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Startup Backend Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

These include frontend and backend engineers, AI research scientists, and others from Amazon ... Fast-moving startup environment where your wins have outsized impact The United States Salary range ...

Principal Platform Engineer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $300K/yr

This role requires technical versatility across the stack, from backend services to infrastructure ... Thrives in a high-trust/startup, adaptable team environment * Experience with CI/CD pipelines and ...

Go-to-Market - Reston, VA, USA

Reston, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

These include frontend and backend engineers, AI research scientists, and others from Amazon ... Fast-moving startup environment where your wins have outsized impact The United States Salary range ...

Go-to-Market - Reston, VA, USA

Reston, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

These include frontend and backend engineers, AI research scientists, and others from Amazon ... Fast-moving startup environment where your wins have outsized impact The United States Salary range ...

... paced startup environment. • Ability to solve ambiguous problems without the need to be told ... backend, infrastructure). • You communicate with clarity and conviction--with your team, with ...

... paced startup environment. • Ability to solve ambiguous problems without the need to be told ... backend, infrastructure). • You communicate with clarity and conviction--with your team, with ...

Showing results 41-60

Startup Backend Engineer information

What are some common challenges faced by backend engineers in a startup environment?

Backend engineers in startups often face the challenge of balancing rapid feature development with maintaining system stability and scalability. Due to limited resources and fast-changing priorities, you may need to wear multiple hats, such as managing infrastructure, addressing technical debt, and ensuring security. Collaboration is typically close-knit, requiring frequent communication with frontend developers, product managers, and sometimes even customers. Adapting quickly to new technologies and evolving project requirements is key to thriving in this dynamic setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a startup backend engineer?

To thrive as a Startup Backend Engineer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in Python, Node.js, or Java), a solid grasp of databases, and experience with scalable system design—often backed by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with cloud platforms (like AWS or GCP), containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines is typically required. Adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for navigating the fast-paced, dynamic startup environment. These abilities are vital for rapidly building robust, scalable solutions that can evolve with the company's growth.

What does a startup backend engineer do?

A Startup Backend Engineer is responsible for building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power a startup's applications. They work closely with frontend developers and product teams to ensure the application is scalable, secure, and performs well. In a startup environment, backend engineers often handle a wide range of tasks, including designing system architecture, optimizing application performance, and quickly deploying new features. Their versatile skill set enables them to adapt as the company grows and technology needs change.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Startup Backend Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Startup Backend Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Startup Backend Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Go-to-Market - Norfolk, VA, USA

Speechify

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Mission

The mission of Speechify is to make sure that reading is never a barrier to learning. Over 50 million people use Speechify's text-to-speech products to turn whatever they're reading - PDFs, books, Google Docs, news articles, websites - into audio, so they can read faster, read more, and remember more. Google recently named Speechify the Chrome Extension of the Year and Apple named Speechify its 2025 Design Award winner for Inclusivity.

Today, nearly 200 people around the globe work on Speechify in a 100% distributed setting. These include frontend and backend engineers, AI research scientists, and others from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, leading PhD programs like Stanford, high growth startups like Stripe, Vercel, Bolt, and many founders of their own companies.

About SIMBA Voice Agents by Speechify
 
SIMBA lets companies deploy natural, human-sounding AI voice agents in 71+ languages with sub-second latency. We don't just hand customers a product and wish them luck - every customer gets a Forward Deployed Engineer who builds their agents, joins their Slack, and iterates with them weekly. We're building the future of voice AI, and we're looking for someone who can sell that vision and help bring it to life
About the Role

As an Account Executive / Go-to-Market, you're equal parts dealmaker and builder. You'll own the full sales cycle for new customers - from first call to close - while also getting hands-on during technical evaluations, demos, and early deployment. You understand that selling voice AI isn't just about pitching features; it's about showing prospects exactly how SIMBA fits into their world and making that first integration feel effortless.

This is a rare role for someone who can command a boardroom and open a terminal.

What You'll Do

  • Own the full sales cycle from prospecting through close for mid-market and enterprise accounts
  • Run technically deep discovery calls to understand customer use cases, tech stack, and integration requirements
  • Build and demo custom voice agent prototypes during the sales process to accelerate buy-in
  • Partner with Forward Deployed Engineers to ensure a seamless handoff from sale to onboarding
  • Develop GTM playbooks, messaging, and outbound strategies to help SIMBA break into new verticals
  • Represent customer needs internally, influencing product roadmap and packaging decisions
  • Maintain a clean pipeline in CRM and accurately forecast revenue
What We're Looking For
  • Ideally 3-8 years of experience in a sales, account executive, or GTM role at a technical B2B company
  • Track record of closing deals with both technical buyers (CTOs, engineers) and business stakeholders
  • Comfortable getting hands-on with APIs and no-code/low-code tools to build compelling demos
  • Strong understanding of the AI/ML or voice technology landscape - you follow this space closely
  • Exceptional communicator who can simplify complex technical concepts without losing their depth
  • Highly self-directed with strong pipeline discipline and a bias toward action
Nice to Have
  • Experience selling AI, voice, or conversational technology
  • Familiarity with telephony infrastructure, contact centers, or customer experience platforms
  • Prior experience in a forward deployment or solutions engineering capacity
  • Multilingual or experience selling into international markets
Why Speechify SIMBA
  • Sell a product that genuinely impresses prospects - sub-second latency and 71+ languages speaks for itself
  • High ownership role with direct input on GTM strategy and positioning
  • Work alongside a team that stays embedded with customers, so you're never selling something that doesn't deliver
  • Competitive base + commission, equity, and benefits
  • Fast-moving startup environment where your wins have outsized impact

The United States Salary range for this role is - $105,000-$140,000 base salary. On-target earnings of $150,000-$200,000.  

Think you're a good fit for this job? 

Tell us more about yourself and why you're interested in the role when you apply.
And don't forget to include links to your portfolio and LinkedIn.

Not looking but know someone who would make a great fit? 

Refer them! 

Speechify is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. 

Speechify does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.