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Entry Level Software Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

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.

BCforward's team of dedicated staffing professionals has placed thousands of talented people over the past decade, with retention rates that are consistently higher than the industry average. SDET ...

Participate in code reviews and contribute to engineering best practices * Support production systems and troubleshoot issues as needed Requirements * 2+ years of professional software development ...

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Entry Level Software Development Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$27.2K

$118.8K

$214.1K

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

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level software development engineer in Washington is $118,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $135,900.00 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Software Development Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Software Development Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Software Development Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Development Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,767 per year, or $57.1 per hour.
Lead SDET - API/UI automation, Java, AWS

Lead SDET - API/UI automation, Java, AWS

The Consortium, Inc.

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

We are seeking several SDET Software Developers in Test (2 Mid-Sr.SDETs and 1 Lead SDET) for a financial appplication. Seeking someone with very good leadership qualities and technical skills for the Lead along with these requirements:
  1. Very good API/UI automation experience
  2. Very good non-functional experience
  3. Very good JAVA hands on experience
  4. Very good AWS experience
  5. Very good QA mindset

For consideration, please submit your resume as a MS Word attachment to careers@consortiuminc.com
The Consortium
"Combining Talent with Technology"
www.consortiuminc.com