ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Software Engineer Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allen Control Systems

Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun ...

Root Access Inc

Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY

Software Engineer We're looking for a Software Engineer to join the founding team to own the core ... Experience in a startup building a product * Background in developer tools, infra, or technical ...

The Cypress Group

Senior Software Engineer

New York, NY

$185K - $250K/yr

Our client is a well-funded Software Startup in New York City, NY building technology to help ... They are currently hiring a Senior Software Engineer / Infrastructure Engineer for their office ...

Allen Control Systems

Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small ...

Anvil (yc X25)

Founding Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$130K - $150K/yr

We're a seed-stage startup based in NYC, backed by top investors and building fast at the frontier of AI and search. The Role We're hiring a Backend-Focused Software Engineer to join our founding ...

Allen Control Systems

Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small ...

Beli

Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

As a Software Engineer at Beli, you will be responsible for leading the research, design ... Proven track record of implementing high-impact product features in a startup or high-growth ...

Applied Intuition

Software Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Meet our software engineers! Meet some of our software engineers who are shaping the future of ... startup veterans * Carve out your own area of expertise and influence product decisions

Adaptive Security

Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Adaptive is a cybersecurity startup on a mission to stop AI-powered cyberattacks. In December 2025 ... Role We are seeking a Software Engineer with a passion for developing high-quality software in a ...

DRH Search

Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

We're assisting a well funded startup in the logistics and supply chain space with their search for software engineers. Their product centralizes activity across your suppliers, providing real-time ...

Merge

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking software engineers to help build their infrastructure and new products, focusing ... Startup or SaaS experience preferred Company : Merge is one API to add hundreds of integrations to ...

Beli

Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

As a Software Engineer at Beli, you will be responsible for leading the research, design ... Proven track record of implementing high-impact product features in a startup or high-growth ...

Epsilon3

Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $180K/yr

This is an impactful role within a fast-paced startup. The ideal candidate is someone who has ... software engineer * Proficiency with TypeScript and with JavaScript frameworks like React, Vue ...

TIBCO Software

Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC

Do you thrive in a startup vibe? Were you built for a small, nimble and dynamic team that's ready ... full stack software engineer developing scalable and resilient event-driven and API-based ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFreelance Software Engineer Startup Jobs

Freelance Software Engineer Startup information

See salary details

$24K

$104.9K

$189K

How much do freelance software engineer startup jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software engineer startup in the United States is $104,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Software Engineer at a startup, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Software Engineer at a startup, you need strong programming skills, experience with software development lifecycles, and a portfolio demonstrating previous project success, often backed by a relevant degree or certifications. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and agile project management tools is common. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and effective communication set top freelancers apart in this dynamic environment. These skills and qualities ensure you can deliver high-quality solutions, adapt quickly to changing requirements, and collaborate successfully with lean startup teams.

What are some common challenges freelance software engineers face when working with startups, and how can they overcome them?

Freelance software engineers working with startups often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing project requirements, tight deadlines, and limited resources. Startups may pivot their business models, requiring engineers to adapt quickly and learn new technologies or frameworks on the fly. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to maintain clear and regular communication with stakeholders, set realistic expectations, and use agile methodologies to manage changing priorities. Building a strong professional network can also provide support and collaboration opportunities when navigating the fast-paced startup environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Software Engineer Startup vs Freelance Software Developer Agency?

AspectFreelance Software Engineer StartupFreelance Software Developer Agency
CredentialsTypically requires coding skills, portfolio, sometimes certificationsSimilar credentials, often with additional project management experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, flexible hoursCollaborative, often part of a team or agency structure
Employer & Industry UsageClients range from startups to small businesses; used in tech and software sectorsClients include larger companies and agencies; used across various industries
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance startup projects or flexible software rolesComparing freelance options with agency-based work

Both roles involve independent software development, but Freelance Software Engineer Startup focuses on individual projects for startups, offering flexibility and direct client interaction. Freelance Software Developer Agency typically involves working with an agency that manages multiple clients, providing a broader range of projects and team collaboration.

What is a Freelance Software Engineer at a Startup?

A Freelance Software Engineer at a startup is an independent contractor who develops, tests, and maintains software solutions for new or growing companies. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers work on a project or hourly basis and may support multiple startups simultaneously. Their work often involves building prototypes, scaling products, or implementing new features quickly to meet the fast-paced needs of startups. Freelancers bring specialized expertise and flexibility, which can be vital for startups looking to innovate and adapt rapidly.
More about Freelance Software Engineer Startup jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Software Engineer Startup jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Software Engineer Startup job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Startup jobs? The most popular types of Software Engineer Startup jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Software Engineer Startup jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Software Engineer Startup jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Software Engineer Startup jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Software Engineer Startup jobs are:
Freelance Software Engineer Startup jobs near you

Software Engineer

Allen Control Systems

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Software Engineer 

Company Overview:

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop have a real-world impact.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled robotics software engineer, very proficient in C++ or Python coding. 
What You'll Do:

  • Design, develop, and maintain high-performance software applications using C++.

  • Optimize and enhance existing software for efficiency, scalability, and reliability.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, computer vision, and software engineers.

  • Implement best practices in software engineering, including code reviews, unit testing, and documentation.

  • Debug, troubleshoot, and resolve software defects and performance issues.

  • Work with modern development tools, version control systems (Git), and CI/CD pipelines.

  • Develop algorithms and data structures to solve complex computational problems.

  • Ensure security and compliance standards are met in software development.

What You'll Need:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

  • Strong proficiency in C++ (C++11/14/17/20) and Python.

  • Experience with multi-threading, concurrency, and performance optimization.

  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and design patterns.

  • Knowledge of system programming, memory management, and debugging tools.

  • Experience with version control systems (Git) and agile development practices.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

  • Professional experience in software development preferred.

You'll Stand Out:

  • Experience with GPU programming (CUDA, OpenCL) or parallel computing.

  • Knowledge of networking protocols and distributed systems.

  • Exposure to machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) or scientific computing.

  • Experience with DevOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines)

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary

  • ACS Equity Package

  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

  • Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

#LI-AS1