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Entry Level Software Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Job Title: SDET (JAVA) Location: Mclean,VA Duration: 12+ Months Visa: USC, GC, H1B and EAD Contract Type: W2 Key Skills: * Experience in design and building test framework * Strong programming skills ...

We are looking for a talented Senior Software Development Engineer to join our S3 Fleet Management team to support AWS S3 Fleet Automation services and help build the new generation of Fleet Agnostic ...

We are looking for a talented Senior Software Development Engineer to join our S3 Fleet Management team to support AWS S3 Fleet Automation services and help build the new generation of Fleet Agnostic ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Software Development Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$23.8K

$104K

$187.4K

How much do entry level software development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level software development engineer in Virginia is $103,963.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level software development engineer?

Entry Level Software Development Engineers are individuals who are new to the software development field and typically have less than two years of professional experience. Their main responsibilities include writing, testing, and debugging code under the supervision of senior developers. They often work on small projects or parts of larger projects while learning industry best practices and development tools. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those transitioning into software engineering from another field, providing foundational experience and growth opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level software development engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Development Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, along with a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems such as Git, basic debugging tools, and common development environments is expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and a willingness to learn quickly set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualities enable new engineers to contribute to projects efficiently, adapt to evolving technologies, and collaborate in dynamic development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level software development engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry Level Software Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new codebases, learning company-specific tools and workflows, and effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams. They may also need to balance writing clean, maintainable code with meeting project deadlines. Regular feedback from more experienced team members and participation in code reviews can help address these challenges and accelerate the learning curve.

What is the difference between Entry Level Software Development Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Software Development EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field; internships preferredBachelor's in CS or related field; experience varies
Work EnvironmentTech companies, startups, corporate IT teamsTech firms, startups, freelance projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech industry, large corporationsWidespread across industries, including tech and non-tech
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by new graduates or entry-level job seekersBroader, includes experienced roles and freelance work

Entry Level Software Development Engineers typically have a formal education background and internships, working in structured tech environments. Software Developers may have similar credentials but often include more experienced professionals or freelancers. Both roles focus on coding and software creation, but the Engineer role emphasizes learning and growth in a corporate setting, while the Developer role can be more flexible and diverse in work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Software Development Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Software Development Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Software Development Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Software Development Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Development Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,963 per year, or $50 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) with Security Clearance

Reston, VA • On-site

$52.75 - $68.25/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Location: Reston, VA We are seeking a mid-level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to help build and mature the testing infrastructure supporting production software for simulation, optimization, and decision support in mission-focused environments. This role is for someone who can develop robust test harnesses, mocking infrastructure, and automated and manual testing strategies. A successful candidate will also help integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines and improve software quality and reliability across Java, Rust, and TypeScript-based applications. The strongest candidates will bring solid software development fundamentals, hands-on experience with software testing and test infrastructure, and the technical judgment to build scalable, maintainable testing practices across a growing production codebase. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, applied math, or related field • At least 3 years of industry experience • Experience building test infrastructure including mocking and CI/CD pipelines • Experience in software testing and test harness development • Experience designing automated and manual testing • Software Development experience in Java, Rust or Typescript/React • Ability to work effectively with researchers, engineers, and end users to translate technical concepts into usable software • Familiarity with full-stack web application development in any frameworks/languages • U.S. CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED
• ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE Desired Qualifications • Active TS/SCI Security Clearance • Experience using ADO, Gitlab or similar CI/CD tools