1

Senior Software Engineer Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Adapt to new challenges in a dynamic startup environment where we move fast and innovate constantly. What We're Looking For: * At least 5 years of professional experience in software engineering ...

Senior Software Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Senior Software Engineer -- Grounded Detroit, MI (in-person) About Grounded Grounded is a 25-person Detroit-based startup building modular electric platforms for specialty vehicles. We take cab ...

Senior Software Engineer

New York, NY

$134K - $176K/yr

Why this Role is Compelling As a startup, all PHIflow team members wear many hats. We expect that the Senior Software Engineer will as well. This role offers the chance to take part in a very unique ...

Senior Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$134K - $176K/yr

Why this Role is Compelling As a startup, all PHIflow team members wear many hats. We expect that the Senior Software Engineer will as well. This role offers the chance to take part in a very unique ...

Senior Software Engineer

Latham, NY · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - GP Enterprise Solutions As a Senior Software Engineer at GPES, you'll ... As a key player in a small startup, you will have the ability to prioritize, focus, and communicate ...

Senior Software Engineer

Latham, NY · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - GP Enterprise Solutions As a Senior Software Engineer at GPES, you'll ... As a key player in a small startup, you will have the ability to prioritize, focus, and communicate ...

Senior Software Engineer

Latham, NY · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Senior Software Engineer GP Enterprise Solutions As a Senior Software Engineer at GPES, you'll ... As a key player in a small startup, you will have the ability to prioritize, focus, and communicate ...

Senior Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Adapt to new challenges in a dynamic startup environment where we move fast and innovate constantly. What We're Looking For: * At least 5 years of professional experience in software engineering ...

Senior Software Engineer

Warwick, RI · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Senior Software Engineer As the nation's original travel insurance comparison site, InsureMyTrip, a ... more typical of a startup culture. You'll have the ability to make an impact, influence key ...

$121K - $159K/yr

Senior Software Engineer As the nation's original travel insurance comparison site, InsureMyTrip, a ... more typical of a startup culture. You'll have the ability to make an impact, influence key ...

Senior Software Engineer (Onsite)

Albany, NY · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

This is a full-time position with one of our closest startup clients building an innovative ... Who We're Looking For We're looking for a highly motivated Mid-Level to Senior Software Engineer ...

Senior Software Engineer (Onsite)

Albany, NY · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

This is a full-time position with one of our closest startup clients building an innovative ... Who We're Looking For We're looking for a highly motivated Mid-Level to Senior Software Engineer ...

Senior Software Engineer

Baltimore, MD · Remote

$140K - $160K/yr

We are a high-growth, mission-driven startup solving complex, high-impact problems where reliability, usability, and security matter. About the Role We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join ...

Senior Software Engineer

Baltimore, MD · Remote

$140K - $160K/yr

We are a high-growth, mission-driven startup solving complex, high-impact problems where reliability, usability, and security matter. About the Role We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join ...

Senior Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

... startup early hire, with history building production products from scratch • Bonus if you're NYC based -- we have a loft office in Soho and provide lunch and snacks Company : Automating software ...

Senior Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$188K - $200K/yr

What You'll Do As a Senior Software Engineer, Platform, you will be responsible for building ... Experience working at a high-growth startup or tech company. Location This is a hybrid role ...

Senior Software Engineer

Baltimore, MD · Remote

$140K - $160K/yr

We are a high-growth, mission-driven startup solving complex, high-impact problems where reliability, usability, and security matter. About the Role We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join ...

$230 - $250/hr

Senior Software Engineer Latitude is an early-stage payments fintech building modern infrastructure ... As an early team member at a growing startup, you'll have significant influence over our technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Software Engineer Startup information

See salary details

$75.5K

$143.3K

$192K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer startup in the United States is $143,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior software engineer do at a startup?

A Senior Software Engineer at a startup is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the core software products or services. They often take on a broad range of tasks, including coding, code reviews, system architecture, and mentoring junior team members. In a startup environment, they may also contribute to product decisions, help set technical direction, and quickly adapt to changing priorities. Their role is critical in building scalable, reliable solutions while fostering innovation and collaboration within a small, fast-paced team.

What are some unique challenges senior software engineers face when working at a startup compared to a larger company?

Senior Software Engineers at startups often navigate a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment where priorities can shift quickly. Unlike at larger organizations with established processes and specialized teams, startup engineers may wear multiple hats, handling everything from architecture decisions to hands-on coding and even DevOps tasks. This role typically requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to make impactful technical decisions with limited resources. The collaborative nature means frequent interaction with product managers, designers, and often even company leadership, creating opportunities for broad influence but also demanding strong communication and adaptability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior software engineer at a startup, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer at a startup, you need advanced programming abilities, architectural design experience, and a solid understanding of software development lifecycles, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with modern frameworks, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), version control systems (such as Git), and agile methodologies is essential, with certifications in relevant technologies being advantageous. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you navigate the dynamic startup environment and mentor junior team members. These skills are crucial to rapidly building scalable solutions, driving innovation, and supporting business growth in a fast-paced and often ambiguous setting.

What is the difference between Senior Software Engineer Startup vs Software Engineer Startup?

AspectSenior Software Engineer StartupSoftware Engineer Startup
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, 3+ years experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, 0-2 years experience
Work EnvironmentFast-paced startup, leadership responsibilities, mentorshipCollaborative team, learning-focused, entry-level to mid-level tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech startups, scale-ups, innovative projectsEarly-stage startups, product development teams
Common Search & ComparisonHigher responsibility, technical expertise, leadershipLearning opportunities, foundational skills, growth potential

The main difference between a Senior Software Engineer Startup and a Software Engineer Startup lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Software Engineers typically have more experience, take on mentorship roles, and handle complex projects, while Software Engineers are often in entry to mid-level positions focused on skill development and supporting team tasks.

How much does a senior software engineer startup make?

A senior software engineer at a startup typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and company size. Compensation may also include stock options or equity, especially in early-stage startups, and often requires proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript.

Is there a shortage of senior software engineers?

There is a high demand for senior software engineers across many industries due to the ongoing need for advanced technical skills, experience with programming languages like Java, Python, and cloud platforms, and leadership abilities. This demand often results in competitive salaries and opportunities, especially for those with strong problem-solving skills and experience in fast-paced startup environments.
More about Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs?

Cities with the most Senior 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 Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Software Engineer Startup jobs are:

Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer Startup job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,292 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Breeze

New York, NY • On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

We are hiring a Senior Backend Software Engineer! 

This will be our first Senior hire in our NYC office. 

As a Software Engineer at Breeze, you'll take ownership of building and scaling the systems that power our payments and fintech platform. You'll work across the stack using modern technologies to deliver secure, high-performance solutions while influencing technical direction and product strategy. In this senior role, you'll collaborate closely with product, design, and fellow engineers, mentor teammates, and help shape the engineering culture as we grow. This is a hands-on opportunity to have a major impact at a fast-moving, Sequoia-backed startup.

What You'll Do:

  • Work on building our payment system, ensuring scalability, security, and performance.
  • Engage in backend development with Node.js and TypeScript on the backend, using serverless infrastructure.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions.
  • Take ownership of your work as a product engineer, influencing both technical direction and product design.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals and outcomes.
  • Adapt to new challenges in a dynamic startup environment where we move fast and innovate constantly.

What We're Looking For:

  • At least 5 years of professional experience in software engineering, ideally in the fintech or payments industry and in fast-paced or startup environments.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a track record of owning and delivering complex features or systems.
  • Solid experience with Node.js, and TypeScript (or similar modern frameworks and languages).
  • Excellent communication skills - critical for working closely with cross-functional teams and contributing to product decisions.
  • A deep understanding of building scalable, reliable systems and familiarity with cloud-based or serverless infrastructure.
  • Experience in cryptocurrency or blockchain is a plus.
  • A product-focused mindset and a drive to build high-quality, user-centric solutions.
  • A passion for working in a dynamic startup environment and solving complex challenges.
  • We have a high hiring bar for engineers and are looking for top talent.

Our Culture:

  • Fast-paced and dynamic - We're a growing startup that moves quickly.
  • Tech-driven - We leverage technology to address our users' biggest challenges.
  • Ownership and communication - We value people who take full ownership and communicate well across teams.
  • Continuous learning - You'll have the opportunity to work alongside industry experts and enhance your expertise in risk management.

Why Join Us:

  • Competitive salary + equity plan
  • 21 days PTO
  • Benefits: annual medical allowance, productivity budget, gym membership & wellness subsidy
  • Annual team retreat trip
  • Be part of a team backed by Sequoia Capital with a healthy runway.

Requirements:

  • 5+ years of relevant software engineering experience, ideally in big tech, fintech or fast-paced startup environments.
  • Proficiency in modern backend development. 
  • Exposure to serverless infrastructure is a plus.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • Visa Sponsorship is not available at the moment. 
Compensation
  • Salary: $150,000 - $165,000 base (flexible and can exceed band for exceptional, top-tier candidates)
  • Competitive performance-based bonus
  • Meaningful equity package with significant upside
  • Total compensation designed to be competitive.