1

Entry Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Structural Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$95K - $150K/yr

Engineer - Junior to Mid-level Responsibilities Include: * Assist in research, development, testing, and evaluation of forced entry, ballistic, vehicle anti-ram, and blast-resistant technologies ...

Structural Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$95K - $150K/yr

Engineer - Junior to Mid-level Responsibilities Include: * Assist in research, development, testing, and evaluation of forced entry, ballistic, vehicle anti-ram, and blast-resistant technologies ...

Engineer - Junior to Mid-level Responsibilities Include: * Assist in research, development, testing, and evaluation of forced entry, ballistic, vehicle anti-ram, and blast-resistant technologies ...

CNC Operator I - Entry-US

New Market, VA · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation ... CNC Operator - Entry New Market, VA 2nd shift: 2:45pm - 11:15pm or 3rd shift: 10:45pm - 7:15am ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$26

$78

How much do entry programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry programmer in Virginia is $26.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Programmer?

An Entry Programmer is a beginner-level software developer responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining simple code under supervision. They typically work on basic programming tasks, fix bugs, and assist more experienced developers as they learn industry practices. Entry Programmers are usually recent graduates or individuals new to the programming field, and this role helps them gain practical experience and develop their coding skills for more advanced positions.

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

To thrive as an Entry Programmer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with coding languages such as Python, Java, or C++, and experience with version control systems like Git, are commonly required. Attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and effective communication help entry programmers collaborate and adapt in team environments. These skills and qualities are essential for efficiently writing, debugging, and maintaining code while supporting project goals.

What is the difference between Entry Programmer vs Junior Software Developer?

AspectEntry ProgrammerJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree, some programming knowledgeBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, basic coding skills
Work EnvironmentEntry-level tasks, supervised, often in IT or software companiesDeveloping software, debugging, collaborating with teams in tech firms
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, finance, and government sectors for entry rolesWidely used in software development companies and tech startups

The main difference between an Entry Programmer and a Junior Software Developer lies in their experience level and educational background. Entry Programmers typically have less formal education and work under close supervision, focusing on basic coding tasks. Junior Software Developers usually hold a bachelor's degree and participate in more complex development activities, often with more independence. Both roles serve as stepping stones in a programming career, with the Junior Software Developer position generally requiring more skills and experience.

What types of projects can an Entry Programmer expect to work on during their first year?

As an Entry Programmer, you'll typically start by working on smaller tasks within larger projects, such as fixing bugs, writing basic code modules, or assisting with testing and documentation. You'll collaborate closely with more experienced developers and may participate in code reviews, which helps you learn best practices and team workflows. Over time, you'll gradually be given more responsibility, such as developing features or maintaining portions of the codebase, allowing you to build technical skills and gain exposure to project lifecycles.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Programmer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Programmer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,117 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Software Engineer (Entry-Senior) - Navy Training & Simulation Systems

Software Engineer (Entry-Senior) - Navy Training & Simulation Systems

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$70K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 519 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 28027
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $145,000.00
Security Clearance: Secret
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture:

  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.
These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Summary
HII Mission Technologies is seeking Software Engineers across multiple experience levels (Entry through Senior) to support the design, development, and deployment of the Advanced Training Domain (ATD) System-a mission-critical U.S. Navy combat systems trainer. This team delivers high-fidelity simulations that enhance fleet readiness and modernize shipboard and shore-based training.
This is an onsite, hands-on engineering role working within a secure environment alongside developers, systems engineers, and Navy operators. As part of our Integrated Training Systems group, you will help deliver software that directly improves warfighter performance. #LI-MJ1
Why This Role Matters
  • Modernizes advanced Navy training systems used fleetwide
  • Builds real-world combat system simulation capabilities
  • Supports mission readiness, national defense, and advanced training modernization
  • Offers growth across multiple levels of engineering responsibility
The following positions are available: (Role and target salary)
  • Software Engineer I: $70,000
  • Software Engineer II: $82,500
  • Software Engineer III: $110,000
  • Software Engineer IV / Senior: $145,000
Final offers aligned to level, experience, skills, and internal equity.
Key Job Responsibilities
All Levels
Participate in Agile sprint planning, execution, and reviews. Design, develop, test, and deploy C++ and/or Java software on Linux platforms as part of the ATD system. Analyze and resolve software issues, including STRs. Create clear technical documentation such as sequence diagrams, developer notes, and code commentary. Conduct developer testing in lab environments and aboard ship as required. Support installation, integration, and system verification events with minimal travel. Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including systems engineering, test, integration, and Navy operators-to deliver high-fidelity training capabilities. Follow secure coding, configuration management, and Agile best practices throughout the software lifecycle. Teammates will also perform additional related duties as assigned to support project and organizational needs
Level Differentiators
Entry-Level (Software Engineer 1)
Works under guidance to implement well-scoped features and support development tasks. Troubleshoots routine issues with assistance and contributes to documentation, code hygiene, and Agile ceremonies. Builds familiarity with ATD systems, Navy training environments, and simulation technologies. Focuses on learning, growth, and contributing reliably with limited system-level ownership.
Intermediate (Software Engineer 2)
Independently develops features and resolves moderately complex issues. Troubleshoots across multiple components with limited oversight and contributes to component-level design discussions. Supports GUI development, integration tasks, ActiveMQ/JAWS components, and lab/shipboard testing with minimal supervision.
Advanced (Software Engineer 3)
Owns subsystem development and deep troubleshooting. Leads sprint tasks and resolves complex STRs. Coordinates with multiple engineering disciplines, supports cross-team integration, and provides technical guidance to peers. Promotes coding/testing best practices and performs higher-complexity integration and testing activities autonomously.
Senior (Software Engineer 4)
Architects multi-component C++/Java solutions and serves as a senior technical contributor. Leads integration efforts across teams, drives technical decisions, and mentors engineers at all levels. Reviews major technical products, influences system-level strategy, and owns significant ATD system components and roadmap direction.
Note: System ownership expectations, troubleshooting complexity, and collaboration/leadership responsibilities increase with each level.
What you must have
Education & Experience
Must have relevant experience with Bachelors in related field:
  • Software Engineer 1: Bachelor's (0 exp) OR HS + 4 yrs
  • Software Engineer 2: Bachelor's + 2 yrs OR Master's (0 yrs) OR HS + 6 yrs
  • Software Engineer 3: Bachelor's + 5 yrs OR Master's + 3 yrs OR HS + 9 yrs OR PhD or Juris Doctorate (0 yrs)
  • Software Engineer 4: Bachelor's + 9 yrs OR Master's + 7 yrs OR HS + 13 yrs OR PhD or Juris Doctorate + 4 yrs
Technical Skills
  • Experience with C++ and/or Java development in Linux environments
  • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum processes
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex software issues
  • System ownership, troubleshooting complexity, and collaboration/leadership expectations will vary and increase based on level.
Clearance Requirements
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must have a current or active a DoD Secret clearance
  • Ability to otain a DoD Information Assurance Technician (IAT) Level II certification or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA Security, CySA+) within 3 months of hire if not currently held.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, Data Science, or related
  • Experience developing or integrating Navy training systems or simulations
  • Familiarity with ActiveMQ, JAWS, GUI development
  • Experience with Jira, GitLab, CI/CD pipelines, virtualization, or container tools
  • Experience in Navy training environments or other mission-critical systems
  • IAT Level II certification or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA Security, CySA+)

Physical Requirements
Adequate visual acuity and manual dexterity for meeting the requirements Software Engineer family.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

What Huntington Ingalls Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom