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Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mission (Data) Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Front End Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

About Rune Rune Technologies builds mission-critical software for military logistics and ... WebSockets experience -- real-time, high-throughput UI * Has worked at a startup and built ...

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,258 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Senior Embedded Firmware/Flight Software Engineer

Psionic

Hampton, VA • On-site

$104K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Senior Embedded Firmware/Flight Software Engineer
Psionic, Inc. is a startup focused on lidar sensors for autonomous systems. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. We offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits package.
We would like to add a motivated, fast-paced Firmware/Software Development leader with a solid background in designing, developing and testing code for space flight and remote sensing. We value a diverse, hands-on background with integrated photonic circuits to complement our on-site team in Hampton, VA.
Job Description
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Senior Flight Software/Embedded Firmware Engineer to provide design and development support for our second generation lidar to support space and defense markets. The role will include lab demonstrations, field tests, prototypes, Engineering Development Units and the full range of space flight software (up to human-rated) to be supplied to potential customers for testing in their systems.
The work requires real time and offline algorithm adaptation and coding of complex algorithms, low level driver development and implementation, software and firmware design, integrated opto-electronic control and housekeeping management, inter-module communication protocol, high speed electronics and software testing and debugging, high reliability techniques, signal processing, and in-situ, full system testing of instrumentation systems and navigation algorithms. Ability to collaborate with Systems Engineering and hardware builds to define function allocation among software and hardware resources is a must. These systems will be used for detecting, recording, measuring, or controlling physical conditions, phenomena, and environments encountered in defense and aerospace development programs.
The successful candidate will also mentor junior engineers related to the study, development, and test of hardware, data system components, and associated equipment. As such, our applicant will oversee the day-to-day development activities of small design and development teams in support of the project manager's work plan.
Major Engineering Responsibilities
  • Software requirements definition
  • Design, develop, and test complex, high reliability micro-processor, micro-controller and FPGA based systems.
  • Deliver high quality design, documentation, and implementation that meet defined requirements as well as support products throughout the life cycle
  • Collaborate with team members across multiple engineering disciplines including Systems, Software, and Electrical/Firmware
  • Ability to architect, design, code, and test complex FPGAs is desired

Education and Qualifications
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check
  • Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering (Master's degree is a plus)
  • Seven plus years of overall digital design based electrical engineering experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge/experience with designing and developing systems using microprocessors (single and/or multi-core), microcontrollers, and FPGAs
  • Demonstrated experience with any of the standard high-speed topologies (1/10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), PCIe, Fiber Channel, Serial Rapid IO or similar)
  • Proficient with serial communications such as: UARTs, SPI, I2C and the like
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and problem-solving skills required
  • Ability to work alone or on a team setting
  • Experience with source control management tools
  • Fully skilled in MS programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio

Highly Desired Technical Skills:
  • Experience developing software code for flight systems using C, C+ and C++
  • Experience with Xilinx Ultrascale+ series of FPGAs
  • Demonstrated HDL coding experience with Microsemi, Xilinx and/or Intel (Altera) FPGAs using either Verilog or VHDL.
  • Familiarity with signal integrity tools
  • Exposure to MATLAB and Simulink
  • Image processing experience such as OpenCV, OpenCL or similar

Psionic, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to export-controlled technology or software source code and the position is subject to U.S. export control laws.
Psionic, Inc. is an affirmative action employer and is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.
Psionic, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and expressly prohibits any form of unlawful harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information or results of genetic testing, or service in the military.
This position requires access to export-controlled technology or software source code and is subject to U.S. Export Control Laws. This position requires eligibility to work in the United States and well as the ability to pass a pre-employment background check.