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Entry Level Computer Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Computer Science, Math, or Engineering fundamentals. * Proficiency or ability to quickly learn JavaScript, APIs, SQL/NoSQL, and New Technologies. * High Energy / Attitude. * Creative Problem Solving.

Computer Science, Math, or Engineering fundamentals. * Proficiency or ability to quickly learn JavaScript, APIs, SQL/NoSQL, and New Technologies. * High Energy / Attitude. * Creative Problem Solving.

Qualifications Qualifications: BS in Biomedical Engineering/ BS in Chemical Engineering/ Computer Science/ MS Computer Science/ BBA/ MBA/ Engineering degree required from an accredited university or ...

Qualifications Qualifications: BS in Biomedical Engineering/ BS in Chemical Engineering/ Computer Science/ MS Computer Science/ BBA/ MBA/ Engineering degree required from an accredited university or ...

Qualifications Qualifications: BS in Biomedical Engineering/ BS in Chemical Engineering/ Computer Science/ MS Computer Science/ BBA/ MBA/ Engineering degree required from an accredited university or ...

Qualifications Qualifications: BS in Biomedical Engineering/ BS in Chemical Engineering/ Computer Science/ MS Computer Science/ BBA/ MBA/ Engineering degree required from an accredited university or ...

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), or Electronics & Computer Technology (ECT) * Motivated, self ...

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), or Electronics & Computer Technology (ECT) * Motivated, self ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Computer Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$52.5K

$115.8K

$143K

How much do entry level computer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level computer scientist in Reston, VA is $115,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Computer Scientist Do?

As an entry-level computer scientist, your job is to help develop software for your client. In this role, you may help coordinate the flow of work between departments, provide feedback on the development of an application, work with an existing developer to learn coding techniques, study the programming environment, or set up a server. As a junior developer, your job isn't to create the software so much as learn how to make it. Companies typically use this job as an extended training period to prepare employees for larger assignments. These jobs go by several names, so you may need to apply for positions like an entry-level computer programmer or entry-level computer engineer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Computer Scientist, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Entry Level Computer Scientist, a solid background in computer science fundamentals, programming languages (such as Python or Java), and a relevant degree are essential. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), development environments, and basic software engineering tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in collaborative and technical settings. These skills ensure the ability to contribute to projects, adapt to new technologies, and work efficiently within dynamic development teams.

What types of projects do entry level computer scientists typically work on, and how do these projects support skill development?

Entry level computer scientists are often assigned to collaborative projects such as developing software features, debugging code, or assisting with data analysis tasks. These projects usually involve working under the guidance of senior engineers and require learning new programming languages, development tools, and methodologies. By tackling real-world problems and contributing to team goals, entry level professionals gain practical experience, build technical proficiency, and learn industry best practices, which are essential for career advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Computer Scientist vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Computer ScientistEntry Level Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; some roles may prefer internshipsBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; coding bootcamps helpful
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, tech companies focusing on algorithms, data structures, and theoretical conceptsSoftware companies, startups, IT departments developing applications, websites, and software solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, tech firms emphasizing research and developmentTech firms, software companies, consulting firms focusing on product development

Entry Level Computer Scientists typically focus on research, algorithms, and theoretical aspects of computing, often working in academia or research labs. In contrast, Entry Level Software Developers concentrate on coding, building applications, and deploying software solutions in industry settings. Both roles require a computer science background but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Computer Scientist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Computer Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Computer Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,836 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Java Developer/Automation Tester Junior

Java Developer/Automation Tester Junior

SAIC

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is currently seeking a motivated and energetic Java/JEE Developer (Entry Level) to join our team to begin an exciting and challenging career in Ashburn, VA.
This position starts in an automation tester role for the first 12-18 months of employment (developing automation test cases using Java to verify the processing of incoming and outgoing messages and storing the end state data in the database). This position will be 100% on-site for the first year of employment.
The Java Developer will participate in the system architecture design, systems engineering, development, integration testing and validation, and all aspects of the software life-cycle (requirements to design to implementation to test) for a browser-based application implemented using Java and backend web services. The candidate will be responsible for developing and testing Java code as dictated by project requirement.
Job Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement Micro Service Architecture JEE software applications.
  • Use modern software engineering tools including Eclipse, Gitlab, and Atlassian Suites for ticketing and documentation, development, and testing the software.
  • Write automation test scripts using Java.
  • Generating test data and performing Data Validation by writing SQL queries.
  • Work with users in an Agile development approach to understand and document requirements in JIRA, then elicit feedback and refine solution through demonstrations.
  • Present the solution at formal and informal design reviews, and document the design according to the Government's system lifecycle methodology.

Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field with 2+ years of technical experience.
  • Experience with Java & Java Frameworks (design and software development experience including designing, programming, and documenting large-scale software systems.)
  • Experience with:
    • Spring Boot.
    • AWS Cloud.
    • Developing front-end using Angular and React.
  • Javascript.
  • IBM MQ/AWS SQS.
  • Oracle/PostgresDB.
  • Write SQL queries with clear understanding of relational databases.
  • Ability to generate test data and perform validation.
  • Experience with NoSQL DBs like MongoDB, DocumentDB, DynamoDB etc.
Desired Skills and Experience
  • Experience with Cloud Migration.
  • AWS Lambda.
  • Dynatrace.
  • Docker.
  • Kubernetes.
  • JEE Server experience (WeblogicWebsphereJBOSSetc.)
  • Jenkins.
  • Experience writing their own automation scripts.
  • Selenium.
  • First-hand experience working with large project teams (working with the Federal Government a strong plus.)
  • Demonstrated ability to think critically and creatively to develop innovative solutions to software problems.
  • Ability to develop and maintain components with stringent performance requirements.
  • Agile development experience a plus.
  • Master's degree in Computer Science or related field.
Customer Requirements
  • Clearance - Ability to obtain and hold a public trust position and favorable suitability based on a CBP Background Investigation.
  • Citizenship - Must be a US Citizen.
  • Location - This position will require on-site work in Ashburn, VA 5 days per week for the first year of employment. All candidates must be within the GWA/commutable area.

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500 mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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