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Software Developer Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SCCI

Senior Software Developer

King George, VA · On-site

$51 - $67.25/hr

Overview SCCI is currently seeking a Senior Software Developer to join our team! In this position ... trainee behavior and mission context * Maintains a working prototype pipeline that enables rapid ...

HII

... software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users ... The Machinist Trainee program is offered at Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA). This (UNPAID ...

HII

... software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users ... The Machinist Trainee program is offered at Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA). This (UNPAID ...

HII

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

... software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users ... The Painter Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA). This ...

HII

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

... software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users ... The Painter Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA). This ...

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All JobsSoftware Developer JobsSoftware Developer Trainee JobsSoftware Developer Trainee Jobs in Virginia

Software Developer Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$47.6K

$110.9K

$164.6K

How much do software developer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer trainee 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.

How to get hired as a software developer with no experience?

To get hired as a software developer trainee with no experience, focus on building a strong foundation in programming languages like Python or Java, create a portfolio of personal projects, and learn relevant tools such as Git and IDEs. Internships, coding bootcamps, and certifications can also improve your chances by demonstrating commitment and skill development.

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

To thrive as a Software Developer Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), algorithms, and problem-solving skills, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, development environments, and basic database management is typically expected. Eagerness to learn, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and adapting to new technologies. These skills and qualities enable rapid skill development, efficient teamwork, and successful contributions to software projects.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

AI technology is advancing and can automate certain coding tasks, but software developers are essential for designing, managing, and maintaining complex systems. AI tools serve as aids to improve productivity, but human expertise remains crucial for problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making in software development.

What are Software Developer Trainees?

Software Developer Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning the skills required to become full-fledged software developers. They typically work under the guidance of senior developers and participate in coding, debugging, testing, and documentation tasks as part of a training or probationary period. The goal of this role is to provide real-world experience and mentorship, enabling trainees to transition into independent developer roles. Software Developer Trainees often collaborate with teams and are encouraged to learn modern programming languages, development tools, and best practices.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a Software Developer Trainee during the first few months on the job?

As a Software Developer Trainee, your initial responsibilities often include assisting with code reviews, debugging, and writing small modules under the guidance of senior developers. You'll spend significant time learning company-specific frameworks, tools, and development practices while participating in team meetings and collaborative projects. This period is designed for hands-on learning, so expect to receive regular feedback and mentorship to help you build foundational technical and communication skills. Over time, you'll gradually take on more complex tasks as you become familiar with the software development lifecycle and the team's workflows.

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

In the context of a Software Developer Trainee role, 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 project ownership, and are used by organizations to structure career progression and assign tasks accordingly.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, data engineering, or working at large tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and a strong track record in the industry.

What is the difference between Software Developer Trainee vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Developer TraineeSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science or related fieldBachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science or related field, with relevant experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, mentorship, entry-level projectsFull-time professional role, responsible for developing software solutions
Employer & Industry UsageInternships, training programs, entry-level positions in tech companiesFull-fledged employee in software development teams across industries

The main difference is that a Software Developer Trainee is in a learning or internship phase, focusing on gaining skills, while a Software Developer is a fully employed professional responsible for delivering software projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Software Developer Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Software Developer Trainee job openings:
Software Developer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Developer Trainee job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,886 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Senior Software Developer

SCCI

King George, VA • On-site

$51 - $67.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Overview
SCCI is currently seeking a Senior Software Developer to join our team! In this position you will work in a newly established R&D department focused on delivering next-generation autonomous systems and immersive training solutions for defense and government customers. This role demands deep expertise in applied machine learning, with a direct hand in prototyping and fielding AI-driven capabilities that address real operational requirements. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of translating complex ML concepts into working systems within the constraints of defense hardware, software, and security environments. If you are motivated by mission-critical impact and the challenge of building at the edge of what is possible, we want to hear from you! This position is located in Dahlgren, VA.
SCCI offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability benefits, 401k with Company Match, time off consisting of 2 weeks of paid vacation, 48 hours of sick/personal leave, and 11 paid Holidays.
Responsibilities:
  • Proactively identifies emerging DoD capability gaps and operational needs, developing AI/ML prototype concepts in advance of formal government solicitations to position SCCI for OTA responses, SBIR/STTR opportunities, and DoD challenge competitions
  • Drives the R&D technical vision for AI/ML capabilities, with a current focus on computer vision, edge-based inference, and autonomous swarm control while continuously scanning the threat and technology landscape to anticipate the next competitive frontier
  • Translates operational military requirements into prototype AI/ML solutions that are demonstrable, defensible, and transition-ready for program of record or follow-on acquisition
  • Collaborates with Program Manager to document technical project objectives, effort estimates, and milestone schedules for AI/ML R&D efforts and tracking execution against plan
  • Designs, develops, and iterates AI/ML prototype solutions with emphasis on computer vision applications for edge-deployed systems
  • Develops and optimizes models for deployment on resource-constrained edge hardware, balancing inference performance, power envelope, and operational reliability
  • Integrates AI/ML capabilities into simulation and training environments to produce adaptive, hyper-realistic training scenarios that respond dynamically to trainee behavior and mission context
  • Maintains a working prototype pipeline that enables rapid demonstration to government customers, OTA consortia, and DoD evaluators with minimal lead time
  • Identifies and escalates technical risks early, proposes mitigation approaches, and adjusts development priorities to keep prototype efforts on schedule and within resource constraints
  • Mentors and technically guides junior and mid-level developers in applied AI/ML concepts, development practices, and defense problem framing - building internal depth in a skill area where bench strength is currently limited
  • Establishes repeatable development patterns, coding standards, and documentation practices that enable the broader team to contribute meaningfully to AI/ML prototype efforts over time
  • Actively monitors competitor capabilities, government R&D investment trends, and emerging academic and commercial AI/ML advances to ensure SCCI maintains a differentiated and defensible position in the autonomous systems and simulation training marketspace
  • Contributes technical concepts for white papers, capability briefs, technical volumes, and proposal content that articulate SCCI's AI/ML vision and prototype achievements to government customers and industry partners

Essential Skills and Experience:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and have an active Secret Security Clearance
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related technical field required
  • Five (5) - Seven (7) years of hands-on applied AI/ML development with a portfolio of prototype or fielded systems demonstrating end-to-end ownership from concept through demonstration
  • Demonstrated expertise in computer vision development and deployment, including object detection, tracking, classification, and scene understanding in operationally relevant contexts
  • Proven experience deploying AI/ML models to edge hardware under real-world constraints of limited compute, power, bandwidth, and connectivity with demonstrated optimization techniques (quantization, pruning, distillation, or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated experience developing AI/ML solutions that implement human-machine teaming principles reducing operator cognitive load in high-tempo, data-rich operational environments through intelligent automation, prioritized cueing, and adaptive interface behavior and maintaining human-on-the-loop or human-in-the-loop control consistent with DoD AI ethics and autonomy policy
  • Demonstrated track record of delivering working prototypes on compressed timelines without detailed requirements, translating ambiguous operational problems into functional, demonstrable AI/ML solutions
  • Demonstrated ability to own a technical effort completely from planning, execution, risk management, through delivery with minimal oversight
  • Demonstrated experience defining technical project objectives, estimating work effort and milestone schedules while holding themselves and their team accountable to delivery without external management pressure
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring and technically leveling up junior and mid-level developers in applied AI/ML, producing measurable growth in team capability over time
  • Proven ability to establish development standards, reusable patterns, and documentation practices that extend their own impact across a small team
  • Experience working within DoD, defense contractor, or government R&D environments with familiarity of military operational contexts, acquisition frameworks, and transition pathways
  • Demonstrated experience presenting prototype capabilities and technical concepts to government customers, OTA consortia, program offices, or at defense industry events
  • Proficiency with Atlassian suite, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office tools for project tracking, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration
  • Demonstrated use of AI-assisted development tools to accelerate R&D workflows and prototype velocity
  • Demonstrated experience identifying, evaluating, and recommending compute and hardware infrastructure for AI/ML development and testing environments, including edge devices, GPUs, and supporting lab equipment

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Active Top Secret Security Clearance

SCCI is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to meet the needs of Employees and their families. EOE of Veterans and Disabilities.

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