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Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mission (Data) Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

We are a fast-moving, high-performance startup. We value a diverse team and believe inclusion ... We are looking for a skilled Data/Software Engineer with a focus on full-stack engineering, data ...

Staff Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

$185K - $220K/yr

You will report to our Off Vehicle Manager, Software Engineering, and operate in a team-based ... Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup * Competitive medical, dental, and vision ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Engineer Startup information

See Virginia salary details

$63K

$146.3K

$203.7K

How much do software engineer startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer startup 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the software engineer startup position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer in a startup environment, you need solid programming skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with agile methodologies, cloud platforms, version control (like Git), and rapid prototyping tools is highly valued, and startup engineers may also benefit from exposure to full-stack development. Adaptability, effective communication, and the ability to work independently in uncertain environments are standout soft skills. These competencies enable engineers to rapidly iterate on products, effectively collaborate across small teams, and contribute to the dynamic demands of a growing company.

What is a software engineer startup?

A Software Engineer Startup job involves developing, testing, and maintaining software in a fast-paced, early-stage company. Engineers in startups often wear multiple hats, working on both backend and frontend development, infrastructure, and sometimes even product decisions. The role requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with limited resources. Unlike larger companies, startup engineers may need to prototype quickly, iterate based on user feedback, and contribute to the overall growth strategy. This position is ideal for those who enjoy dynamic environments and taking ownership of projects.

What can I expect from the daily work environment as a software engineer at a startup?

Working as a Software Engineer at a startup typically means you'll be part of a small, agile team where roles and responsibilities can shift quickly based on company needs. You'll often participate in daily stand-ups, collaborate closely with founders or product leads, and have the opportunity to contribute ideas beyond your core coding tasks. The pace is usually fast, and you'll likely wear multiple hats, working on everything from prototyping new features to troubleshooting production issues. This hands-on, collaborative atmosphere provides excellent opportunities for skill growth, creative problem-solving, and making a visible impact on the company's direction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Software Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Software Engineer Startup jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Software Engineer Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Startup job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,258 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Founding Engineer / Forward Deployed / Herndon, VA (DC area)

Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC

Manassas Park, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

An early-stage AI company in Herndon, VA is hiring a Founding Forward Deployed Software Engineer for a full-time position. This is a hybrid opportunity requiring three days per week onsite. You'll work across backend engineering, cloud infrastructure, and customer deployments using Go, Python, Kubernetes, AWS, and PostgreSQL.
This role sits directly between the engineering team and the customers using the platform. Rather than simply handing requirements to another team, you'll work with customers to understand their technical environments and production challenges, then design and build the functionality needed to solve them. You'll remain a core product engineer while getting direct exposure to how sophisticated organizations are actually deploying AI in production. It's a great fit for an engineer who enjoys ambiguous problems, customer interaction, and owning solutions from the initial conversation through production.
Required Skills & Experience
  • 7+ years of software engineering experience
  • Strong backend development experience with Go and/or Python
  • Production experience with Kubernetes and AWS
  • Experience building and deploying distributed systems
  • Experience owning software from development through production
  • Strong communication and customer-facing skills
  • Ability to gather technical requirements and turn them into scalable software
  • Comfortable troubleshooting complex production environments
Desired Skills & Experience
  • Previous forward deployed or customer-facing engineering experience
  • Experience working in startup or fast-paced engineering environments
  • Experience with PostgreSQL
  • Background in infrastructure, platform engineering, or developer tooling
  • Experience with observability and production reliability
  • Exposure to AI/ML infrastructure or MLOps
What You Will Be Doing
Tech Breakdown
  • 35% Backend Software Engineering
  • 25% Kubernetes / Cloud Infrastructure
  • 20% Customer Integrations & Deployments
  • 10% Production Reliability
  • 10% Data / PostgreSQL

Daily Responsibilities
  • 60% Hands On
  • 30% Customer & Team Collaboration
  • 10% Technical Leadership
The Offer
  • Competitive base salary
  • Bonus eligible
  • Meaningful equity

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future.
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