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Founding Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Integral

Software Engineer III

Tysons, VA · On-site

$137K - $164K/yr

Overview The Software Engineer III provides comprehensive software engineering support for the ... Since our founding in 1998, we have helped clients leverage existing and emerging technologies to ...

Integral

Software Engineer III

Tysons Corner, VA

$137K - $164K/yr

The Software Engineer III provides comprehensive software engineering support for the Product ... Since our founding in 1998, we have helped clients leverage existing and emerging technologies to ...

Socket.dev

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Overview As an experienced Software Engineer with MTSI you will be responsible for designing ... We have grown every year since our founding in 1993. Benefits * Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO ...

Integral

Software Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$137K - $164K/yr

Overview The Software Developer supports the United States (U.S.) Army C5ISR Center to develop ... Since our founding in 1998, we have helped clients leverage existing and emerging technologies to ...

Integral

Software Developer

Mclean, VA

$137K - $164K/yr

The Software Developer supports the United States (U.S.) Army C5ISR Center to develop advances ... Since our founding in 1998, we have helped clients leverage existing and emerging technologies to ...

Neuroscale AI

Forward Deployed Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... software. This is not a maintenance role. This is a hands-on, high-ownership opportunity for someone who has operated at a full-stack engineer, architect, or founding/lead engineer level and knows ...

KOJU Tech Solutions

Senior C# Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

$56.75 - $75/hr

Since our founding in 2009, we provide results that adhere to industry standards as well as ... O.L.I.D. principles of software development * Familiarity and working experience in Agile ...

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All JobsFounding Software Engineer JobsFounding Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Founding Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$63K

$146.3K

$203.7K

How much do founding software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for founding software engineer in Virginia is $146,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a founding software engineer?

Founding Software Engineers are among the first technical hires at a startup or newly formed company. They play a critical role in building the initial product, setting up the technical foundation, and often shaping the company's engineering culture and processes. In addition to coding, they may also be involved in architecture decisions, hiring, and even strategic business discussions. This role typically requires broad technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding software engineer?

To thrive as a Founding Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software architecture, full-stack development, and problem-solving, often demonstrated by a strong technical background and relevant degrees. Familiarity with cloud platforms, version control systems (like Git), and modern programming languages or frameworks is essential, along with startup exposure or experience. Initiative, adaptability, and outstanding communication are crucial soft skills for shaping the product vision and collaborating in a small, fast-moving team. These capabilities are vital for efficiently building robust products from scratch and driving early-stage company growth.

What are some unique challenges faced by founding software engineers in an early-stage startup environment?

Founding Software Engineers in early-stage startups often navigate rapidly shifting priorities and must wear multiple hats, from architecting core systems to handling on-call troubleshooting. The role typically requires balancing the need for quick feature delivery with building scalable, maintainable code. Close collaboration with co-founders and other early team members is essential, as decisions made at this stage have a lasting impact on the product and company culture. Adaptability, strong communication, and ownership are key, as resource constraints and ambiguity are common.

What is the difference between Founding Software Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectFounding Software EngineerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; startup experience often preferredBachelor's degree in CS or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentEarly-stage startup, high responsibility, flexible rolesEstablished companies or startups, structured teams, defined roles
Employer & Industry UsageFounding teams of startups, tech companiesTech firms, corporations, startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding startup roles, early-stage responsibilitiesStandard software development roles, career progression

The main difference is that a Founding Software Engineer is an early team member in a startup, often taking on broader responsibilities and helping shape the company's technical foundation. A Software Engineer typically works within established teams on specific projects, with more defined roles and responsibilities.

How much do founding software engineers make?

Founding software engineers often receive higher compensation than standard engineers, including equity or stock options, as they help establish the company's technology. Salaries typically range from $100,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on the company's size, funding stage, and location, with early-stage startups sometimes offering lower salaries but greater equity potential.

What does a founding software engineer do?

A founding software engineer is a key early team member responsible for designing, developing, and implementing the core software products of a startup or new project. They often work closely with founders to establish technical architecture, write code, and set development standards, typically using programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

What are popular job titles related to Founding Software Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Founding Software Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Founding Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Founding Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Founding Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Founding Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,258 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Software Engineer III

Integral

Tysons, VA • On-site

$137K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Software Engineer III provides comprehensive software engineering support for the Product Manager Biometrics (PM BIO), under Project Manager Terrestrial Sensors (PM TS), Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE), Layered Protection and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN).
Responsibilities
• Provide software engineering service for biometric collection systems, including troubleshooting software issues, developing patches and updates, and executing enhancements, maintenance, and fixes.
• Develop and implement test procedures and reports. Implement robust data management and security measures to protect sensitive biometric data. This includes encryption, access control, and compliance with government security regulations.
Qualifications
Required:
• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in software engineering
• A strong foundation in software engineering, coupled with expertise in specific technologies relevant to biometrics and military applications. This includes the application of biometrics from tactical collection and matching to enterprise-level multi-modal biometrics matching, storage, and analysis.
• A strong understanding of information assurance, encryption, and military security protocols. Experience with mobile operating systems like Android.
• Experience with mobile operating systems like Android. Experience with applying modern software development methodologies (e.g., agile, DEVOPS/DEVSECOPS) in a professional setting.
• Secret security clearance.
Salary range: $137,710 - $164,037
This position is in the proposal stage. The above salary range represents a general guideline. Integral Federal considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and/or discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay.
Company Overview
Integral partners with federal defense, intelligence, and civilian leaders to tackle their most important challenges and deliver positive outcomes. Since our founding in 1998, we have helped clients leverage existing and emerging technologies to transform their enterprises, empower growth, drive innovation, and build sustainable success. The forward-leaning solutions we deliver are tailored to each mission with a focus on keeping our nation safe and secure.
Integral is headquartered in McLean, VA and serves clients throughout the country.
We offer a comprehensive total rewards package including paid parental leave and immediate vesting in our 401(k). Give us a try and become part of a curated group of professionals at Integral Federal!
Our package also includes:
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Earned Bonuses & Awards
• Professional Training Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability

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