online platforms such as Codeforces or LeetCode, is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, persistence, and effective time management help set standout performers apart. These skills are crucial for efficiently tackling complex coding challenges under time constraints and for excelling in programming contests or technical interviews.

What is the difference between Entry Level Competitive Programming vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Competitive ProgrammingEntry Level Software Developer
Required CredentialsBasic programming skills, problem-solvingProgramming skills, possibly a degree in CS or related field
Work EnvironmentCompetitive programming platforms, online contestsSoftware development teams, tech companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for skill demonstration, competitionsUsed for building software products, applications
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding skills overlap, career pathsJob requirements, skill differences

Entry Level Competitive Programming focuses on solving algorithmic problems in contests, emphasizing problem-solving skills. Entry Level Software Developer involves building software applications in a professional environment. While both require strong programming skills, competitive programming is more about algorithmic challenges, whereas software development emphasizes practical coding and project work.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Competitive Programming jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Competitive Programming job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Competitive Programming jobs?

The most popular types of Competitive Programming jobs are:

Entry Level Competitive Programming jobs near you

Software Engineer (Palo Alto)

Voltai

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$160K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Join to apply for the Software Engineer role at Voltai.

This range is provided by Voltai. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$160,000.00/yr - $300,000.00/yr

About Voltai

Voltai is the leading AI company building agentic and reasoning systems for semiconductor and electronics design. We work with 70+% of the world’s largest semiconductor companies and are backed by Sequoia Capital in our Series A.

About The Team

We're a small, elite team of engineers and researchers, including IOI/IPhO olympiad medalists, Stanford professors, ex-IC9 from Meta, ex-CTO of Synopsys, and ex-world wide head of sales from Cadence. Our business leadership has scaled revenue in their previous companies to over $1.5bn.

What we are looking for
  • Software engineers from top-tier CS, EECS, math or physics programs.
  • Willingness to work hard, move fast and grow quickly in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Experience with implementing complex agentic workflows.
  • Experience with Python, C++. Typescript, & React in complex products.
Bonus Points
  • Background in competitive programming.
  • Experience as an early engineer at a hyper-growth startup.
Our Benefits
  • Unlimited PTO: Recharge when you need it, no questions asked.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Free Meals and Snacks: Daily lunches, dinners, and snacks in the office.
  • Professional Growth: We invest in your continuous learning and offer opportunities to expand your skills.
  • Visa Sponsorship: We welcome global talent and provide visa sponsorship to support qualified candidates.
Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

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