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Founding Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Integral

Test Engineer II

Tysons, VA · On-site

$127K - $151K/yr

Conduct hands-on testing of biometric hardware and software in both simulated and operational ... Since our founding in 1998, we have helped clients leverage existing and emerging technologies to ...

Integral

Test Engineer II

Tysons Corner, VA · On-site

$127K - $151K/yr

Conduct hands-on testing of biometric hardware and software in both simulated and operational ... Since our founding in 1998, we have helped clients leverage existing and emerging technologies to ...

Unissant

Senior Palantir Foundry Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$114K - $196K/yr

The ideal candidate is a senior Foundry practitioner and founding technical leader capable of ... Five (5) or more years of software or data engineering experience, including three (3) or more ...

Unissant

Senior Palantir Foundry Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The ideal candidate is a senior Foundry practitioner and founding technical leader capable of ... Five (5) or more years of software or data engineering experience, including three (3) or more ...

Voiceflow

Senior Integration Test Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Since our founding in 2017, we've given more than 500,000 autonomous rides to real people around ... As a Senior HIL Test Engineer, you will work closely with software, hardware, and systems engineers ...

SAP

Sovereign Cloud Security Engineer Expert

Reston, VA · On-site

$58 - $77.50/hr

Together, they changed enterprise software and reinvented how business was done. Today, as a market ... In this role you will become a founding member of the Technology and Engineering team. You will be ...

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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.

Test Engineer II

Tysons, VA • On-site

Integral
Software Development • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Integralexternal

$127K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Test Engineer II provides comprehensive test 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
  • Develop, implement, and deliver test procedures.
  • Conduct hands-on testing of biometric hardware and software in both simulated and operational environments, to include functional, performance, regression, and integration testing.
  • Analyze test results to identify software defects, hardware malfunctions, and performance issues.
  • Document findings in detailed test reports.
  • Provide technical support during
    the fielding of new systems to operational units.

Salary range: $127,592 - $151,773
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.
Qualifications
Required:
• Bachelor's Degree or Three (3) additional years of relevant experience
• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in logistics
• Experience in Integrated Logistics Support and System Lifecycle Support areas of the DoW application.
• Experience planning supply support, technical logistical data, packaging, handling, storage, and transportation.
• Proficiency with logistics and inventory management systems such as PIEE GFP Module and Defense Property Accountability System (DPAS).
• Experience sustaining and sunsetting hardware and software.
• Experience within the DoW Biometrics community or Interagency Biometrics stakeholders is preferred.
• Secret security clearance.
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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