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Software Developer Beginner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Jobs for Humanity

Academy Managers

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$30/hr

Junior Software Developer A coding boot camp is an accelerated and intensive training program ... BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CONTENT 3. WELL-ROUNDED & THOROUGH COURSES 4. AFFORDABLE & BUDGET-FRIENDLY ...

Esri

Product Engineer II - Web Services

Vienna, VA

Overview At Esri, we make the world's most powerful software that accelerates decision-making by ... Beginner to intermediate knowledge of cloud-native web service architecture, reliability ...

Esri

Product Engineer II - Web Services

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $133K/yr

Overview At Esri, we make the world's most powerful software that accelerates decision-making by ... Beginner to intermediate knowledge of cloud-native web service architecture, reliability ...

Prince William County, VA

Aquatic Inclusion Aide

VA · On-site

$16.66/hr

Example: beginner/intermediate ballet, tap, jazz, safety, CPR, first aid, mini camps, environmental ... Using a computer and related software applications; Interpreting and applying applicable laws ...

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Software Developer Beginner information

See Virginia salary details

$47.6K

$110.9K

$164.6K

How much do software developer beginner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer beginner in Virginia is $110,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $128,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In software development, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of developer experience and responsibility, with L1 being entry-level or junior developers and L4 representing senior or lead developers. These levels often indicate increasing expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership responsibilities, and are used by companies to structure career progression and compensation. For a beginner software developer, starting at L1 or L2 is common as they build skills and gain experience.

Will AI replace coders by 2040?

As a software developer beginner, it is unlikely that AI will fully replace human coders by 2040. AI tools can automate routine coding tasks and assist in development, but human creativity, problem-solving, and understanding of complex systems remain essential for software development. Developers will need to adapt by learning new skills and working alongside AI technologies.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in senior or specialized roles such as machine learning engineers, software architects, or those working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Developer Beginner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Developer Beginner, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and at least one programming language, often backed by a degree or coursework in computer science. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic knowledge of software development environments, and exposure to debugging tools are typical requirements. Strong communication, eagerness to learn, and teamwork help beginners integrate into development teams and grow quickly. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable software, collaborating effectively, and adapting to the fast-evolving tech landscape.

What is the difference between Software Developer Beginner vs Software Developer Intermediate?

AspectSoftware Developer BeginnerSoftware Developer Intermediate
Skills & ExperienceBasic programming knowledge, limited project experienceProficient in multiple languages, moderate project experience
CertificationsEntry-level certifications or noneAdditional certifications or specialized training
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised tasksIndependent problem-solving, collaborative projects
ResponsibilitiesAssist with coding, testing, and documentationDesign, develop, and troubleshoot software modules

The main difference between a Software Developer Beginner and an Intermediate lies in experience, skill level, and responsibilities. Beginners are typically in the early stages of their careers, focusing on learning and assisting, while intermediates handle more complex tasks and work more independently. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers align expectations and career growth paths.

What are some common challenges faced by beginner software developers during their first year on the job?

Beginner software developers often encounter challenges such as understanding large and complex codebases, adapting to team workflows, and effectively communicating their progress or blockers. It can also be difficult to balance learning new technologies with meeting project deadlines. However, most teams provide mentorship, code reviews, and regular feedback to help new developers grow and overcome these hurdles, making the first year both challenging and rewarding.

Which IT jobs without coding?

Software developers typically require coding skills, but roles like IT support specialist, network administrator, technical writer, or quality assurance tester often involve minimal or no coding. These positions focus on troubleshooting, documentation, system management, or testing, and may require certifications like CompTIA or Cisco. They often involve working with existing systems, tools, and documentation rather than programming.

What is a Software Developer Beginner?

A Software Developer Beginner is someone who is just starting their career in software development. They typically have foundational knowledge of programming languages, software design, and development processes, often gained through education or entry-level experience. Beginners usually work under the supervision of more experienced developers and focus on writing code, fixing bugs, and learning best practices. Their main goal is to build up their skills and experience to take on more complex tasks over time.
Software Developer Beginner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Developer Beginner job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,886 per year, or $53.3 per hour.
AI-Augmented Software Development Faculty / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

AI-Augmented Software Development Faculty / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA

$48.25 - $63.75/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

ECPI University rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

502nd of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

***This is for day-time faculty***
This position is based at our Virginia Beach, VA campus location
Overview
ECPI University is seeking a Software Development Faculty Member with deep expertise in AI-augmented development practices to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME). This role leads the integration of AI tools, responsible development principles, and modern software engineering practices across the undergraduate software development curriculum - with a particular focus on preparing students who are new to coding to work productively and ethically alongside AI systems from day one of their careers.
Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as institutional SME for AI-augmented software development, guiding curriculum design across the full undergraduate software development program
  • Design, develop, and refine curriculum covering AI-assisted coding, LLM-based application development, prompt engineering, AI-augmented architecture and design thinking, and responsible/ethical AI development practices
  • Teach courses at the intersection of software development and artificial intelligence, using real-world tools, scaffolded projects, and industry-aligned case studies accessible to students with no prior coding experience
  • Model professional AI-augmented development workflows in the classroom - including AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Kilo Code), LLM API integration, and prompt-driven design and documentation practices
  • Incorporate secure coding principles (OWASP Top 10, CWE) into AI-augmented development instruction, helping students understand how AI tools can both introduce and help mitigate software vulnerabilities
  • Mentor faculty colleagues in adopting AI-augmented pedagogical strategies and tools across software development courses
  • Collaborate with academic leadership to ensure curriculum reflects current industry expectations for AI-literate software developers
  • Stay continuously current with advancements in generative AI, agentic coding tools, LLM frameworks, and their evolving roles in professional software development
Qualifications
Education
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or related field OR
  • Master's degree with 18+ graduate semester hours in the discipline
  • Ph.D. strongly preferred, particularly with research or applied focus in AI, software engineering, or human-computer interaction
Experience
  • Demonstrated hands-on expertise in AI-augmented software development (e.g., AI-assisted coding workflows, LLM API development, prompt engineering, agentic development tools)
  • 3-5 years of relevant industry experience (10+ years preferred), with direct exposure to AI-integrated development environments
  • Experience designing or delivering curriculum, training, or professional development for beginner-to-intermediate learners
  • Teaching or mentoring experience preferred, particularly with students new to programming
Technical Skills
Required:
  • AI-assisted coding tools and workflows (GitHub Copilot, Kilo Code, Cursor, or equivalent)
  • LLM concepts and application development using LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, or equivalent)
  • Prompt engineering principles and patterns for software development contexts
  • Core software development fundamentals: OOP, data structures, version control, debugging
  • Secure coding awareness: OWASP Top 10, CWE, AI-introduced vulnerability patterns
Preferred:
  • Agentic AI frameworks (LangChain, AutoGen, or equivalent)
  • Cloud AI/ML development services (AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Google Vertex AI)
  • AI ethics frameworks and responsible development practices
  • Full-stack web development with AI integration
  • AI-augmented architecture and design thinking methodologies
Certifications (Preferred)
  • GitHub Copilot or GitHub Foundations certification
  • AWS Certified Developer / Azure Developer Associate
  • Azure AI Engineer or AWS ML Specialty
  • Google Professional ML Engineer
  • Any recognized LLM/generative AI development credential
  • Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or SAFe Agile practitioner
Skills & Abilities
  • Deep expertise in AI-augmented development with ability to scaffold complex concepts for students encountering programming for the first time
  • Strong curriculum development skills with experience mapping AI competencies to industry frameworks (e.g., NICE Workforce Framework, ACM/IEEE Computing Curricula)
  • Ability to model professional-grade AI workflows in accessible, confidence-building ways for novice learners
  • Commitment to responsible AI development - able to teach both the power and the ethical responsibilities of AI-assisted software creation
  • Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills
  • Passion for innovation, instructional excellence, and preparing students for the AI-augmented workforce

Benefits
ECPI University offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee well-being and professional growth.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ECPI University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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