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Software Startup Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

You must value a 'startup-like' culture on a small but mighty team that unlocks rapid iteration ... Mentor a team of software engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ...

Embedded Software Engineer

VA

$130K - $171K/yr

... startup behavior, communication failures, timing issues, memory, and interaction between firmware and hardware. Cross Functional & Customer Support • Resolve software-related user complaints and ...

Staff Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $173K/yr

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never ... Software Design & Development: Lead the design and development of robust, scalable, and high ...

Staff Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $173K/yr

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never ... Software Design & Development: Lead the design and development of robust, scalable, and high ...

Apply Early

Software Systems Engineer III

Rockville, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Software Systems Engineer III Who We're Looking For Quantum Space is redefining mobility and ... Experience in fast-paced aerospace, defense, or startup environments * Systems engineering ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The $260B annual GNSS Hardware, Software and Data Services market is ripe for disruption and ... Thrive in a startup environment * Positive, team-first communicator * Willing to roll up sleeves ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The $260B annual GNSS Hardware, Software and Data Services market is ripe for disruption and ... Thrive in a startup environment * Positive, team-first communicator * Willing to roll up sleeves ...

Apply Early

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The $260B annual GNSS Hardware, Software and Data Services market is ripe for disruption and ... Thrive in a startup environment * Positive, team-first communicator * Willing to roll up sleeves ...

Software Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$130K - $175K/yr

Experience working in a startup environment * Passionate about the software engineering craft * Ability to adopt, create and iterate on changing procedures * Knowledge of DevSecOps tools and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Startup information

See Washington salary details

$54.4K

$126.7K

$188K

How much do software startup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for software startup in Washington is $126,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $147,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those working at large tech companies or in specialized fields like machine learning or cloud infrastructure, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership responsibilities or equity compensation.

What is the difference between Software Startup vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware StartupSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field; coding skillsSame as startup; often a degree and coding proficiency
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, innovative, often small teamsVaries; can be in startups, corporate, or agency settings
Employer & Industry UsageStartups in tech industry, entrepreneurial settingsBroad; tech, finance, healthcare, and more
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding startup roles vs traditional coding jobsClarifying job scope and environment

Software startups are dynamic, innovative environments focused on rapid growth and product development, often requiring versatile coding skills. Software developers work across various industries and settings, including startups, corporate firms, and agencies. While both roles demand similar technical credentials, startups emphasize adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, whereas traditional developer roles may focus more on specialized tasks within established companies.

Is it hard to get hired at a startup?

Getting hired at a startup can be competitive due to limited positions and high demand, but they often value skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Candidates with relevant technical expertise, such as coding or product development, and a strong cultural fit tend to have better chances. The hiring process may be faster and less formal than at larger companies.

What is a software startup?

A software startup is a newly established company that focuses on developing and bringing innovative software products or services to market. These companies typically operate in fast-paced environments and aim to solve specific problems through technology. Software startups often seek rapid growth by leveraging scalable software solutions and may attract funding from investors to fuel their expansion. They are known for their agility, experimental approaches, and potential for significant impact in the technology industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a software startup, and why are they important?

To thrive in a software startup, you need a strong background in software development, problem-solving, and adaptability, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, JavaScript, or Java), agile development tools, and cloud platforms is typically required. Initiative, flexibility, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are standout soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation, responding quickly to changing demands, and ensuring the startup's growth and success.

What hot tech job pays $775,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or high-frequency trading, can earn total compensation around $775,000 or more in top tech companies. These roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of their compensation packages.

What are some common challenges faced by team members working at a software startup, and how can they effectively navigate them?

Team members at software startups often encounter fast-paced change, shifting priorities, and resource constraints. Adapting quickly, communicating openly with colleagues, and being comfortable with ambiguity are essential for success. It's important to proactively seek feedback, embrace a collaborative mindset, and be open to learning new skills as the company evolves. Building strong relationships across teams and taking initiative can help you thrive and contribute meaningfully to the startup's growth.

What are the job titles in tech startups?

Common job titles in tech startups include Software Engineer, Product Manager, UX/UI Designer, Data Scientist, Marketing Manager, Sales Representative, and Customer Support Specialist. These roles often require versatile skills, and titles can vary depending on the company's size and focus, with many roles overlapping or evolving rapidly.
What are popular job titles related to Software Startup jobs in Washington? For Software Startup jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Software Startup jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Software Startup job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Startup job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,675 per year, or $60.9 per hour.
Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer

HHAeXchange

Washington, DC

$165K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

HHAeXchange is the leading technology platform for home and community-based care. Founded in 2008, HHAeXchange was born out of an idea to create an end-to-end homecare solution to help people who are aging or have disabilities thrive in their homes and communities. Our employees are passionate about transforming the healthcare space by building the only homecare ecosystem that fully connects patients, caregivers, home care provider agencies, and payers.  

We're seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to drive the technology vision and development of our next-generation home care agency and caregiver platform. This role is a great fit for someone who wants to make a difference for tens of thousands of caregivers and families, working alongside a passionate and focused team. You'll work across the full stack - from intuitive frontends to scalable backend services - diving into technologies like Go, PostgreSQL, Redis, SQS, Kubernetes, and GenAI tooling. You must value a 'startup-like' culture on a small but mighty team that unlocks rapid iteration cycles through a quick but thoughtful decision-making process.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Job Duties
  • Lead the technology vision and development of core components of Pavillio, our next-generation home care agency management and caregiver platform
  • Independently drive design and development of new features and services across our frontend (Angular) and backend (Go) stack, support robust, scalable functionality
  • Optimize system performance, identifying and remediating bottlenecks
  • Promote a culture of experimentation and innovation by encouraging the exploration of new technologies, tools, and methodologies that can improve the platform for our users
  • Mentor a team of software engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence
  • Help determine priorities, options, and tradeoffs across key decisions and approaches
  • Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to understand software requirements and define goals
  • Conduct code reviews, providing feedback to improve team efficiency and maintain quality coding standards
  • Write and maintain unit and integration tests to ensure consistent software quality
  • Enhance and maintain the CI/CD pipeline to automate builds and streamline deployments
  • Monitor and optimize both front-end and back-end performance to ensure efficiency and scalability
This Role Is a Good Fit for You If
  • You enjoy tackling and solving complex problems
  • You're intellectually curious, a life-long learner who is willing to explore and discover new knowledge domains across frontend, backend, architecture, cloud, and DevOps to help drive optimal platform development decisions
  • You feel passionate about making healthcare better for people
  • You love being in the code, and may also see yourself growing as a leader and building out a team over time
  • You have an 'ownership' mentality and take pride in your work
  • You're comfortable with ambiguity and being part of a dynamic team that learns and improves every day
  • You're seeking a 'startup-like' environment at a more established company
Other Job Duties
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor or HHAeXchange leader.
Travel Requirements
  • Travel 5-10%, including overnight travel, domestic & abroad (US and other delivery locations)
Required Education, Experience, Certifications and Skills
  • 8+ years of experience in software engineering roles building on modern architectures and frameworks
  • Deep experience in backend-development, specifically technologies such as GO, PostgreSQL, Redis, SQS, leading observability tools
  • Depth in with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and tools
  • Significant experience architecting, building and delivering complex, high-performance SaaS solutions deployed in cloud environments (AWS or similar) using microservices and serverless architectures
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Flexible, team player
  • Ability to organize and plan work independently
  • Willingness to explore and adopt AI tools responsibly to enhance productivity and innovation in your role
 
 
The base salary range for this US-based, full-time, and exempt position is $165,000-175,000/yr, not including variable compensation. An employee's exact starting salary will be based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, merit, location, and the ability to exemplify the HHAeXchange core values.
 
This is a benefits-eligible position. HHAeXchange offers competitive health plans, paid time-off, company paid holidays, 401K retirement program with a Company elected match, including other company sponsored programs.
 
HHAeXchange is an equal-opportunity employer. The Company offers employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, hairstyles, or any other status protected by local or federal law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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