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Entry Level Software Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia

We're looking for a Software Development Engineer to design and deliver solutions that combine distributed big data technologies and agentic AI development We're building solutions to achieve amazing ...

Role: SDET FullStack Engineer Location: McLean, VA (Day 1 Onsite) Job Type: Contract Skill Metrics: Java Angular Playwright Microservices Testing Javascript * At least 7+ year of relevant experience.

Systems Engineering Services is seeking a SDET with AI/LLM experience based out of the Washington, DC area. Key Responsibilities &]:mb-0 [li &]:mt-1 [li &]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child) ul]:pb-1 [&:not ...

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.

Currently, we are looking for entry-level software programmers, Java full stack developers, Python ... software development life cycle Knowledge of statistics, SAS, Python, computer vision, data ...

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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 Jun 19, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Software Development Engineer, and why are they important?

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 is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In the context of an Entry Level Software Development Engineer, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of seniority and experience within a company's engineering hierarchy. L1 is usually an entry-level or junior developer, L2 and L3 are mid-level and senior developers with increasing responsibilities, and L4 often denotes a lead or highly experienced engineer. Progression through these levels generally involves gaining technical skills, problem-solving ability, and project leadership experience.

Which is better, CS or SE?

For an Entry Level Software Development Engineer, a Computer Science (CS) degree provides a broad foundation in programming, algorithms, and data structures, which are essential skills in software development. Software Engineering (SE) often emphasizes practical application, project management, and system design, which can be gained through experience and specialized training. Both paths can lead to similar roles, but CS is typically more theoretical, while SE focuses on building and maintaining software systems.

What are Entry Level Software Development Engineers?

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.

Will AI replace coders by 2040?

As an Entry Level Software Development Engineer, AI is expected to automate some coding tasks, but it is unlikely to fully replace human coders by 2040. AI tools can assist with code generation and testing, allowing developers to focus on complex problem-solving and design. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies will remain essential for software engineers.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in senior or specialized roles such as machine learning engineers, software architects, or those working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in competitive markets or executive-level positions.

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 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 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:
Software Development Engineer II, Agents

Software Development Engineer II, Agents

Amazon

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,870 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

This software development engineer will be part of a team that is changing how customers access the cloud. The engineer will be part of a dynamic team that is looking to make customer's workloads simpler, safer, and available across all of their workloads.
Key job responsibilities
The role requires understanding of cloud architecture patterns and performance optimizations.
Experience with Rust, Go, WASM, or cross-platform frameworks will be highly valued for rapid deployment.
You can effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions to tech and non-tech audiences.
You have experience with architecting systems involving data processing components, workflow orchestration and dependency management.
You have expertise in the creation and management of backend and frontend applications and data stores, as well as proven ability to translate data into meaningful insights.
You use object-oriented design concepts to program large multi-tier systems.
A day in the life
You will be part of a team that is responsible for all aspects of service development, onboarding and customer experience areas covering visual interface to the back end services. You will be working with technologies to improve usability and increase resiliency and scalability.
You will translate business requirements to technical deliverables and deliver operationally stable solution that provide good customer experience.
Candidates need to have strong ownership, passion to provide great customer experience and excellent troubleshooting skills

Experience building resilient web/mobile loved applications and/or web services-based applications is desired.
We strongly believe in work life harmony, diversity, recognition, career and fun@work
About the team
Our team is dedicated to remove undifferentiated heavy lifting on behalf of customers. Key leadership principle that are exhibited on the team are customer obsession, think big, and delivering results. The team is based in HQ2 in Arlington, VA.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US