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Startup Software Developer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Etactics

Software Developer - K2 Grc

Hudson, WI · On-site

About K2 GRC, a fast paced, fast growing Cyber SaaS startup delivering a modern Governance, Risk ... As a Software Developer with K2-GRC, you will operate within a fast paced agile development team ...

New

Compound Planning

Staff Software Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site +1

$120K - $200K/yr

As a Staff Software Engineer , you will play a crucial role in delivering a best-in-class ... Demonstrated high degree of ownership and a startup mindset. * Strong communication and ...

Allen Control Systems

WI · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun ...

Crane Venture Partners

WI · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Lead Software Engineer Reports to: Director of Engineering Department: Engineering About the role ... Founded in 2018, we are a well-funded deep tech startup with proven technology and a clear path to ...

Saronic Technologies Inc.

WI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We are seeking a Senior Systems Software Engineer to design, implement, and optimize software ... Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced startup environment

Crane Venture Partners

WI · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

... of this deep tech startup. The technology is already a couple of years in the making, its ... As a Senior Software Engineer at PQShield, you will be designing and developing secure solutions ...

Denari

Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

We're a well-funded startup with 9 employees and a sister company to Lucida, with shared ownership ... Full-Stack Engineer (Denari) Location: Madison, WI (Hybrid) Employment Type: Full-time About Denari ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsStartup Software Developer JobsStartup Software Developer Jobs in Wisconsin

Startup Software Developer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$48.4K

$112.9K

$167.6K

How much do startup software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for startup software developer in Wisconsin is $112,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,800.00 and $131,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a startup software developer do?

A Startup Software Developer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications in a fast-paced startup environment. Their work often involves working closely with founders and small teams to build products from the ground up, rapidly iterating based on user feedback. They may handle a variety of tasks beyond coding, such as participating in product discussions, troubleshooting issues, and sometimes even contributing to deployment and infrastructure decisions. Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new technologies are crucial in this role. The job often requires balancing speed with quality while adapting to the evolving needs of the startup.

What are some unique challenges faced by software developers working at startups compared to larger companies?

Startup software developers often encounter a fast-paced and dynamic work environment where priorities can shift rapidly as the business evolves. Unlike larger companies with well-defined processes and teams, startup developers may need to wear multiple hats, handle a broader range of tasks, and take full ownership of projects from ideation to deployment. This can be both challenging and rewarding, as it requires adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with a small, cross-functional team. The learning curve can be steep, but it offers excellent opportunities for growth and making a visible impact.

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

To thrive as a Startup Software Developer, you need strong programming skills, experience with full-stack development, and a solid understanding of software engineering principles, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with agile project management tools, version control systems like Git, and modern frameworks such as React or Node.js is highly valued. Adaptability, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for navigating rapidly changing requirements and collaborating in small, dynamic teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering innovative solutions quickly and driving success in the fast-paced startup environment.

What is the difference between Startup Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectStartup Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in CS or related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's or higher in CS or related field
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, dynamic startup settingVaries from corporate to tech firms, often structured
Industry UsageCommon in startups and small tech companiesWidespread across industries and company sizes
Job FocusBuilding new products, rapid development, versatile rolesDesigning, developing, testing software systems

Startup Software Developers and Software Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work in tech environments, but Startup Software Developers often work in fast-paced, flexible roles focused on building new products in startup settings. Software Engineers may work in more structured environments with broader industry applications.

Do startup software developer jobs pay well?

Startup software developer jobs can offer competitive salaries, especially for those with strong coding skills and experience in popular programming languages. Compensation varies based on the company's funding stage, location, and the developer's expertise, with some startups offering equity or stock options as part of the package.

What are the most commonly searched types of Startup Software Developer jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Startup Software Developer jobs in Wisconsin are:

Startup Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Startup Software Developer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,891 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Software Developer - K2 Grc

Etactics

Hudson, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About K2 GRC, a fast paced, fast growing Cyber SaaS startup delivering a modern Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) platform with integrated training automation and AI to the marketplace. We serve organizations looking to improve this Cyber, Risk management and IT compliance; better navigate CMMC, HIPAA, SOC 2, NIST, and other regulatory requirements, and consolidate tools. After three years of strong product development and early customer adoption, we are expanding our product development team.

As a Software Developer with K2-GRC, you will operate within a fast paced agile development team, designing, building, and scale compliance, security, and governance services used by enterprise organizations and healthcare providers. You will be part of a weekly sprint cadence, take ownership of front-end and back-end development, support design sessions and take on a rotating technical support role, within a dynamic team environment.


What we’re looking for: 

  • Results-oriented, looking to build technology with high-stakes, real-world impact.

  • Deeply curious about cybersecurity, compliance automation, and enterprise software architecture.

  • Proactive problem-solvers who thrive in dynamic environments and can confidently navigate technical ambiguity.

  • Excellent communicators who value collaborative engineering and clear documentation.

  • Committed to writing secure, clean, and highly maintainable code.

  • Professional education & experience BS degree and at least (2) two years of critical application development, proficiency in one or more major programming languages (e.g., JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, C#, Java).

  • Strong proficiency in web development, user experience/application workflow,  API design, and database management (SQL/NoSQL), AI skills development.

  • Familiarity with secure coding practices, cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure), or DevSecOps pipelines.

  • Prior experience in deadline estimating, healthcare tech, fintech, or GRC software is a strong plus, but not required.

  • Exceptional eye for detail, the users experience, system simplicity, reliability, and overall software quality.

What You’ll Do:

  • Design and deliver core internal and customer-facing GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) tools.

  • Lead the development of automated security, audit, and compliance systems.

  • Architect and optimize APIs, databases, and platform services that power complex regulatory workflows.

  • Own the lifecycle of compliance-related features, including testing, validation, and comprehensive documentation.

  • Drive technical design discussions and maintain high code quality through rigorous code reviews.

  • Enhance platform reliability, data traceability, and advanced reporting capabilities.

What You’ll Master & Drive:

  • The architecture and scaling of highly secure, regulated enterprise platforms.

  • Deep programmatic alignment with major compliance frameworks like SOC 2, CMMC, HIPAA, and HITRUST.

  • Cross-functional collaboration across development, DevSecOps, and governance teams.

  • The engineering of systems that prioritize absolute data accuracy, auditability, and trust.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive base salary

  • PTO + paid holidays

  • Health, dental, and vision options

  • 401(k) with company match

  • Opportunity to help shape a high-growth company in its next phase

Apply